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Weed Laws Article on Landscaping (John Marshall Law Review) 13. Why the M ovemeltt Is Taking Root Page 13 of 27 Prairie ecologist Neil Diboll, a natural landscaping advocate and expert for nearly two decades, cites three primary reasons for the rapidly growing acceptance of natural landscaping: (1) ecologic; (2) economic; and (3) spiritual.1 12 Ecologically there is no doubt that natural landscapes are preferable particularly when compared to traditional suburban exotic lawns. Since natural landscapes do not require pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers, the harmful effects of these chemicals are eliminated.113 In light of water shortages and problems with non- point source Pollution, natural landscaping has profoundly positive ecologic effects. Xeriscaping, the practice of planting native low- water - consuming plants, is the law in many cities and one of the most compelling ecological bases for natural landscaping.114 The positive economic consequences of natural landscaping are twofold. First, there are the direct costs. Natural landscapes are less costly to maintain than a_traditional exotic lawn or exotic landscape. Once established, natural landscapes are not mowed, fertilized, treated with pesticides or herbicides, and they do not need watering.115 For the homeowner or office building manager, direct costs are substantially reduced.' 1 6 State departments of transportation across the nation are some of the strongest advocates of natural landscaping. They recognize the benefits of natural landscaping and plant native plants on roadsides and rights of way throughout their jurisdictions.117 The Minnesota DOT is perhaps the most notable in its efforts. The MDOT Wildflower Program is involved in preserving and planting prairie wildflowers at many rest areas and along roadsides throughout the state. In addition to beautification of the state, a tourist attraction, the MDOT cites many discernable benefits from its program.118 Natural landscaping also reduces the costs of pollution cleanup. For example, water pollution in inland lakes and rivers could be reduced when those living within the watershed naturally landscape their yard. The result would be reduced run -off and a reduction in non -point source pollution attributed to fertilizers and herbicides used for maintenance of mono - culture lawns.119 The second economic argument for natural landscaping is the doctrine of diminishing marginal value - the less of an asset that remains the more valuable it becomes. As suburban sprawl continues to consume open space, the elements of Nature that remain and can be preserved increase in value. Accordingly, many developers are citing to the natural landscapes retained in their developments as a positive asset. Prices of homes in such sub - divisions often cost more than similar homes in areas without natural landscaping.! 20 The final reason for the movement towards natural landscaping - the manifestation http: / /www.epa.gov /glnpo /greenacres /weedlaws /JMLR.html 2/22/01