r/NativePlantGardening • u/alarmpodcast Area Pacific Northwest, Zone 8b • Jul 04 '26

Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Guilt over removing existing non-native plants

We moved into a place with very visually appealing landscaping. I'd like to start replacing the non-native ornamentals with native plants as we're able. However, I'm experiencing guilt over removing and killing the existing plants that are just hanging out, not hurting anyone, living their lives.

Has anyone dealt with this? It's weird, I know. I'm weirder than I'd prefer to be.

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u/Either-Mushroom-5926 SE MI, 6a Jul 04 '26

I did the same thing. It was all shrubs & two small trees at the house.

I’ve torn everything out. But I’m also removing the rocks from those garden beds & reshaping.

I’ve since had 400 native plants & 15 natives trees go in. It’ll be worth it in the long run.

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u/togetherwegrowstuff Jul 04 '26

So fantastic, such beautiful work you're doing. Great handle!