Plants and Habitats Preserving Kiawah’s Natural Diversity through Habi | Page 11

“Naturally Kiawah” Criteria for recognition: - Dense vegetated side buffers that include a variety of understory and ground cover plantings adjacent to neighboring properties. - The majority of the main yard (clearly >50%) is comprised of low canopy, understory (shrubs) and ground cover plants; open areas of turf or laid pine straw / mulch are minimized. - There are no invasive plant species (tallow trees, non-clumping bamboo) observed. The criteria were developed to highlight the importance of maintaining the maritime forest understory environment on Kiawah.