Living trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, annuals and perennials are usually the most important materials in landscaping. Their selection, placement and maintenance are the main criteria the layman uses to evaluate landscape work. It is extremely important, therefore, to select plants that will serve the function as dependably as possible. For every landscape need there are numerous plants to choose from.

Plant Grouping. Plants are basically used as specimens, in lines, in groups or in masses. Each method creates a different effect. Most landscapes will use all four types of groupings.

Specimen or accent: Using plants as specimens is a good way to emphasize a character shrub or an unusually beautiful tree. If used sparingly, accent plants create interest and contrast. Too many specimens, however, result in visual chaos. Flowering trees such as crape myrtles, dogwood and redbuds are often used for accent. Using a specimen plant or small tree near the entrance can help focalize on that area. Container plant specimens are another good possibility for accent if plants and container are scaled to the area.

Line: Lines of trees, shrubs and other plants can effectively carry the home's architectural lines into the landscape. Straight or curved lines of tree plantings can shade parking or play areas or serve as a windbreak. Select hardy, well-adapted plants to form a line since the visual effect can be spoiled if one or a few of the plants are damaged. Also be sure that the same soil, drainage and sun conditions occur along the length of the row since any or all of these factors can significantly affect the plant.

Group: Grouping is a relatively natural way to use plants. Place several trees, shrubs, etc. fairly close together for a more massive effect. Since plants are often grouped naturally, this is a good method to relate your landscape to the natural environment. Also group container plants for emphasis.

Mass: The mass is really just an extension of the group. In mass plantings, individual plants tend to lose identity. Mass plantings are especially useful in relating large buildings to the site since these plantings can be large enough to be in good scale.

Selecting, Final Planning, and Purchasing

Landscape professionals can help you choose and locate new trees, shrubs, or ground cover. Share your drawings and tentative ideas with your local nursery or landscape contractor. As long as you have defined intended uses and spaces in which planting is actually possible, a competent nursery or landscape specialist will be able to help you make decisions.

When planting trees, shrubs, hedges, or bushes, find out how large the mature specimen will grow. In all cases, determine spacing by the mature sizes. For those plants close to your house, plan for at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) of extra clearance between the full-grown shrub and the wall of the home. This will prevent heavy pruning or damage to home siding in the future.

After considering the placement of your trees and consulting landscaping and nursery professionals, go back to your drawings or plans and add the new information on species, shape, and mature-size spacing. This provides a final, pre-purchase review to make sure that all elements will work well together—in the short and long term.

To continue with the homeowner's landscaping guide, go to Choosing Your Plants

For more information, see New Landscape in 5 Days.

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