Forest-Inspired Landscaping: Big and Small Space Solutions

As we wrap up our forest blog series, we shift from exploring Nebraska’s native forest ecosystems to showing you how to apply those concepts in your own landscape. From shady backyards to wide-open acreages, forest-inspired landscaping can work at any scale. In our last blog, we took a closer look at the unique forest communities of Nebraska—including Ponderosa Pine stands in the northwest and Eastern Riparian Forests along our rivers and streams.

What Does Forest-Inspired Landscaping Look Like?

You may wonder, “How will I create a forest concept in my yard? I only have so much space to plant.” Great question. There are a couple of approaches you can take. 

Forest-Inspired Landscaping for Urban/Suburban Yards

Even if your space is limited, you can still apply a forest community to your landscape. If you live in a well-established neighborhood with mature trees, consider adding understory shrubs, groundcovers, and shade-tolerant perennials. Growing grass for a lawn can be very difficult under a tree’s canopy, which may leave you with a muddy mess for weeds to grow. Instead of blanketing the space with a mulch bed, choose a layer of understory plants beneath your tree to create a habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife.

For New Developments or Blank Canvas Lawns

If you live in a new development or have a treeless yard, your lawn is a blank canvas and a landscape designer’s dream! You can start by building that canopy layer now. You can apply the understory layers when the yard is shaded in the years to come. For now, utilize a grassland or shrubland plant community that can handle full sun to fill the spaces. (Check out our previous blog for inspiration!)

For Acreage Owners & Large Landscapes

Lastly, if you are an acreage owner or have more land to work with, you can create a mini forest on your property. You can use a forest plant community as a windbreak or shelter belt. You can also use these communities to create habitat for wildlife on hunting grounds. 

This Arbor Day, there’s no better time to plant with purpose. Whether you’re filling a front yard bed or planting a windbreak, forest-inspired landscaping builds biodiversity, stabilizes soils, and connects your landscape to the larger ecosystem! Whatever your situation, know there are plenty of opportunities to utilize any of these plant communities to fit your needs.

Need help designing your forest-inspired plant community?

Our landscape designer, Brittany, is happy to help you match the right native plants to your site conditions and goals. Email brittany@greatplainsnursery.com