It is increasingly recommended that native plants (vegetation that grows naturally in particular climates or regions) be used because of their performance, site enhancement, and life-cycle cost benefits. Native plants are more cost-effective in the long run because they require less water and fertilizer, and are more resistant to local pests and diseases than non-native ornamentals. Life-cycle costs are reduced due to reduced maintenance and replanting requirements. Native plants are also known to be very effective in managing storm water because many species have deep root systems which stabilize soil and facilitate the infiltration of storm water runoff. Additionally, native plants provide habitat for local/regional wildlife.

Other sustainable design concepts related to landscaping include:

• Determine the areas of soil, water, and plant cover on the project site that are necessary to remain undisturbed because of their function of sustaining and protecting the site from soil compaction, soil erosion, flora/fauna loss, and reducing the heat island effect.
• Maximize the use of existing trees and other vegetation to shade walkways, parking lots, and other impervious areas.
• Review the Architectural Compatibility Guide list of landscape materials.
• Ensure that site work and landscaping are integrated with security and safety design. For example, shading devices should not block critical ground level sight lines for security.
• In hot, dry climates, like the southwestern states, consider covering walkways, parking lots, and other open areas that are paved or made with low reflectivity materials.
• Install native plants that occupy the low, medium, and high strata in each plant community to more effectively capture rainwater, overland stormwater runoff, and water from streams and water courses.
• Care should be taken to not plant invasive species as they tend to crowd out the native species. Some common groundcovers, shrubs, and vines are invasive and are prohibited from being planted.
• Plan for 2 cubic feet of tree root volume per one square foot of mature tree canopy.
• Consider tree box filters as 'boxed' bio-retention cells that are placed at the curb (typically where storm drain inlets are positioned). They receive the first flush of runoff along the curb and the storm water is filtered through layers of vegetation and soil before it enters a catch basin. Tree box filters also beautify the streetscape with landscape plantings such as street trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, or perennials and can be used to improve the appearance of an area or to provide habitat.
• Consider a rain garden to capture runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, parking lots, and roads.
• Implement subsurface drip irrigation, grey-water irrigation, or evaporation transpiration controllers.
• Consider recycled paving materials, pervious concrete, or other sustainable materials for site improvements.
• Utilize passive rain water harvesting if possible.
• Landscape 10% of parking lot areas in terminal islands, interior islands, median islands and perimeters.
• Choose ground cover that will not require ‘weed eating’ or grass cutting in bioswales in order to reduce costs associated with grounds maintenance.
• Install open curbs to filtrate storm water from parking areas.
• Achieve density goals of ground cover plants to eliminate weed growth.
• Mix compost with poor soil to increase plant performance and reduce water and fertilizer requirements.
• Compatible plant combinations will eliminate replacement and maintenance requirements.
• Utilize low maintenance ground cover on slopes to eliminate ‘weed eating’ and reduce costs associated with grounds maintenance.
• Group plantings to facilitate grass cutting and reduce costs associated with grounds maintenance.
• Consider carbon sequestration and appropriate planting choices to maximize this capability.