The cooler temperatures and increased precipitation of fall make it a great time to start thinking about trees and shrubs. You clients should understand that choosing deciduous plants for a landscape offers home heating benefits from the sun in cooler months and cooling potential in warmer months due to shade.
Once planted, trees and shrubs will be a part of the landscape for decades. Consider the climate, available space, and design of the landscape when making a selection.
Trees, shrubs and ornamentals can provide a client’s home with many landscaping solutions:
- Foundation plantings-Use evergreens for great foundation plantings in the landscape.
- Strong vertical forms at the entrance of a home-Pyramidal yews and junipers may be used in this case.
- Shield from the weather-Large conifers planted on the west or north sides of open space can reduce wind and heating costs.
- Splash of color and beauty-Broadleaf evergreens, such as holly, azaleas, and rhododendrons, produce flowers or berries and maintain their leaves throughout winter.
The combination of warm soil and cool, fall air stimulates root growth to help trees and shrubs get established before frost hits.
Scotts offers the following planting reminders for trees and shrubs:
- Give them room to grow. It is a common mistake to plant trees or shrubs too close to each other or surrounding structures. Remember that fully grown trees may interfere with the foundation or wiring of a home or drop leaves into the gutter.
- Start digging. Dig a hole that is deep enough for the tree’s roots to sit on solid dirt, with the soil line slightly above ground level. If the tree is bare-rooted, dig the hole at least 6 in. below the soil line, keeping the roots surrounded by loose soil.
- Fertilize and plant. Trees and shrubs need a good home in the soil, with lots of nutrients. Mix one part yard soil with one part soil amendment.
