Check out our guide to adding different shrubs to your landscape.
Shrubs are an integral part of the landscaper’s toolkit. Before deciding what plants to purchase, determine how you want your overall landscape to function. Are you an avid gardener, have an active family, or want a landscape that requires little maintenance? The answer will guide you to plants that match up with your use of the landscape. If you know about the different varieties of shrubs that will grow in your area, it becomes much easier to choose functional, interesting and beautiful shrubbery additions.
Function First
When you begin researching shrubs, think about the work you want it to do in your landscape. Do you need something that will have foliage all year long? Do you need something bright and eye-catching to add that pop of color to your landscaping? Are you trying to screen and define areas? Do you want to create a focal point that draws attention? Do you want to direct traffic flow through the landscape? There are many interesting shrubs to pick from, but they won’t all have the same growing season or other characteristics, so make sure the ones you are choosing from will suit your needs.
Research
After you have narrowed your choices by function, it is time to do your research. Take the time to do independent research to ensure that the plant is right for the general conditions of your area and the specific conditions of your yard. If your yard tends to flood or stay wet for long periods that could be an issue for certain shrub varieties. Is the area you are planting shaded or in full sun? Generally, plants are either shade-loving or sun-loving. Choose accordingly. Having your soil tested by a soil testing lab will determine if your soil needs any nutrient or pH correction. It is far easier to make corrections before planting.
Right Plant, Right Space
Very often, people new to landscaping plant to fill a space, not taking into account the ultimate size of the mature plants. Allow enough space for the plants to grow without crowding each other. In general, native plants have the advantage of being adapted to our area. Try to provide a diverse landscape that will be less likely to be wiped out by disease or insects. Keep in mind that your landscape is a work in progress. Some things will do well, while others may not, and that is okay. It can be tempting to limit your shrub choices to old stand-by’s like boxwood and azaleas, but if you do, you may miss out on some truly stunning options.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately-owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborist specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a lawn and total landscape care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, including Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!