Notes from a Texas Master Naturalist about native plants and why they matter to wildlife.
Expecting the worst for your plants from this summer’s heat? If you have mostly native plants and trees, you are very likely to be okay with less water on the yard. If that seems counterintuitive, read on…
Plants that are “native” to a region means they are well adapted to the climate in their home turf. No matter how you feel about the “changing climate” topic, there’s no getting around the fact that we have experienced higher temperatures summer after summer in recent years. Looking again at the word “adapted,” consider that’s what native plants do – change as needed to survive in their environment. Just consider how forests are moving to adapt: as climate and weather conditions change, new growth reaches out into the area surrounding its existing realm to find the most acceptable space that matches its needs. Of course, that also means that the part of the forest in space that no longer fills its climatic needs will eventually die off. So around the globe, forests are moving: north, south, or in whatever direction the conditions are most favorable.
The same principle applies in your landscape. Perhaps some plants are sprouting or blooming earlier or later these days. Have you noticed that? Maybe a few have failed to sprout at all. Likely, the ones that seem to be adjusting their growth time are the native plants in your landscape. And as they adapt, your yard care may need to be tweaked.
If you still have a front yard covered in turfgrass, continue to avoid overwatering. It does no good for the long-term health of your grass…yes, really. But it might be a good time to consider shifting away from non-native turfgrass to more native planting areas in your yard. They can take the heat and need far less water than plants from other places. By taking a few additional steps, such as using fallen leaves as mulch around your plantings, you can give them a hand in adapting. Simple ways to hold soil moisture and prevent competitive weed growth add to the hardiness of natives.
Your Native Texas Landscape consultant is here to help. By keeping as much nature in your landscaped areas as possible, you’ll make the best choices for your soil, the climate, and your water bill while maintaining beautiful blooms that support native wildlife – our favorite birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects that help manage the pests and add another element of care for your plants.
Teri MacArthur has been a certified Texas Master Naturalist since 2001 and is an environmental educator offering a broad scope of adult and youth nature programs in the region.
