HOW CAN NATURAL LANDSCAPING BE USED?
Almost everyone can use natural landscaping. There is no rigid set of rules that dictates how much or what qualifies as natural landscaping or when it is appropriate. The concept embraces a range of opportunities for property owners, managers and public officials. Any effort that increases the amount of area devoted to natural landscaping will be of some benefit. It will largely be up to property owners, local officials, planners, engineers, and landscape professionals, to determine where, what kind, and how much. Some examples: New developments of all types can: • preserve and enhance existing natural areas such as prairie, wetland, floodplain and woodland areas as an essential component of site planning; • cluster homes in order to reserve green areas designed with native plants as a substitute for conventional subdivision design; • reduce the amount of impervious surfaces by substituting vegetation where appropriate; • utilize natural drainage approaches such as swales and vegetated
