Native plant diversity in your landscape creates refuge for birds, pollinators, fish, and other beneficial wildlife. Maintaining a healthy landscape gives aesthetic and monetary benefits beyond wildlife to your neighbors, kids, pets, and most importantly you!
Who is Using My Lakeside Landscape?
Lawns and landscaping offer uses and benefits far beyond what is immediately obvious. When you are designing your landscape, make sure to consider who may use it, and how to maximize the benefits! The first group that might be using your landscape is wildlife. Birds, insects including endangered butterflies and bees, and other animals use native plantings in many ways. Birds benefit from a variety of native food sources much more than a bird feeder could offer. Insects use native plants for food, nesting, and hibernating. In addition to land-dwelling wildlife, aquatic wildlife also benefits from native landscaping. Fish use aquatic vegetation for spawning, feeding, and shelter. Woody debris left in the water and overhanging trees add more shelter for fish and other aquatic wildlife like turtles.
Beyond wildlife, a variety of people also benefit from native shorelines. Your neighbors and community members benefit from less pollutants entering lakes and streams. Those that use your lawn to play, such as children and pets, benefit from fewer chemical and nutrient applications. Keeping your lawn mowed at three inches or longer and using regular soil testing optimizes nutrient applications and results in less maintenance, as well as saving you money. Adding diverse plants reduces pest problems, but if a pest problem persists consider mechanical treatments before chemical ones. The bottom line is that a well-designed and maintained lawn and shoreline can add significant aesthetic value, save tax dollars, increase property values, and reduce maintenance costs and upkeep.
For questions about lake friendly landscaping, contact our office!
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