The absolute last step in any design process is choosing you trees and shrubs. All plants have simply been visualized as having a certain form, texture, color and size. Choosing from the variety of trees and shrubs available in the local market can be exciting and exhausting at the same time.
To know the accurate planting for your location, many characteristics and conditions should be considered:
- Microclimate of the location
- Plant architecture
- Availability
- Physical characteristics
- Intensity and duration of sun
- Soil conditions
- Rainfall
- Air circulation
- Temperature
- Soil pH
- Insect and disease problem
- Form, size, texture, and color (architecture)
- Columnar, upright, spreading, broad spreading and prostrate (form)
- Fine, medium, coarse (texture)
- Branching habit, leaf size and shape, leaf arrangement, leaf color an leaf surface texture (dull or glossy)
- Foliage, flowers and/or fruits
- Seasonal color variations
Planting plans are designed so the intended shrubs will cover an area in 3 to 5 years, yet be far enough from the house to have enough air circulation near house. Poor plant selection, spacing, or installation can cause maintenance headaches down the road.
We provide landscaping services, including hardscapes, lighting, irrigation, grading, trees and shrubs, in Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Matthews, and more.
Permission is granted to others to use these materials in part or in full for educational purposes, provided that full credit is given to the UF/IFAS, citing the publication, its source, and date of publication http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_MG086
