Morgan Hildebrecht, owner of Mayapple Native Landscaping, has turned his lifelong connection to nature into a local business focused on sustainable and ecologically sound landscaping. Growing up working alongside his family and friends on various homesteads, Hildebrecht developed a deep appreciation for plants and the land. These formative experiences, combined with his work as an arborist, years of organic farming and studies in human ecology, inspired him to reimagine the way people interact with the land.

While working for conventional landscaping companies, Hildebrecht witnessed practices he felt conflicted with his values. “There was too much reliance on chemicals, poor treatment of employees and little consideration for how landscaping could function harmoniously with the environment,” he explains. This dissonance, along with the birth of his first child, motivated him to create his own company, Mayapple Native Landscaping. With a mission to provide Earth-centered, sustainable landscaping solutions to customers, Hildebrecht seeks to bring community members closer to the land and its wildlife.

Mayapple Native Landscaping designs functional rain gardens, meadows, and unique pollinator gardens. These solutions promote biodiversity while addressing challenges like storm water runoff and soil erosion. In all of Hildebrecht’s designs, he attempts to create systems that are both practical and visually appealing, blending native plantings with innovative design.

Pollinator gardens and hubs are particularly popular, as they provide essential food and habitat for endangered wildlife like bees, butterflies and birds. Hildebrecht curates these spaces using plants which thrive in Pennsylvania’s climate and require fewer resources to maintain.

For hardscaping, Mayapple utilizes timeless, locally sourced natural stone instead of manufactured block, which has a higher environmental impact due to the processing and shipping involved. This attention to detail ensures that every aspect of a Mayapple project aligns with the company’s sustainability ethos.

To further mitigate its environmental footprint, the company makes sure to only employ electric tools, reducing emissions and noise pollution. Organic methods, such as sheet mulching, horticultural vinegar, and targeted herbicide use are strategically used, “to balance the need for effective solutions with practices that minimize disruption to the environment,” Hildebrecht notes.

Hildebrecht emphasizes that native plants and stone behave differently from their cultivated and manufactured counterparts, often spreading, growing and degrading the functionality of the land in ways that may surprise novice gardeners. By educating clients about these characteristics, he helps them create gardens that are both functional and beautiful. “Choosing plants solely for the appearance of their flowers can result in a chaotic garden,” he advises. “Understanding their mature growth patterns ensures a harmonious landscape.”

He also encourages homeowners to use natural resources already present in their yards such as fallen leaves and sticks. “We want to emphasize, not suppress the wisdom of natural systems around and within us. By leaving fallen debris on the ground, we are providing habitat for beneficial insects and suppressing unwanted weed growth,” he explains. “By intentionally leaving debris on the ground, we not only create immediate seasonal habitat, but the leaves also acidify the falling rain, allowing the rain water to leach nutrients out of natural rock found in the soil.”

While landscaping is typically seen as a spring or summer activity, Hildebrecht points out that winter is the ideal time to plan for next year’s outdoor spaces. With the landscape in its dormant state, homeowners can envision new designs and address challenges before the growing season begins. Maybe more importantly, winter is also a quieter time for landscapers, making it an easier time to schedule consultations and start planning.

“Creating one-of-a-kind gardens inspires me,” Hildebrecht shares. “Bringing natural, local materials together an artistic and approachable way helps community members connect with their environment and appreciate the beauty of life in every season.”

Sustainability at Mayapple Native Landscaping extends beyond ecological practices to encompass the way Hildebrecht manages his business. By paying employees above living wages and offering flexible scheduling, he fosters a work environment that reflects the company’s core values.

Through these principles, Hildebrecht has created a company that not only enhances the beauty of outdoor spaces but also promotes the health and longevity of local ecosystems and communities.