The City and Sustainability Commission finds it is in the public's interests to encourage diverse landscape treatments throughout the City, particularly those landscape elements that support the preservation, restoration, and management of native plant communities, healthy pollinator communities, and soil and water conservation. 

What are Planned Natural Landscapes?

Planned Natural Landscaping is a planned, intentional, and maintained area without any noxious weeds which may include, without limitation, trees, shrubs, and native plants, or vegetation associated with a rain garden.

Planned Natural Landscapes use gardening and landscaping practices that harmonize with nature; diversifying plantings, improving wildlife habitat, and reducing lawnmower noise, air and water pollution, and yard waste. Various "natural" landscapes, planned for beauty and ease of maintenance use mainly native plants. These landscapes include wildflower meadows, butterfly gardens, and woodland habitats that attract birds.

What are the City regulations on Lawns and Planned Natural Landscapes?

Highlights of this ordinance includes:

  • Defining planned natural landscape area means planned, intentional, and maintained planting area without any noxious weed, which may include, without limitation, trees, shrubs, and native plants, as defined in this section, or vegetation associated with a rain garden.
  • There will be no application or permit required.
  • Planned natural landscape shall not be located within or infringe upon any street terrace or right-of-way.
  • Planned natural landscape shall be a minimum of three (3) feet setback from any property line or right-of-way and will require a distinct defined border.
  • Planned natural landscapes shall not impede the vision triangle. A clear vision triangle provides vehicular traffic an unobstructed view of cross traffic at intersections. 

Native vs. Invasive Species

A native plant is a plant that is a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem. Invasive species are nonindigenous species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. 

What else can we do to help our lawns, pollinators, and environment?

If you typically mow your lawn every week (or more frequently), consider mowing every other week. Research has shown this to increase the number of individuals and species variety of pollinators. An added bonus of a less-is-more approach to lawn care is that more mowing can be associated with increased pests and allergy-causing plants like ragweed. So instead of splitting your precious free time between mowing and trips to the pharmacy to deal with seasonal allergies, perhaps this spring you can relax and enjoy a cold beverage while enjoying the buzzing and flittering critters in your yard.

Consider practicing grasscycling. 

Skip watering your lawn. EPA estimates that 30% of residential water usage is devoted to outdoor uses including watering lawns and gardens. Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of water used for irrigation is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems. When watering is needed, use a sprinkler that shoots low to the ground. Sprinkle your lawn, not sidewalks, driveways, or streets. Shape soil so water will sink in, rather than run off. 

Reduce or eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides. Besides being potentially harmful to our pollinators, chemicals and weed killers are not needed for a healthy lawn and they're one of the main reasons we have green algae in our lakes and streams. Get a soil test so you know if your lawn needs more nutrients. Mulch to keep the lawn healthy, so it can outcompete weeds for light, nutrients, and water. If you must fertilize, do it in the fall. Sweep up fertilizer that falls on the street and sidewalk and dispose of it properly - water and fertilizer that go into the street go directly to the river or lake.

Bee pollinator friendly and explore these other resources:

Identification Materials:

Fun Family Activities: