A Source Book on Natural Landscaping for Public Officials

Green Landscaping with Native Plants: an online 5 chapter sourcebook "A Source Book on Natural Landscaping for Public Officials" is produced by the EPA as a guide to green landscaping to improve environmental impact.

Natural landscaping is an aesthetically exciting, ever-changing tapestry of hardy, primarily native plantings well adapted to the local climate and soil. It provides a cost effective alternative to conventional turf grass lawns.

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.

Existing or new building sites can use native trees, shrubs and grasses instead of the "exotic" plants typically marketed by nurseries. Native grasses and ground covers may partially replace turf areas.