How do I Choose the Best Yard Plants?

Several contributing factors should go into choosing the best yard plants. Most home landscaping is done to enhance a property’s overall appearance, but yard trees, shrubs, and plants can also serve special purposes. Choosing the best garden plants also means examining gardening skills, climate, and soil condition.

Many homeowners decide to landscape their property in order to improve outdoor space and boost curb appeal. A well-planted yard makes the whole property look better and can even increase the value of a home. Whether choosing front yard plants or backyard plants, you should think about the whole picture, including house color, property layout, space, and surrounding area.

The variety of yard plants can seem endless and confusing, so start your search with a purpose in mind. Side yard and backyard plants set along property lines work well as dividers from neighboring properties. Front yard plants can include shrubs or hedges that separate your grounds from the street or sidewalk. Large trees provide shade for a patio or pool, and garden flowers add color and design to an entrance path or porch.

Once you determine your landscaping goals, research yard plants that fit your situation. The availability of yard trees, bushes, and garden flowers depends on where you live. Do not waste money on yard plants that will not grow in your climate or conditions. Local nurseries or garden stores can help you select native plants and trees that will thrive in your geographic area.

When deciding between the different yard plants for your geographic region, consider the care and maintenance required by hedges, trees, and garden flowers. Choose yard plants that work with your schedule and level of gardening skills. Remember that more complex plantings usually require extra time and special treatment. If watering a plant once or twice a week seems like too much effort, then plants that require little upkeep will probably best suit your gardening needs.

Plant placement should also be considered when choosing plants and garden flowers. Be aware of the sun, shade, water, and feeding requirements of the yard trees and plants you purchase. Pick a spot on the property that satisfies the specific needs of each tree and plant to help them thrive. Remember to base spacing on the plant’s size when full grown, leaving enough room for roots to expand and allow maximum growth. This is especially important for large trees.