![]() When the incorrect application of chemicals is combined with excessive irrigation, waterways get polluted, soil conditions deteriorate, and plants become weakened. The adverse effects worsen if the irrigation habits of nonprofessionals lead to excessive water consumption, which creates even more runoff. ![]() However, residential use of these products by the untrained community and untrained landscape maintenance workers can easily lead to excessive use and subsequent runoff into waterways. If done correctly with calibrated equipment, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer applications can have a very low environmental impact. Add to this the need to shape hedges, edge and mow lawns, and cultivate seasonal planter beds, and gas-powered equipment comes into play. Plus, ornamentals typically need to be on a fertilizer program. Managing pests (including weeds) and disease in ornamentals requires more labor and typically includes some form of herbicide or pesticide use. Ornamental plants require more water and are much more susceptible to insect damage and disease. What negative effects do invasive non-native plants have on the local environment? We have chosen these plants due to their durability, ease of establishment, varied textures, attractive blooms or seed heads, and the ability to complement our existing landscape areas. The natives we have had success with at Chico State are California fucshia, bearded penstemon, milkweed, salvia (including native hybrids), oaks, manzanita, redbuds, dogwoods, deer grass, pink muhly, Matilija poppy, California poppy, sedges, Oregon grape, ferns, along with numerous others. What are the best California natives to plant during a drought? Why these? Additionally, using native plants will significantly reduce irrigation requirements and fertilizer and pesticide use. Simply put, incorporating native plants into residential and commercial landscaping builds habitat for birds, pollinators, lizards, bugs, etc. How can using native plants in landscaping benefit California’s wider environment?
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