What to plant in Nashville this spring — other than grass

Invasive species are one of the largest threats to the world’s biodiversity.

One of the most common is in your backyard: turf grass.

Traditional lawns are environmentally harmful for a multitude of reasons. These monocultures soak up water and polluting chemicals and don’t provide food or wildlife habitat. Las Vegas even proposed a ban on ornamental grass to help conserve water in 2021. 

There are plenty of plants that people can choose instead of turf grass that can help reduce climate change and attract butterflies and birds. 

Caroline Eggers WPLN News

Redbuds are native shrubs or small trees that tend to attract hummingbirds, thrushes and sparrows.

Transforming yards is not as simple as just throwing down some wildflower seeds, especially if that ground already has grass on it, so most experts say it’s best to start with a small project, like a pollinator garden. 

“Four-by-four feet would be a great way to start and ensure success,” said Jo Brichetto, a naturalist in Nashville. 

The Tennessee Environmental Council offers native seeds and has a specific program to help people establish pollinator gardens. 

Plant nurseries can also help people pick native species, or maybe start a raised garden bed. GroWild is a nursery in Fairview that only sells native species. 

The National Audobon Society and the National Wildlife Federation have large databases for native species based on zip code. Folks can also download apps, like “Lawns to Wildflowers.”

Here are a few picks for the Nashville area.

Flowers and (native) grasses:

• Goldenrod
• Sunflower
• Violet
• Flax
• Switchcane
• Yucca

Trees:

• Oak
• Willow
• Pecan
• Blackgum
• Sassafras
• Elderberry