Landscape Plants

Objectives  List & describe the 6 shapes of trees.  List & describe the 7 shapes of shrubs.  Describe the factors that are important in selecting trees or shrubs.

Types of Plants  Native – plants that are natural to the area  Exotic – Introduced to the area  Naturalized – were exotic but have adapted well to the area and now occur naturally

Trees  Act as the ceiling for the outdoor living room (yard).  Provide Shade

Selecting A Tree  Pay attention to:  Height of tree  How low the branches are to the ground  Density of foliage

 Pay attention to:  Whether the tree is deciduous or evergreen  Seasonal color, foliage texture, flower and/or fruit bearing  Hardiness

 Pay attention to:  Ease of transplanting  Resistance to Insects or disease

Types of Trees  Wide-oval  Vase-Shaped  Pyramidal  Round  Columnar  Weeping

Wide-oval  Much wider than tall  Often a small tree  Branches low to the ground  Works well to frame & screen  A focal point plant

Wide-oval

Vase-shaped  High, wide-spreading branches  Usually gives excellent shade  Allows human activity underneath  Make excellent street trees

Vase-shaped

Pyramidal  Shape is less noticeable as the trees mature  Accent plant  Large, high branching trees allow human activity beneath

Pyramidal

Round  Width & Height are nearly equal  Usually Dense  Lawn trees  Can be to create grove effects  If large, can be used to create heavy shade

Round

Columnar  Much taller than wide  Accent Plant  Frames views & structures  Useful in formal settings

Columnar

Weeping  Very Graceful  Attracts the eye (focal point)  Screens  Not useful if you want to use the lawn underneath the tree

Weeping

Shrubs  Multistemmed  Used as the wall element

Selecting a Shrub  Pay attention to:  The silhouette of the shrub  Its branching structure  Size  Texture & Density  Color Contributions

 Pay attention to:  Attraction to birds & other wildlife  Existing soil conditions  Hardiness  Resistance to attacks by insects & disease

Types of Shrubs  Globular  Low & Creeping  Spreading  Arching  Pyramidal  Upright & Loose  Columnar

Globular  As wide as is tall  Attracts attention  Accent plant  Use with a single pyramidal to create a strong eye attraction  Does not mass very well.

Globular

Low & Creeping  Low growing  Much wider than tall  Masses well  Use to edge sidewalks or cascade over walls  Controls erosion

Low & Creeping

Spreading  Wider than tall  Medium to large shrub  Masses well  Use at corners of buildings  Useful for screening, privacy & traffic control

Spreading

Arching  Wider than tall  Graceful  Softens corners  Background for flowers & statues  Provides screening

Arching

Pyramidal  Taller than wide  Attracts attention  Usually evergreen  Use to mark entries

Pyramidal

Upright & Loose  Taller than wide  Used for screening & framing  Used to soften buildings  Can closely space to create privacy

Upright & Loose

Columnar  Width about half of height  Flat topped & dense  Use for hedges if closely placed  Mass closely to create a solid wall

Columnar