Gardening this season? Consider landscaping with native plants
Apr 22, 2025, 6:46 PM
FILE: The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District's Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan shows off examples of water-wise landscaping on Monday, May 1, 2023. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
(Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Landscaping with native plants can help you cut your water use by 50 to 70%.
According to Jaydee Gunnell, a Utah State University Extension horticulturist, that’s because native plants have adapted to Utah’s climate.
The United States Department of Agriculture explained that landscaping with native plants can also help you cut back on the time spent maintaining your yard. They don’t need to be fertilized and require fewer pesticides.
In addition to conserving water during a time when much of the state is in a drought, landscaping with native plants can also help reduce air pollution.
FILE — The Antelope Island marina is dried up as the Great Salt Lake experiences record low water levels on Friday, July 22, 2022. Even as Utah emerges from a severe drought, a water expert joined Dave & Dujanovic and said conservation is still important. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
The USDA explained that replacing parts of your lawn with areas of native plants can cut down on mowing time. Since most mowers require fossil fuels, reduced operation time can lead to decreased emissions.
Additionally, native plants remove carbon from the air.
Finally, you may see more native animal and insect species appear in your yard. Many non-native plants don’t provide a food source. By replacing them with natives, you may invite more locals in.
Where to begin landscaping with native plants
In the internet age, figuring out which native plants to put in your yard has never been easier. Gunnell said guides have been published by the USU Botanical Garden, Red Butte Garden, and some Utah water conservation districts.
USU Extension’s website provides a several lists of possible plants. Alternatively, the National Wildlife Federation’s native plant finder uses your zip code to suggest species suited to your area.
Gunnell noted that waterwise plants, which are not necessarily native but still require less water, are also an option. Similar to native plants, they’ve evolved in areas that usually experience lower precipitation.
Landscapes that conserve or use very little water are featured at USU’s Utah House in Kaysville. (Natalie Clemens)
While choosing which existing plants to keep in your yard, ensure they aren’t invasive species. If you’re unsure, the staff at your local nursery may be able to help. Take a sample or photo of the plant to show them.
Myrtle Spurge, classified as a noxious weed by Salt Lake County, is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly invading foothills and wild lands along the Wasatch Front. (Salt Lake County)
You’ll likely be able to pick up native and waterwise plants while you’re there. Gunnell, who has been working with USU Extension for 20 years, explained that the species are becoming more widely accepted by plant sellers.
“Native and adapted plants to Utah are becoming more and more readily available at local nurseries,” Gunnell said.
As you select plants, remain mindful of their reduced water needs.
“If they water them normally, like every other day, like their used to, then they can actually drown the plants. They can develop root rot,” Gunnell said.
Gardening classes may also be helpful. USU Extension offers season-long sessions on topics ranging from perfecting soil to landscape design. Their offerings include a course on waterwise landscaping methods.
According to Gunnell, education can help planters make the most of their efforts.
Get funding help
Through Utah Water Savers, you may be eligible for funding to replace your lawn with waterwise or native plants.
102 cities are listed on the organization website, from northern to southern Utah. Additionally, citizens living in unincorporated cities in the following counties are eligible:
- Duschene
- Iron
- Juan
- Summit
- Utah
- Wasatch
- Washington
- Weber
The program offers up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced.
According to Utah Water Savers, the state’s population has increased by nearly 48% since the onset of the 21st century. It’s expected to keep growing, increasing an additional 49% by 2050.
The Utah Rivers Council revealed that 75% of municipal water use goes to outdoor watering. By reducing landscape water consumption, more water supply can be freed to support the state’s population, as well as add supply to reservoirs and Great Salt Lake.
