If evaluating on a life-cycle basis, which of the following effects is the major reason for using native or adapted plantings on-site?

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Native or adapted plantings are used primarily to reduce long-term environmental and maintenance

costs in sustainable site design. The most significant life-cycle benefit is the reduction in irrigation

water and fertilizer requirements because native plants are naturally suited to local climate and soil

conditions. They typically require less supplemental watering, fertilizer, and pesticide use, which

reduces resource consumption and maintenance efforts over the plantings’ lifespan.

Option B (Reduction in root adaptation time period) is a minor factor relative to water and nutrient

needs.

Option C (Reduction in transplantation costs) relates more to initial installation cost rather than long-

term life-cycle impacts.

Using native or adapted plant species supports sustainable landscape design principles emphasized

in the NCARB PPD content, contributing to water conservation, reduced chemical use, and improved

ecological performance.

Reference:

ARE 5.0 PPD – Environmental Conditions and Context, Sustainable Site Design

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition – Landscape and Site Planning

NCARB Sustainable Design Guidelines