Reduced Costs of Landscape Installation and Maintenance
Natural landscapes do not require irrigation; they need no or infrequent mowing; lawn maintenance services are not needed. Lawn mowing equipment is a heavy air polluter and is noisy.
Climatological Benefits
Native plants store large amounts of carbon which would otherwise exist in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and contribute to global warming. Natural landscaping can provide shade and windbreaks to reduce costs of air conditioning and heating.
Habitat Restoration and Protection
Natural landscaping protects and restores habitats for wildlife. The introduction of native plants can enhance the populations of birds, insects, and animals which are essential components of healthy ecosystems.
Beautification
Natural landscaping can provide a diversity of color and texture throughout the year which significantly contributes to the beauty of sites and communities.
Conservation Education
Natural landscaping puts people in touch with nature. Municipalities, school districts, park districts, forest preserve and conservation districts, as well as private educational organizations, can use natural landscaping as an educational tool.
Wherever there is conventional lawn there is potential for small or large scale conversion to natural landscaping.
You can sponsor demonstration projects and award creative efforts.
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