Choosing the right plant for the right spot is key to successful landscaping. Picking the wrong plants can lead to more maintenance, poor growth, or even plant death. To get it right, careful planning and evaluating your space are essential. Different trees and shrubs have varying needs, so it’s important to choose plants that match the conditions of your site while also looking good. Even with great planting techniques, a plant won’t thrive if it’s not suited for the area. Also, make sure to consider how big the plants will grow, so they don’t outgrow their space.
- Categories: Outdoor Living
Maintenance
Low-maintenance landscaping doesn’t mean no maintenance at all. Every plant will still need some routine care to thrive and succeed.
Along with choosing the right plants, it’s important to plant them properly and group trees and shrubs based on their water, fertilizer, and maintenance needs. This helps ensure healthy plants. With careful site evaluation and plant selection, woody ornamentals will thrive and improve your landscape for years to come.
Important To Keep In Mind
Need help with plant selection? We’re here to assist you in choosing the right plants for your landscaping design. We can provide guidance on perennials, annuals, ground covers, vines, shrubs, and trees that are commonly used in our area. Here are a few things to consider:
- Light availability, intensity, and duration (full sun to deep shade).
- Water availability, both quantity and quality.
- Exposure to wind and temperature extremes.
- Soil type, drainage, and compaction.
- Competition from existing plants.
- Above-ground wires or other obstructions.
We Can Help!
Whether you’re redesigning your landscape or making a few changes, it’s important to plan ahead. Having a plan will help you choose plants that best fit your needs and thrive in your space. It’s easy to be tempted by beautiful plants at the store, only to realize they’re not right for your landscape. Let us help you plan your outdoor living space. Contact us today!
Know Your Yard
When planning your landscape, consider your region's climate, the layout of your site, and the type of soil. Pay attention to areas with full sun, partial shade, shade, or deep shade. Also, take note of how water drains throughout your landscape.
Who Will Be Using Your Yard?
Think about who will be using your yard and how they’ll use it. Will children or pets be playing outside? Do you plan to use your yard for entertaining? You can create separate spaces for different activities by using strategic plantings and hardscapes. Walkways can help guide people from one area to another.
Think About a Theme
Themes can bring unity to your landscape and help guide your plant and material choices. A great place to start is by looking at the architecture of your home. Try to complement the lines and style of your house in your yard, as your outdoor space is an extension of your home.
Plants Function
Early in your planning, consider how your plants will function in your landscape. Plants can define areas and mark the boundaries of your space. Use them as physical barriers to block views or limit access to certain areas. If you want to keep views open but still create some separation, low-growing plants can serve as implied barriers, restricting access without blocking the view.