By and large in our industry we are tasked with managing a monoculture of non-native turf species (bermudagrass or fescue) against the forces of mother nature.  This is an immensly challenging task!  Nature, left to itself moves toward sucessive species.  In other words any weeds that appear are simply nature doing what nature does!  While I am proud of the work we do to maximize the many benifits provided by a healthy, lush lawn, I have read a couple of articles the past few months extolling the "death" of the American lawn.  The concept of a lush expanse of green grass is giving way to other options for the space surrounding our homes and businesses.  One option that seems to be gaining in popularity is the native or naturistic movement.  This involves the establishment of an assortment of native wildflowers, grasses and other plants.  While on the surface this might seem to be a reasonable alternative to what some view as the burdens of taking care of a manicured lawn, I wonder if there may be unintended consequences with wholesale conversion of conventional lawns to native landscapes.  Especially if any conversion is not done correctly nor properly monitored during the establishment phase which can take up to 3 years.  Would we encounter more cases of bee stings or other insect bites around our homes?  Would our children experience more sensitivity to the pollen produced by native grasses and broadleaf plants?  During winter dormancy or prolonged periods of drought would the taller vegetation (compared to turfgrass) in a native landscape pose an increased fire hazard?  Are native plants more attractive to field mice, rats and other rodents?  All of these potential pitfalls need to be understood and addressed by those considering converting existing lawns into native landscapes.  Don't misunderstand my reluctance to jump on the native bandwagon as simply self preservation.  In fact I truly enjoy the beauty of native grasses, trees and wildflowers.  But how feasible is it to imitate the natural environment in the midst of a populated urban area?  It is clear that when it comes to the modern urban environment things are not at all natural!  In fact, the moment earthmovers and bulldozers scraped the land in preparation for housing additions the land ceased to be "natural".  For those intent on going native in place of a manicured lawn, failure to understand the rather involved methods of establishing natives is to set one up for failure.  I for one intend to keep our nice soft grass on which our children can play while enjoying trips to the countryside to take in the beauty found in the crosstimber and tallgrass prairie regions of our great state.