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Planned Natural Landscaping

Native plants benefit and support local birds and wildlife. Natural landscaping creates ideal conditions for hummingbirds, honeybees, and butterflies—all of which are extremely beneficial to our ecosystem and are currently in decline nationwide. There are many benefits to planned natural landscaping. Once established, native plants require little watering and upkeep and tend to resist insects. Homeowners can expect to save on costs associated with traditional lawns—watering, fertilizing, mowing, etc. Learn about how to incorporate native landscaping into your yard.

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Planned Natural Landscaping Benefits

REDUCES COST AND MAINTENANCE

Native plant landscapes are resilient and self-sufficient. Once established, native plant landscapes need little watering. As a result, these plantings can save up to 90% of the costs of conventional landscaping maintenance by requiring less labor, water, fertilizer, pesticides, and mowing. 

 

SUPPORTS WILDLIFE

Native plant landscapes provide habitats for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and birds.  

 

MANAGES STORMWATER

Native landscapes provide better water infiltration by preventing stormwater from entering the City’s combined water system. During heavy rains, stormwater enters the system and can combine with sanitary waste, which results in combined sewer water that can overflow downstream. This contaminates the water system, resulting in health risks to residents, infrastructure, and natural habitats. Green stormwater infrastructure provides better water infiltration to help prevent this. You can improve your stormwater management by integrating a planned natural landscape, such as a bioswale or rain garden, or installing a rain barrel.
 

In addition, consider what you use on your lawn. Herbicides and fertilizers, if used improperly, can enter waterways and contaminate our drinking water. Consider organic herbicides and pesticides, or compost instead of chemical fertilizers.

 

IMPROVES THE CITY ENVIRONMENT

Native landscapes benefit the City, particularly homeowners, by improving water quality, reducing pollution, and conserving water.

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Native Plants

Our residents and business owners recognize that abundant natural plant life is crucial to maintaining a healthy, beautiful, and balanced environment. Because of this, the City of Ferndale has embraced native natural landscaping.  

Mayor Melanie Piana aided this initiative with the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission, a volunteer-led City commission, in urging the City to amend the previous vegetation ordinance and introduce the idea of Planned Natural Landscaping.

 

This is a form of landscaping that is comprised of native vegetation found in Michigan.  

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES