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The chart below compares the costs of installing a lawn versus prairie and forest reconstruc-
<br /> tion. These figures, developed by Great River Greening, demonstrate the cost savings of using
<br /> native plants instead of turf. Choosing native plants saves money and generates community
<br /> goodwill for property owners who demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
<br /> Traditional vs. Native Landscaping
<br /> Cost Comparison
<br /> Summary Table
<br /> Landscaping Installation Installation Maintenance Total Cost Net Present Total Cost Net Present
<br /> Scenario Materials Labor Cost per Year Over 5 Years' Value' Over 10 Years2 Value'
<br /> Seeded Turf $5,850 $1,400 $5,380 $34,150 $31,272 $61,050 $49,223
<br /> Sodded Turf $11,550 $10,500 $5,380 $48,950 $46,072 $75,850 $64,023
<br /> Seeded Prairies $450 8 $3,150 $1,530 $11,250 $10,432 $18,900 $15,537
<br /> Seeded Prairie $3,350' $7,450 $1,530 $18,450 $17,632 $26,100 $22,737
<br /> with Plugs 6°'
<br /> jk
<br /> Woodland $21,8509 $11,60010 $800 $37,450 $37,022 $41,450 $39,691
<br /> Trees&Shrubs
<br /> Note:
<br /> 1. All estimates are on a per acre basis:the larger the acreage,the more economies of scale come into play based on fixed costs.
<br /> 2. Assumes a 6%cost of capital and payments made at the beginning of each year.
<br /> 3. Net Present Value=an estimate of the amount of money that would be needed now to fund a series of future payments.
<br /> 4. Turf installation and maintenance estimates include the installation and upkeep of an irrigation system.
<br /> 5. Seeded prairie=Approximately 5 grass species,and 15 wildflower species,no plugs.
<br /> 6. Seeded prairie with plugs=Approximately 6 grass species,and 20 wildflower species seeded,2,500 plugs.
<br /> 7. Plug=small plant in a 1x1x2"container.
<br /> S. Prairie installation includes herbicide treatment,tilling,seeding and packing:
<br /> variables include the higher cost of flowers and plugs.
<br /> 9. Woodland material estimate includes a necessary plant warranty of$3,100,and 104 10-gallon trees,788 5-gallon shrubs,
<br /> and 650 cubic yards of mulch($5/yard)spread to a depth of 5".
<br /> 10.Woodland labor estimate includes installation at$30/hour and 70 hours of prep,including spraying,drilling,and layout at
<br /> $30/hour.
<br /> * Contact Great River Greening for a more detailed narrative describing landscaping totals.
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