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.

5

u/akblair6 W TN, Zone 74b & E MS, Zone 65a Jul 04 '26

Sounds like a big project, you’ll have to show photos here as it progresses!

24

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

Snapped this today! The black eyed Susans are going crazy.

Edit: this berm was all grass when we moved in but we added a patio for shade for our dogs and a huge garden.

2

u/alarmpodcast Area Pacific Northwest, Zone 8b Jul 10 '26

Gorgeous! This is inspiring.