The American lawn: neatly cut grass, emerald green in color, and park-like in appearance. It’s what Americans have come to expect, and it is perhaps the standard to which we measure the beauty of a yard. This is not surprising as we have a long tradition of lawn care that has roots, so to speak, in both American and European culture.

Beginning with the invention of the lawnmower in 19th Century England, and exacerbated by the view that nature is something to conquer and overcome, the traditional lawn has become an unfortunate example of how humans continue to alter the environment. As the majority of homeowners have come to realize, the battle with nature to create a “perfect” lawn is not an easy or inexpensive battle to win. Without even considering the ecological costs of traditional lawns, millions of dollars–and an endless number of hours–are spent each year in the U.S. to create and maintain artificial lawns. In our age of increasing demands on our limited resources, it is important that we strive to find a balance where both nature and humans can exist in harmony. Through the efficient and sustainable use of our resources such as forests, wetlands, and even our lawns, we can achieve a balance that is suitable to all life on earth.

Why create a natural yard?

Ecologically sensitive alternatives to the traditional yard are something that can be embraced not only by conservationists, but also by those who don’t have the time or money to keep a manicured lawn. Planting native shrubs, trees, grasses, and wildflowers in a yard provides habitat and wildlife viewing opportunities to the landowner, but also reduces the time and money spent on mowing, weeding, and fertilizers. Native species are often more disease resistant and require less water and fertilizers since they are well suited to the climate and the soil conditions. As an added bonus, a naturally landscaped yard changes with the seasons and provides beauty throughout the year.

Fertilizers, especially when used on lawns near water, increase the levels of phosphorus and lead to eutrophication of lakes. Additionally, native prairie grasses have been shown to be far more conducive to percolation than manicured lawns on which runoff is often produced during heavy rains.

The major use of pesticides in the United States is for lawn care. According to the EPA, pesticides have potential to cause birth defects, reproductive problems, nervous system damage, and cancers.

How do you get started?

1. Create a layout of the yard that includes both size and shape, available sunlight, and any structures or natural features.
2. Determine the type and quantity of yard activities that will be taking place.
3. Prepare a diagram that illustrates the desired location of trees, shrubs, and wildflower meadows. Be sure to minimize the amount of mowed area and plan to plant trees and shrubs in areas that are less frequently used.
4. Do research and create a list of plant species that are native to Michigan or even more specific to your locality.
5. Check with your county Conservation District and nurseries for availability of native species.
6. Choose the appropriate species for each planting location, based on soil conditions and light availability. Keep in mind that many native species that can tolerate a wide range of soils and light levels, but usually do better under optimal conditions.
7. Finalize the diagram to include the species and locations of plantings. Be creative.
8. Order your plants for planting in the Spring or Fall.
9. Kiss the lawnmower GOODBYE and say hello to nature.


Options to Consider

Native Grasses: These can be left tall and unmowed. Grasses provide great cover and food for a diversity of wildlife. Add some clover or other native legumes to provide a natural source of nitrogen to the soil.

Grass/Wildflower Mix: Create a low maintenance meadow with both native grasses and wildflowers. Look carefully at the contents of seed mixes as they can be a source of exotic invasive species. Consider occasionally mowing or burning this type of area to set back succession (Be sure to check with local authorities on any laws or ordinances that may prohibit burning).

Ground Covers: On ground that doesn’t get much traffic consider planting native ground covers such as vines or spreading plants. These will provide a uniform height and a creative contrast to the rest of the yard. This type of cover can be very low maintenance and provides more cover for wildlife than a manicured lawn.

Buffer Strips: Plant a buffer strip of vegetation along any body of water or wetland. This area can be as simple as unmowed native grass, or throw in some flowering trees and shrubs for extra color. In addition to the benefit of not having to use fertilizers or pesticides in this area, the strip will help slow runoff, reduce erosion, trap sediment, and provide habitat for animals that use the riparian zone between the edge of the wetland and the upland.

Practice Water Conservation: Rainwater from the roof can be used to water plants that may need a little extra. Also consider watering plants with other household water that does not need to be dumped down the drain. For example, old aquarium water is a nutritious treat for most plants.

Compost: Recycle organic material from your yard and kitchen. A composting bin turns material that might otherwise be thrown away into a natural, slow-release fertilizer that can be added to the soil.

Sources: Managing Michigan’s Wildlife: A landowner’s guide, MI DNR (www.dnr.state.mi.us)
The National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org)