the plants you decide to use in your home's landscaping. Choose native plants and avoid invasive species for the following reasons.
1. Less Need for Watering
Native plants are made to grow in the type of soil and the weather conditions common in the area that they're from. This means that you will be
less likely to have to spend a lot of time watering them in the summer when the weather gets a bit warmer. The more localized the plant's origin is, the less care it's likely to need.
2. Less Need for Chemical Additives
If you don't want to worry about harming children or pets by using a lot of chemicals in your landscaped areas, native plants are the best option.
Because they developed over time to grow in your area, they're typically well suited to the soil type and also may have built-in defenses against
the pests that typically live in the area.
3. Less Overall Maintenance
If you choose the right native species, you won't need to do as much to maintain your landscaping. Look for plants with a long life span that are
tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Smaller plants that grow densely help limit the need for weeding, and plants that don't spread well on their own will stay where you want them to.
4. Better Habitat for Other Native Species
Butterflies, birds, animals, insects, and other creatures native to an area evolve to live in certain areas based on the native plants and animals that are around them. Native plants help these creatures by providing food and shelter. These animals will have a harder time surviving if everyone plants species that aren't native to the area.
5. Less Likely to Be Invasive
You don't want to spread invasive species, as a large number of species on the endangered species list are there at least in part due to invasive
plants. These plants limit diversity, compete with native species, increase erosion, and decrease the overall quality of the land. They spread wide and far once they become established.
6. More Help Limiting Erosion
Plant native species of plants that love moisture in rain gardens to help absorb rainwater and keep it from forming streams of runoff that might
otherwise cause erosion and interfere with your landscaping. These plants also help to improve the overall water quality, as otherwise, the runoff would collect contaminants as it traveled.
7. Less Likely to Be Eaten by Deer
Deer may be nice to look at, but many gardeners bemoan the fact that these animals eat a lot of different plants and can destroy gardens or
landscaped areas. Choosing the right native species can limit this problem. Opt for a lot of plants that have rough or spiny textures or that give off smells the deer don't like.
The More Local, the Better
For the best results using native plants in your landscaping, look for plants that are native to your local community. Those native to the state are
better than those that are just native to the U.S. in general. Stay away from those that are most invasive, including kudzu, purple loosestrife,
Japanese Barberry, English ivy, Norway maple, and Japanese honeysuckle.
If you would like help with your landscaping project, contact Affordable Services Inc. today. We can help you choose the right native plants, add
walkways, and even put in retaining walls or help with other hardscaping projects.