In 2022 this homeowner in Corcoran Minnesota came to us with a challenge. Transform the flood-prone backyard into a beautiful, child-friendly space connected to the nearby wetland. There was an added challenge of over spraying from a neighbors lawn company. This homeowner was worried that we would not be able to do anything with the soggy turf. Luckily many native plants are able to thrive in these wet areas and with a border of grasses and sedges we were able to protect the forbs from the nearby spraying.

After meeting with the homeowners to discuss the restoration and educating the local neighbors about the harmful effects of lawn chemicals, we were ready to begin the project. Our installation team started by removing the turf and adding a layer of mulch to serve as a weed barrier. Next, they installed 330 native plants, representing 25 different species of forbs, grasses, and sedges. Once the plants were in place, our maintenance crew took over, focusing on managing the invasive species attempting to infiltrate from the neighboring wetland. This required regular growing-season visits and a buffer between reed canary grass and native plant restoration.

After just two years this once soggy turf area in Corcoran has transformed into a beautiful wet meadow. Adding a small mulched path lets homeowners enjoy the restoration and teach their children about native plants and insects. Have an area of your yard that you can’t utilize? Contact us today to how we can change it into an area that you love!