Alternative Landscaping

Alternative landscaping requires less maintenance and water use, and creates less yard waste.  It could also mean a beautiful yard that attracts birds and butterflies by providing shelter and natural food. 

The typical yard consists of grass, several trees, and a flower garden.  This type of landscape requires mowing, watering, and the application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to keep it looking its best. These cultural practices are costly and require a large time investment.  Try taking a more natural approach to yard care that will reduce your inputs as well as save you time and money. 

Here are some hints:

Lawn Care

  • Water Tips

    A healthy lawn needs about 1 inch of water a week - less if it has some shade and is established.  On a clay soil, one application of 1 inch of water a week is recommended. On a sandy soil, two applications of 1/2 inch of water a week are recommended.  Check the weather forecast.  See this Lawn Watering (pdf) publication for more information.  

  • Rain Barrels

    You may also consider use of a rain barrel. Again in vogue, a rain barrel collects water from a home's roof via downspout(s). This collection helps slow down rainfall runoff. The collected rain water can be used to water plants, your lawn, or even wash a car.  Since rain water does not contain the fluoride and chlorine levels of municipally supplied water and is un-softened, it is actually better for plants, especially indoor plants.  Check out the DNR's website at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/nps/rg/links.htm#barrels for more information on rain barrels.  The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) also has information on rain barrels (including purchasing), rain gardens, and disconnecting downspouts at http://www.mmsd.com/everydropcounts/.  Rain barrels can also be purchased from Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, Inc. (see http://www.kgmb.org/) or Southeast Wisconsin Master Gardener Marie McGinnis (e-mail mariefann@netzero.net ).

  • Grass Clippings

    Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings contain nutrients that are otherwise lost if not returned to the soil. Grasscycling can save you in fertilizer costs. The clippings will filter down where microorganisms quickly decompose them.  See the Grass Clippings page for more ideas on how to use your grass clippings. 

  • Ultra Low Maintenance Lawns

    If your lawn area is sunny, you can consider using one of the low maintenance lawn mixes available on the market.  They won't eliminate all maintenance, but should significantly reduce the amount of time you spend on maintenance while still giving you a green lawn to walk on and enjoy.  Start with just a part of your yard to see how it looks.  See (Ultra) Low Maintenance Lawns by the University of Minnesota Extension Service for more information.

  • Natural Landscaping

    See below for some ideas on how to make part of your yard native and sustainable.

Natural Landscaping

  • Limit your lawn area- If you have a big yard and don't spend time in most of it, consider planting an area of prairie grasses, native shrubs, or trees in the parts you don't use often.  This reduces the need for water and mowing.

  • Use native species of plants that thrive in Wisconsin's habitats. They don't need to be watered or treated with pesticides. 
  • Choose from a variety of native grasses, trees, shrubs, or vines to design a beautiful and functional yard.  Pick plants that provide food and shelter for a variety or wildlife.  Choose carefully to ensure continual bloom from spring through fall while providing food for birds and animals all seasons.   

More Alternative Landscaping Information:

Internet searches for "natural landscaping", "butterfly gardens", "rain gardens" etc. will provide a wealth of information to help you get started.  See the below links for a starting point.  

Happy Landscaping!

University of Wisconsin Extension InfoSource
Backyard prairies
Wildflowers
Butterfly gardens
Landscape plants that attract butterflies

University of Wisconsin Extension Publications
Landscape Plants That Attract Birds (pdf)
Prairie Primer

UW Extension and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Managing Leaves and Yard Trimmings (pdf)
Rethinking Yard Care (pdf)

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
So What Should I Plant? - Trees, Shrubs, and Vines with Wildlife 
Values Part 1 (pdf)
So What Should I Plant? - Trees, Shrubs, and Vines with Wildlife 
Values Part 2 (pdf)

Wild Ones
Wisconsin's Best Native Plants for Attracting Birds
Landscaping with Native Plants

US Environmental Protection Agency
Green Landscaping: Greenacres

Prairie Nursery
Prairie Establishment Guide

Johnson's Nursery Inc.
Plants for the Birds
Native Plants of Wisconsin