13 Expert Tips for Creating a Low-Maintenance Landscape with Native Plants

Landscaping with native plants is catching on, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is using native plants eco-friendly, it’s also a smart way to save time and labor. Plus they’re every bit as beautiful as non-native plants. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection or you’re just starting out, use these expert tips to landscape with natives successfully.

Why Plant Natives?

Native plants are those that grow naturally in a particular area. They have evolved with the predominant growing conditions, so they need less pampering. Resilient by nature, native plants are often able to fend off disease and pest issues better than non-native ones. That all translates into a lower-maintenance landscape for you.

“Once established, native gardens generally require much less upkeep than traditional lawns. That means less mowing, fewer inputs, and more time spent enjoying a yard instead of working on it,” says Josh Nelson, development director for Wild Ones, a nationwide group promoting the use of native plants.

Native plants benefit nature as well. “Native landscapes are one of the most accessible ways to make a meaningful difference for the environment,” Nelson says. “They support pollinators, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and help clean our air and water.”

While traditional suburban landscapes often rely on non-native ornamental plants with few ecological benefits, native gardens feature plants that have co-evolved with their surroundings, developing essential relationships with insects and wildlife. One of the best known examples is how monarch butterflies only lay eggs on milkweed.

“There are many ways to help the planet, but adding native plants is one of the most immediate and rewarding,” Nelson says. “You can see the impact firsthand each day as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife visit your yard.”

Tips for Native Landscaping

It doesn’t take much to start enjoying the many benefits of native plants in your landscape. “Every native plant makes a difference, no matter the size of the effort,” Nelson says. Follow these tips to add natives to your landscape successfully.

1. Start Small

Adding native plants can be as simple as planting a large container on the deck or patio with a handful of plants that bloom in succession. “If you’re unsure, start small,” Nelson says. “We’ve seen people begin with just a few native flowers by the mailbox and then, after seeing the bees and butterflies arrive, they’re inspired to expand. That gradual approach gives both you and your neighbors time to adjust and appreciate the change.”

2. Add to an Existing Bed

If you’ve already got a garden bed, look for open spots to sprinkle in a few native plants. “Planting natives into an existing bed is a great option if you’re looking for a low-effort start,” Nelson says. “It preserves plants you’re already attached to, requires less prep work, and offers a gentler visual transition, which can be beneficial in neighborhoods where change might be noticed.” For example, fill bare spots with native groundcovers or take out a few non-native plants you’re not as fond of to make room for natives.

3. Replace Invasive Species

While taking things slowly has merit, a more aggressive approach is needed with plants that are invasive. “We do recommend removing invasive species like buckthorn, honeysuckle, or garlic mustard, as they can actively harm nearby natural areas and make it harder to manage both native and traditional gardens,” Nelson says.

4. Plant a New Bed

Nelson says creating a new garden bed is like starting with a clean slate, giving you more control over layout, species selection, and ecological function. “It can also reduce long-term competition from less-beneficial plants,” he says.

Try replacing a section of lawn with a bed of native trees, shrubs, and perennials, providing a layered habitat for wildlife. Or, use perennial flowers and self-seeding annuals to attract pollinators. “Ultimately, the best approach depends on your goals, your timeline, and how ready you are to re-imagine your landscape,” Nelson says.

5. Convert a Curbside

If it’s permitted by your municipality, plant a curbside garden using shorter, drought-tolerant native plants that can deal with the tough conditions. “One of the best things about native plants is their variety,” Nelson says. “Whether you want something low and tidy or wild and natural, there are native species to suit nearly every style and space.“

If you’re worried about appearances, Nelson says that many native plants can be maintained in a neat, intentional way that blends easily with traditional landscaping.

6. Start a Rain Garden

Many native grasses and wildflowers have extensive root systems that grow deep and wide, helping minimize runoff and prevent erosion. Find a low spot in the garden where water naturally accumulates after a rainfall or an area near a gutter spout, and plant a rain garden filled with native species suited to those conditions. The bed will help water infiltrate into the ground instead of running off into storm sewers.

7. Mimic Nature

Because natural landscapes are multi-layered, plant your garden in three layers. First, create a layer of structural plants, which include trees, shrubs, tall grasses, and perennials with distinctive forms and year-round interest. Next, plant seasonal types, consisting of medium-height plants offering seasonal blooms from spring through fall, along with interesting foliage as a midrange filler. For the third layer, use groundcovers or low-growing plants that accept shade from taller companions.

8. Plant Densely

Growing plants close together maximizes space and results in a more dynamic, textured look, along with the opportunity to have greater plant diversity. Closely spaced plants act as their own “living mulch” to suppress weeds, maintain soil temperature, and retain soil moisture.

9. Start Strong

Although native plants generally require less maintenance once they mature, it pays to maintain them early on. Lightly mulch newly established beds and keep them weeded, and provide supplemental water as needed until plants are fully established (1 to 2 years). Avoid using fertilizers or pesticides, but be prepared to deadhead any plants that tend to reseed prolifically.

10. Check Codes

Before making the switch to natives, check local regulations that may impact natural landscaping. These include weed ordinances and fire regulations, which could limit where natural landscaping is allowed and dictate how it’s managed.

11. Make Your Intentions Clear

Nelson says change can be challenging, especially when it pushes against long-standing ideas of what a “good” yard looks like. “But this is also an opportunity to rethink those standards,” he says. Let neighbors know what you’re doing, then make sure your landscape looks intentional, not neglected. Here’s how: 

• Use smaller plants that won’t sprawl or need staking.
• Limit plant height to chest height or lower in the front yard to avoid an overgrown feel. Taller plants may be used in the backyard or where privacy or screening is desired.
• Stairstep plants, going from short to medium to tall, for best viewing.
• Plant in masses or drifts. Larger clusters of identical plants make a garden appear less messy or chaotic.
• Make sure there’s always something in bloom through the seasons.
• Mow around the perimeter of the garden, mulch plants, and include pathways and edging.
• Consider adding seating and a garden structure such as a trellis, arbor, and birdbath.

12. Learn from Others

There’s no need to take the plunge into native landscaping alone. “You can begin your journey before planting anything,” Nelson says, noting that Wild Ones offers a native garden design program as well as free educational webinars. Local chapters host garden tours, native plant sales, and volunteer workdays. “These are all great ways to learn more, gain inspiration, and connect with a community of people who share your interest in native landscaping,” he says. Local cooperative extension services also have helpful information related to native plants.

13. Savor the Rewards

Spend some time out in a native plant landscape, and you’re apt to see more pollinators, insects, birds, and wildlife, and feel more connected to nature. “Many people say that gardening with native plants creates a stronger sense of place and purpose,” Nelson says. “There’s something powerful about watching your yard become part of a living, interconnected ecosystem. Native landscapes help people feel more grounded and more connected to the natural history and rhythms of the region they call home.”