When installing the Envirolok system there are many benefits to choosing native plants for vegetation. Not only are they good for the environment but they have extremely deep roots that grow through the Envirolok bags and lock into the parent material underneath. This gives the entire Envirolok system added strength and support.
Let’s dig into the top 10 reasons why native plants are a great option…
IMPROVED WATER RESOURCES: Native plants and their deep roots create opportunities for water to soak into the soil quickly and efficiently. This reduces stormwater run-off, flooding, and helps our soils and aquifers retain more moisture. Also, native vegetation filters harmful pollutants and contaminants from reaching our waterways, protecting our streams, rivers, and lakes.
WATER CONSERVATION: Native plants have remarkably deep roots. Some native species can grow roots up to 15 feet deep and are incredibly fibrous, providing added strength to the soil and increased water absorption. Since these roots are so deep, this allows the native vegetation to be more drought tolerant since they can easily access moist soil compared to other shallower rooting plants. The natural water cycle of your environment should provide sufficient water for your native plants, meaning you will not have to do excess watering once the plants are established.
NATURAL EROSION CONTROL: Native plants provide natural erosion control. Their fibrous roots help hold the soil in place, creating a binding matrix that protects topsoil from further erosion. However, if erosion has already begun, it can be hard to establish any native plants on their own. This is where the Envirolok system comes in. Envirolok will encapsulate the soil and provide a stable medium for the native vegetation to take root.
SUPPORTS LOCAL HABITAT: By planting native species you are creating more food, shelter, and space for pollinators, insects, birds, and critters. With increased urban expansion, we have greatly decreased the space for these creatures to live, reproduce and provide their ecological services. Pollinators and insects are vital to our survival and even by creating small pockets of native plants, we are providing them more opportunities to thrive. This means increase biodiversity and improved overall ecosystem health.
NO NEED FOR ADDED CHEMICALS: Native plants are already adapted to your climate, wildlife, and insect population. This means that there is rarely ever the need to use pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, etc. when it comes to native plants. This is a great bonus because it saves you money and means that we will be spraying less unnecessary chemicals into our environments.
LOW/NO MAINTENANCE: Unlike turf grass that needs to be mowed, weed-whacked, and watered, native vegetation is designed to be left alone. This means little to no maintenance is needed which saves time and money in the long run.
SUSTAINABLE: Native plants are excellent at absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. This increases our sustainability and provides opportunities to create carbon sinks in many unique places. By choosing native plants, which are great at sequestering carbon we achieve a lower carbon footprint which is incredibly valuable in the fight against climate change.
DECREASE POLLUTION: Native plants are very good at filtering the surrounding air and removing pollutants. This means that native plants help reduce air pollution and provide cleaner air for us to breathe. Since you do not need to mow or use heavy machinery to maintain their landscape, there are no fumes or fuel used, reducing pollution overall.
HEALTHY SOILS: Native plants are adapted to local soil pH, nutrient levels, soil moisture, and weather conditions so they require very little input to flourish. Through the lifecycle of a native landscape, organic matter increases, providing richer, healthier soils. That, in turn, supports healthier bacteria and fungi in the soil, which improves overall soil health.
BEAUTIFUL: Native plants are beautiful. From wildflowers to grasses they provide an aesthetically pleasing and unique beauty that changes with the seasons. Over time, watch various flowers bloom throughout the months and wildlife interact with your native habitat. These native landscapes create captivating and engaging landscapes that benefit the community and the planet.
When it comes down to it, native plants are a great solution. They provide the strength, aesthetics, and ecosystem services needed to solve your erosion control problems.
*Information for this blog article was collected from our sister company Agrecol-native seed and plant nursery, along with the USDA.*