Plants are an integral part of any landscape, providing us with natural beauty, oxygen, food and habitats for local wildlife. The New England Wild Flower Society defines native plants as species that were growing in North America prior to European settlement, or regionally present for at least 500 years. Native plants vary by region, having evolved over centuries to local conditions such as temperature, soil types, light cycles and moisture levels. When native plants are incorporated into planned landscapes such as gardens, parks and new urban developments, they bestow many benefits.
Reduced Maintenance
Native plants have adapted to their environments; they are able to achieve optimal growth and withstand invasion from other local plant species. When using native plants in landscaping, you will reduce the need for fertilizers, pesticides and labor in propagating these plants, and see them thrive. With lower maintenance requirements, you will save money.
Less Pollution
In addition to the economic advantages of reducing landscape maintenance, native plants also reduce pollution. Indirectly, this benefit is seen as fewer fertilizers and pesticides are used. Both of these compounds can harm wildlife and contaminate local water sources through runoff from watering and rain. Native plants also reduce pollution directly, providing oxygen and reducing the amount of local carbon dioxide.
Restoring Habitats
Urbanization and the planting of so-called alien plant species have wreaked havoc on local environments. Urbanization destroys local plants and displaces wildlife. According to Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation, the introduction of alien plants has sometimes allowed them to invade and take over local landscapes, choking out other species and wiping out both food and shelter sources for animals. Adding a variety of native plants back into the environment can help restore ecological balance by controlling the growth of invasive alien plants. As well, the reintroduction of native plants helps to compensate for habitat destruction by providing familiar food and shelter to wildlife, which has itself evolved and adapted to the local environment.
Reduced Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is a natural process in which soil and rock particles are displaced by water, wind, animals and gravity in the case of down slopes. Urbanization and the practices of clear cutting natural environments has greatly increased soil erosion. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, many native plants have fine, dense and deep roots that hold well to soil, reducing erosion.
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