What type of plants are discouraged in sustainable landscaping?

In sustainable landscaping, the focus is on promoting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Invasive species are plants that are not native to an ecosystem and can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. They tend to outcompete native plants for resources such as light, water, and nutrients, which can lead to a decline in native biodiversity. This disruption can negatively affect local wildlife that depend on native plants for food and habitat.

By discouraging the use of invasive species, sustainable landscaping promotes the health of local ecosystems and encourages the use of native species that are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants typically provide essential ecosystem services, such as habitat for wildlife, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration, all of which are beneficial for maintaining ecological integrity.

The other options generally support sustainable practices: native species thrive in local environments, perennials can provide year-round greenery, and deciduous trees contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Therefore, invasive species are considered detrimental to sustainable landscaping efforts, making them the correct response to the question.