Tips to pick the right plants for your landscape

Each year, gardening enthusiasts anxiously await the arrival of spring

Spring is a great season to plant new flowers, plants, grasses and trees, making it a popular time of year to spend sunny days out in the yard.

Veteran gardeners may know their landscapes well and be able to pick the right plants on their own. Novices may need a little help as they look to give their landscapes a whole new look.

The following are some helpful tips to help homeowners pick the right plants for their landscapes.

Conduct a site evaluation

A colorful landscape featuring an array of plants and flowers can be eye-catching and add curb appeal to a property.

However, where plants will be planted is a significant variable that must be considered before homeowners choose what to plant.

The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst notes that site evaluation is the first step when picking plants.

A number of factors must be evaluated, including light availability; water availability; exposure to the elements, including wind and extreme temperatures; and competition from existing vegetation, among other things.

Document these variables prior to picking plants. For example, take note of the area you plan to plant to see if it is full sun or partial shade, and then pick plants whose growing conditions align with those you observe.

Look at more than looks

Aesthetic appeal might be what homeowners most desire from their landscapes, but that appeal is only achieved when the right plants are chosen for a space.

If the wrong plants are chosen, they’re unlikely to thrive or they could threaten existing vegetation, thus compromising the overall appeal of the property.

Native plants can often handle local weather conditions, so prioritize natives over more exotic plants whose key attribute is aesthetic appeal.

If jaw-dropping aesthetic appeal is your top priority, speak with a local landscaping professional about which natives can provide that without compromising surrounding vegetation.

Consider maintenance prior to planting

Maintenance is another variable gardeners must consider. Newly planted trees may require substantial watering until they’ve fully established their roots, and some homeowners may not have time for that.

In addition, certain plants may require a considerable amount of pruning in order to create and maintain the look homeowners desire.

Individuals must be willing to invest the time and effort necessary to maintain new plantings that require such diligence.