Why Choosing Native Plantings Is Preferred in the Lenexa, KS and Kansas City, MO Areas

When it comes to landscaping, the trend of native plantings continues to be persistent in the Lenexa, KS and Kansas City, MO areas and beyond. Native plants are known for being well-adapted to the climate, soil, and insects of their area. Planting native species provides a range of benefits that go beyond the aesthetic appeal of a beautiful garden or flower bed.

Climate Resilience

Native plantings can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change by increasing the resilience of the overall landscape. Some experts theorize that as climate change leads to more extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, native plantings can help to mitigate the effects by being better equipped than other types of plantings to absorb more water during heavy rainfalls and retain more moisture during droughts.

Cultural Heritage

Some native plant species have cultural significance to the people of a particular area. By incorporating these plants into your landscape design, you can help to honor and celebrate this history. Furthermore, native plantings can be used to create a sense of place and identity, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal and emotional connection to your backyard and the surrounding ecosphere.

Biodiversity

When you opt for native plantings, you’re helping to provide habitat and food for local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and bees. By planting a variety of local species, you can attract a diverse range of pollinators and beneficial insects that help to control pests and promote healthy plant growth. This, in turn, could create a balanced ecosystem that supports a range of wildlife species, right in your own backyard!

Soil Health

Native plantings can help to improve the overall soil health and prevent erosion on your property. They can have deep root systems that can penetrate and break up compacted soil, allowing water to infiltrate, which reduces runoff. Native plants also add organic matter to the soil as they decompose, which improves soil fertility over the years.

Pest Resistance

For the most part, native plants are naturally resistant to some of the pests and diseases that are prevalent in their local environment. Since native plants have co-evolved with local insects and microorganisms, they have developed natural defenses against these pests. By planting native species, you can reduce the need for pesticides throughout your entire backyard, which can in turn reduce harm to beneficial insects and pollinators. Additionally, using native plantings can reduce the risk of introducing non-native pests and diseases to the local ecosystem.

Water Conservation

Choosing local, native plants for your landscaping can play an important role in water conservation. These plants are adapted to local rainfall patterns and soil types, which means they are known for requiring less watering than non-native species. By choosing to plant native species in particular, you can reduce the need for excessive watering, particularly if you decide to include an irrigation system in your landscaping plans.