Natural Landscaping – Is It Right for You?

Natural landscapes are becoming more popular as landowners find that caring for a grass lawn is expensive and time consuming and may involve additions of dangerous chemicals. In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint generated by maintaining a lawn, many people have chosen to use more environmentally sound landscaping practices.

Going Natural

There is nothing quite so wonderful as soft green grass under your feet on a summer’s day or the spicy smell of fresh-cut grass floating through the air. Natural landscapes are not without their own charms. They can be designed as meadows, prairies, oak savannahs, woodlands or wetlands. Understanding each type and knowing your available resources will help you decide if a natural landscape is right for your yard.

An EPA report stated that “the combined costs of installation and maintenance of a natural landscape, over a ten year period, may be one fifth of the costs of a conventional landscape.” It has also been estimated that the average time spent on the general care of a lawn is over 150 hours per year*. The cost of fuel continues to go up and huge amounts of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides are required on a lawn to regulate growth and control pests, but with the establishment of a natural yard, soils have shown to improve in texture and microbial populations. Improved soil supports healthier plants that have no need for additional amendments and do not require weekly attention. This hands-off method of gardening encourages a diverse population. With a large community of native plant and animal species well into the hundreds, this collection brings its own new colors and wonderful creatures, a fair competition to any swath of grass and manicured flower bed.

Not My Yard

A natural landscape is not for everyone. The plants comprise a full range of species that are rugged and able to endure extreme conditions. Prairie plants, for example, survive lengthy periods of drought and fire. These plants have deep roots, reaching down more than 10 feet to find water and nutrients. Many are rough grasses or tall, wooly leafed perennials. This type of landscape would not be suitable for parties or gatherings and does not make a good play yard for children or pets. In addition, some villages and states have regulations that prohibit the establishment of native “weed” species.

Research and Discussion

Starting any major landscape project requires careful planning and a large initial outlay in time and money. Thoroughly research each type of natural landscape and couple that with a complete site evaluation. The evaluation is extremely important, as some types of natural landscaping cannot be sustained on certain types of soil or may require a specific level of moisture and sun. Also, talk with professional landscapers familiar with native plants for your area and access your local county extension or university ag department for additional information.

Considering the costs and the amount of time we spend annually to cultivate and sustain a grass lawn, a natural landscape, if right for you, offers a reasonable and attractive alternative to the weekly mowing ritual. Good research will help you choose the type of natural space that is best suited for your site. Whether a new installation or a renovation of your existing property, from woodland ground covers to tall bluestem prairie grass, the overall benefits and beauty of a natural landscape will far exceed a green grass lawn.

* Wood, D. (2006). “Green Green Grass“, En Route, June 2006.