Transform your lawn into a thriving ecological landscape—from small "pocket prairies" to entire yards. Whether you're tackling a turf hillside with erosion issues or reimagining your whole property, lawn conversions offer beauty and environmental benefits.
Conversions typically don't require a full landscape design - just a customized plant palette and sketch tailored to your space. When installed by The Rooted Archer, your site will be intuitively designed on-site based on experience, site conditions, and your agreed-upon plant selection.
Key Benefits of Converting Lawn to Prairie + Lawn alternatives
1. Greater Biodiversity & Wildlife Habitat
Native plants support more species by providing food (nectar, pollen, seeds), shelter, nesting sites, and host plants for insects - especially specialist species.
2. Pollinator Support
Native wildflowers and grasses are essential for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, serving as both forage (nectar & pollen) and host plants.
3. Water, Soil, & Pollution Regulation
Native plant root systems tend to run much deeper and more extensive than turf grasses. This aids in filtration of rainwater, reduces runoff and erosion, filters pollutants, and helps recharge groundwater.
4. Climate Benefits
Native plants, especially prairie grasses, store carbon in their soil and roots. They also help combat urban heat islands through better shading and evapotranspiration.
5. Reduction of Lawn Mowing
A reduced need to mow leads to lower emissions from gas powered equipment.
6. Reduced Maintenance, Cost & Chemical Inputs
Once established, native plants require minimal mowing (possibly just once a year vs. weekly), less irrigation, and no (or minimal) fertilizers or pesticides. This saves time, money, and reduces environmental harm.
7. Water Conservation
Traditional lawns consume large volumes of water, especially in dry periods, and much of that can be lost to evaporation and runoff. Native plants adapted to local climates need much less supplemental water.
