Native Plants vs. Lawns

Native perennials come back annually and can re-seed, becoming fuller each year

There are native trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses, annuals, and perennials, and more that can be found in each ecoregion

Low maintenance

• Use minimal water and do not need fertilizer because they are adapted to their native ecosystem

• Do not require the use of herbicides or pesticides to maintain

Increase biodiversity by providing habitat and food for native wildlife

Perform valuable ecosystem services like temperature regulation, flood mitigation, soil retention and more (Gómez-Baggethun & Barton, 2013) 

They are BEAUTIFUL!

A staple in the American urban landscape---they are found in private yards, roadsides, parks, athletic complexes, golf courses, and more

Monoculture decreases biodiversity---this is where one particular species grows and no others do

Costs Americans an average of about $1000 to $2400 a year to maintain (Allerson, 2025)

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are applied to keep lawns lush and green, but with environmental costs (Baker, 2009)