Utilizing native plants and trees in your business or campus landscaping allows for short and long term positive effects on stormwater runoff quantity and quality. Restoring your business and/or campus with native vegetation is one of the best things to do for the environment while also saving time and money.
Native seeds and seedlings can be found at local nurseries and are easy to plant.
Benefits
More versatile for Illinois weather conditions - native plants are climate appropriate plants
Much deeper root systems than typical lawn species thereby offering greater soil stability, higher evapotranspiration, and better infiltration of stormwater
Attract several wildlife species (including pollinators)
Less maintenance than large lawn areas - once established, native plants don’t require fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides or watering.
Diversity of species in your landscape reduces susceptibility to disease and pest outbreaks.
Greater infiltration results in better pollutant filtering and more water replenishing the aquifer.
