Can native plants reduce landscaping costs?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Native plant landscaping delivers significant long-term savings in the long run as compared to traditional landscaping. Native plants eliminate multiple recurring expenses naturally through their adaptations. You save cash immediately to create even greater diversified savings over time. While a professional landscape designer can confirm from experience, in general, my clients report cumulatively saving thousands of dollars over five years while enjoying the aesthetic benefits of lovely gardens.
Water bills decrease by 90% once native plants develop deep roots. They access water stored underground that shallow-rooted plants cannot. In my California garden, I don't use any irrigation water after the initial two years of planting. My neighbors are paying more than $500 a year for watering their lawns. You now have that money to do something with.
Chemical Elimination
- No fertilizer purchases needed
- Zero pesticide applications required
- No soil amendment costs
- Natural nutrient cycling maintains fertility
Labor Reduction
- No weekly mowing contracts
- Minimal pruning requirements
- Infrequent weeding sessions
- Seasonal cleanup instead of constant care
Equipment Savings
- No lawn mower purchases
- Eliminate leaf blower costs
- Zero sprinkler system maintenance
- No aerator or dethatcher expenses
With native landscapes, maintenance labor reduces by 75%. In other words, instead of scheduling weekly mowings, you're only pruning twice a year. My clients reclaim over 100 hours of their time that they previously spent maintaining their lawn. They also no longer need to contract professional maintenance companies. You're saving your clients both money and time.
Costs for equipment go away altogether. You don't have to use lawn mowers, trimmers, or blowers for a native garden. I saved about $2,000 after converting by selling what I now deemed excess equipment. Costs for fuel and repairs disappear, too. You gain your garage back for other uses.
Property values appreciate with sustainable native landscapes. Research and case studies show eco-friendly gardens add up to 15% to the final sale price of residential properties. In my listings, homes with native gardens frequently sell in shorter timelines for markedly higher sale prices. You are ultimately investing in both your immediate savings and long-term equity growth.
This planting season is an ideal time to start reducing your expenses by using native plants that are suited to your region. Choose plant species that are specially adapted to your soil and climate. Take some exacting steps now to ensure planting sites are prepared properly. Watch your landscape expenditures shrink and irrigation costs decrease while ecological benefits increase each successive year.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Benefits of Native Plants
