In
fact, the single most important thing you can do to "pest proof" your
landscape, is to build it with plants that are native to your area.
Native plants will decrease your pest problems, lower your water and
nutrient needs, and do a big favor for the environment!
Native
plants, are naturally resistant to the types of pests you have in your
region, and are already acclimated to your soil types, your weather
conditions, and your seasons. Native plants are accustomed to the
average annual rainfall in your area, and they won't break out of your
landscape and swallow the forests of your area.
Every year we see
thousands of acres taken over by "non native," alien pests. They
destroy the native plant life and in doing so, destroy the biodiversity
of the area. The cost is into the millions for controlling them, and we
are just seeing the tip of the botanical iceberg.
Integrated pest
management, should start with prevention, and the place to begin is
with the right plants for your area. At the very least, you should
avoid the use of anything that is known to be "invasive."
Go native, and make your landscape and your world a better place.
