Benefits of Plant Diversity

Benefits of Plant Diversity
When planning landscaping for your yard, it is important to support plant diversity. While this might sound like a lot of work, it is really just as simple as supplying staples such as shelter, water, and food for the animals that live throughout your area.

Benefits of Plant Diversity

Loss of habitat is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in the world. Neighborhood and backyard habitats have become crucial to helping hold together a natural landscape. These areas have the potential to create much-needed wildlife and bird habitats. Here are some ways that you can create a yard that supports biodiversity.

Naturalization

A grassy lawn is an unnatural habitat. Consider creating a more natural area in your yard by adding different types of vegetation. Areas that are already shady are good places to start with this. Group flowers, shrubs, trees, etc in an area. This will attract birds, insects, and other animals to the area. If you are trying to attract certain types of animals to your yard, provide them with the water, food, and shelter needs they require.

Ponds

A pond can provide a habitat for many species including frogs, fish, and insects. Of course, mosquitoes are a concern, but introducing natural mosquito predators to your pond can help alleviate this issue. If you do not have the space for a pond, consider adding a birdbath or two. These will attract birds as well as chipmunks and pollinating insects.

Other Habitats

Planting perennials such as nut and fruit trees, berry bushes, and nectar-producing flowers can help provide natural shelters and a food supply for animals. Dead trees are important for insects, birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and other animals. If left standing they can add a unique area for your yard. Mulch, rock, logs, and compost piles are great for rabbits, snakes, salamanders, snakes, and mice to lay eggs and raise their young.

Native Species

When planning your yard with the goal of diversity, it is important to make sure that you are only planting species of plants that are native to your area. These native species create habitats for local wildlife. Additionally, these types of plants will require less chemicals, maintenance, and water than more exotic plants. The reason for this is because these plants are equipped to deal with the specific conditions of the environment in your area. Visiting a native plant society or a local arboretum is a great way to find out more about the plants that are native to your area.

Exotic Plants

Exotic plants should be removed as these types of plants can become quite invasive and will eventually take over the natural areas of the yard. Plants that are introduced to an area often require more care as they are not equipped to handle the seasons and weather of these non-native lands. While making sure that you have a mixture of plants and trees in your landscape is important, make sure that you are choosing those plants and trees that will thrive in your area and not take over and cause more damage than good.

SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado

Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us Today.

Benefits of Plant Diversity

Benefits of Plant Diversity
When planning landscaping for your yard, it is important to support plant diversity. While this might sound like a lot of work, it is really just as simple as supplying staples such as shelter, water, and food for the animals that live throughout your area.

Benefits of Plant Diversity

Loss of habitat is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in the world. Neighborhood and backyard habitats have become crucial to helping hold together a natural landscape. These areas have the potential to create much-needed wildlife and bird habitats. Here are some ways that you can create a yard that supports biodiversity.

Naturalization

A grassy lawn is an unnatural habitat. Consider creating a more natural area in your yard by adding different types of vegetation. Areas that are already shady are good places to start with this. Group flowers, shrubs, trees, etc in an area. This will attract birds, insects, and other animals to the area. If you are trying to attract certain types of animals to your yard, provide them with the water, food, and shelter needs they require.

Ponds

A pond can provide a habitat for many species including frogs, fish, and insects. Of course, mosquitoes are a concern, but introducing natural mosquito predators to your pond can help alleviate this issue. If you do not have the space for a pond, consider adding a birdbath or two. These will attract birds as well as chipmunks and pollinating insects.

Other Habitats

Planting perennials such as nut and fruit trees, berry bushes, and nectar-producing flowers can help provide natural shelters and a food supply for animals. Dead trees are important for insects, birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and other animals. If left standing they can add a unique area for your yard. Mulch, rock, logs, and compost piles are great for rabbits, snakes, salamanders, snakes, and mice to lay eggs and raise their young.

Native Species

When planning your yard with the goal of diversity, it is important to make sure that you are only planting species of plants that are native to your area. These native species create habitats for local wildlife. Additionally, these types of plants will require less chemicals, maintenance, and water than more exotic plants. The reason for this is because these plants are equipped to deal with the specific conditions of the environment in your area. Visiting a native plant society or a local arboretum is a great way to find out more about the plants that are native to your area.

Exotic Plants

Exotic plants should be removed as these types of plants can become quite invasive and will eventually take over the natural areas of the yard. Plants that are introduced to an area often require more care as they are not equipped to handle the seasons and weather of these non-native lands. While making sure that you have a mixture of plants and trees in your landscape is important, make sure that you are choosing those plants and trees that will thrive in your area and not take over and cause more damage than good.

SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado

Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us Today.