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Roadside Guide to Clean Water: Native Meadows

Native meadow plantings are meant to be low maintenance and, once established, only need to be cut back once or twice a year.

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Updated:

April 28, 2025

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Photo by Jim Wellendorf

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Native Meadows at a Glance

A native meadow is an area that is planted with flowers and grasses that are native to the local area, which is mowed very infrequently. Native meadows are often planted in place of traditional mowed lawn areas. A variety of flowering perennial plants and grasses can be used, and that list may be different depending on where the meadow is planted. Native meadow plantings are meant to be low maintenance and, once established, only need to be cut back once or twice a year. Meadows don't require as much maintenance as lawn areas do. It might require some weeding or control of invasive species.

How Native Meadows Work

Native meadow vegetation grows much taller than turfgrass. This extra growth is better at slowing down water so pollutants can settle out. Taller vegetation also grows deeper roots, which create a more spongelike soil that can absorb water and trap pollutants. In turn, it will reduce the sediment and pollutants flowing into local waterways. Native meadows also improve the soil by increasing the amount of decomposing organic matter and allowing more rainwater infiltration. Increased infiltration not only reduces stormwater runoff but also recharges groundwater supplies. A meadow area can provide a beautiful flowering landscape and a habitat for butterflies, birds, and local wildlife. This practice reduces the amount of lawn that needs to be mowed, which can save time and money as well as reduce emissions once the meadow is fully established.