Benefits of Protecting Native Trees and Shrubs
As you plan a new development or improvements on your land, consider these economic, water quality and aesthetic benefits of protecting native trees and shrubs:
- Saves money normally used on fertilizers and pesticide. Native plants are best adapted and don't require them.
Saves maintenance time. Less lawn = less mowing.
Reduces the risk of flooding.
Increases protection from wind and storm damage.
Increases energy efficiency by moderating the climate around buildings.
Enhances property values.
Reduces development costs of storm water retention, site preparation, and landscaping.
Promotes clean air.
Economic Benefits of Native Trees and Shrubs
Water Quality Benefits of Native Trees and Shrubs
Prevents erosion and adds more stability to shorelines. Root systems hold shoreline in place.
Prevents sedimentation of creeks and marshes. Root systems trap sediments in run-off from heavy rains.
Protects groundwater quality and helps maintain high water levels. Root systems take up nitrogen and phosphorous.
Saves water (up to one-third) used to maintain landscapes.
Aesthetic Benefits of Native Trees and Shrubs
Increases privacy.
Creates a noise buffer.
Enhances the visual and scenic character of your neighborhood, locality and the Commonwealth!
Set aside undisturbed areas as wildlife habitat when planning any significant changes on your properly.
Considering wildlife habitat during the planning phase of a construction or development project is the most effective means of maintaining habitat.
- Use native plants for landscaping.
On the Delmarva Peninsula plant natives with an especially high value to migratory birds. Native plants typically provide the best habitat and food for migrant birds and other wildlife. These plants are also best adapted to the local climate and easier to maintain.
- Connect habitats on your property with those on surrounding lands.
How habitats are connected has an influence on how animals move and how many may be supported within a local area. You can maximize your land's usefulness for birds by creating vegetated "corridors" between existing vegetation patches.
- Consider the distribution of habitats on surrounding lands when planning significant changes on your property.
Plan your lot so that "set asides" or landscape features adjoin those of your neighbor. This provides more cover for songbirds so that they can escape from predators.
