How Native Plants Make Commercial Landscapes Eco-Friendly

Commercial property owners tend to have a few priorities for their landscapes and outdoor areas, and the concept of eco-friendliness is often high on this list. There are several ways to improve the sustainability and eco-friendliness of a commercial landscape, and the use of native plants in commercial landscaping is a great example.

At Wright Landscaping, we’re proud to offer expert commercial landscaping services to clients around Salt Lake City, Layton, Spanish Fork, Mapleton, Eagle Mountain, Salem and various other areas of Utah. Here are some top benefits and uses of native plants in commercial landscaping to ensure eco-friendliness for your landscape.

Native Plants Require Less Water and Maintenance

One of the chief factors that makes native plants ideal for eco-friendliness in commercial landscapes is their low water and maintenance requirements. As these plants are adapted to the local environment, they are naturally resilient to drought conditions and can thrive with minimal watering.

This not only helps conserve water but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance and resources, making them a cost-effective option for commercial landscaping. Rather than investing in expensive irrigation systems and constantly monitoring water usage, native plants can survive with natural rainfall and occasional watering during dry spells.

Moreover, native plants require minimal maintenance as they have evolved to grow in specific conditions without human intervention. This eliminates the need for frequent pruning, mowing, and trimming, which not only saves time but also reduces noise pollution from landscaping equipment.

Supporting Native Wildlife and Insects

Because they’re native to the area, native plants are a vital part of the ecosystem and provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects, creating a biodiverse habitat that supports pollination and natural pest control. This helps maintain balance in the ecosystem and promotes the survival of important species.

Additionally, native plants often have deep root systems that help prevent erosion and provide protection for small animals like rabbits or ground nesting birds.

Already Adapted to Local Soil and Climate

Unlike non-native plants, which often have to adjust to a new environment and may require more maintenance and care, native plants are already adapted to the local soil and climate. This means they are better equipped to handle extreme weather conditions, such as drought or heavy rain.

This also means that they are less likely to be affected by pests and diseases that may thrive in non-native plants. By choosing native plants for your garden, you can reduce the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, creating a healthier ecosystem for both humans and wildlife.

Reducing Fertilizer and Pesticide Need

Another benefit of using native plants in your garden is that they require less maintenance and care compared to non-native species. Native plants have evolved to thrive in their natural environment, so they are adapted to the soil and climate without the need for additional fertilizers or pesticides.

This not only saves you time and effort, but also reduces the use of harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil and water systems. And because this also prevents any chemicals from flowing downstream away from your landscape and into other parts of the community, you’re also making an overall impact on sustainability.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Native plants also play an essential role in preserving cultural heritage. Many indigenous communities around the world have relied on native plant species for centuries as a source of medicine, food, and materials for crafts. By incorporating native plants into our landscapes, we can help ensure the preservation of these important cultural traditions.

For instance, the use of sage in Native American ceremonies and rituals has been a long-standing tradition. By planting sage in our gardens, we can help support the preservation of this sacred plant and its cultural significance.

Promoting Biodiversity

Native plants are also vital in promoting biodiversity. As they have adapted to their specific environments over time, native plants provide a diverse range of habitats for various wildlife species. This diversity is critical for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and supports the survival of different animal and insect species.

Furthermore, by creating landscapes with a variety of native plant species, we are helping to restore damaged ecosystems. In areas where invasive species have taken over, reintroducing native plants can help restore balance and bring back sustainability.

As you can see, there are many benefits of using native plants for eco-friendliness within your commercial landscape. For more information, or to learn about any of our expert commercial landscaping services, contact our team at Wright Landscaping today!