The major plant communities of Minnesota include prairies, savannas, wetlands, woodlands, and urban landscapes. Ecosystems have plant species that have been thriving for thousands of years, which gives us the blueprint to design spectacular, low-maintenance landscapes for our own yards and communities. Elements of Minnesota’s plant communities can be incorporated into our urban landscapes, creating landscapes that are natural, aesthetically pleasing, lower-maintenance, and sustainable.
Benefits of Using Native Plants
- Are low maintenance
- An alternative to high maintenance lawns
- Increased biodiversity
- Require less water and no fertilizers
- Attract birds and wildlife
- Less insect and disease issues
- Less impact on the environment
Elements of Natural Landscaping
A segment of an oak woodland that had buckthorn removed and will be replanted with native understory shrubs and plants.
Understanding the elements of natural landscaping should be a major role in the design, installation and management our urban landscapes:
- Embrace plant diversity
- Install smaller plants & trees
- Use locally grown plants
- Maximize usage of on-site water
- Minimize chemical usage
- Minimize soil compaction
- The use of green roofs or green walls
- The use of on-site composting
- Re-use wood waste on site
- Minimize lawn and hardscape areas
Planting Native Landscapes
Wetland that will benefit from lakescaping to help with erosion, increase water quality, and to attract wildlife
Planting efforts can create new landscapes, add to existing plantings, or help restore old plantings. Adding natural elements to our urban landscapes can help us connect with nature. All of the following can be used to infuse nature;
- Butterfly gardens
- Rain gardens
- Natural privacy borders and hedges
- Lakescaping or shoreline plantings
- Natural hillside and erosion control
- Woodland restorations
Management Programs for plant communities of Minnesota:
WETLAND / WOODLAND / PRAIRIE / SAVANNA / URBAN
Restoration of Native Landscapes
Non-native, invasive plants have been posing a threat to many of our plant communities for many years. The most common of these plants include buckthorn, garlic mustard, and purple loosestrife. Not all non-native plants are bad, but many are damaging our native plant communities. These invasive plants out compete native species, decrease biodiversity, diminish fish and wildlife populations, and reduce economic yields of agricultural plants. Restoration many times begins with suppression or control of these invasive plants and may include any of these:- Control of invasive plants
- Compacted soil alleviation
- Soil amending
- Plant relocation
- Replanting of invaded woodlands, wetlands, or prairies
- Propagation & re-entry of native plants and seeds
Buckthorn berries still persistent going into fall.
Management of Natural Landscapes
Natural plantings are considered to be low maintenance. However, “low maintenance” does not mean “no maintenance”. Weeding is particularly important during the first 2-3 years after planting. Native plants can take several years before getting a stronghold on a site. Management of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and urban landscapes may include any of the following:- Tree & shrub pruning
- Tree & shrub removal
- Removal of invasive plants
- Insect & disease management
- Prescribed fertilization
- Soil testing & analysis
- Dutch elm disease management
- Oak wilt management
- Weeding
- Prescribed burning & mowing
- Mulching
A well maintained urban landscape consisting of elements of prairies, woodlands, and traditional urban sites.