One example of a LID strategy, termed conservation landscaping, preserves native species and provides wildlife habitat while also improving water quality. In conservation landscaping, turfgrass is replaced with native vegetation, which captures runoff more efficiently than the traditional turfgrass. Conservation landscaping easily blends in with existing landscaping and is especially useful where soils are highly compacted and do not allow enough infiltration. Conservation landscaping offers many benefits to the environment which include:
- reduces the need for mowing, irrigation and fertilizer use
- improves water quality
- provides wildlife habitat
- preserves native plant species
Elements essential to conservation landscaping include:
- The landscaping is designed to function aesthetically and efficiently for human well-being, and it benefits the environment.
- It promotes healthy air quality while also minimizing air pollution.
- Locally native plants are used.
- Plant choices provide a habitat for wildlife.
- Healthy soil conditions are promoted.
- Water is conserved and cleaned.
- The landscape is managed so that waste is reduced, energy is conserved, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides is minimized or eliminated.
- A plan is in place to remove invasive plants and prevent future invasions of nonnative plants.