Right Plant, Right Place
Fall is a season of change, and it is also one of the best times to make a few changes in your landscape.
While trees and shrubs can be planted at any time of year with proper care, they generally have an easier time becoming established when planted between November and February. Cooler temperatures reduce stress on newly planted trees and shrubs, while roots can continue to develop during periods of mild winter weather. This gives plants time to establish a stronger root system before warmer temperatures arrive and spring growth begins.
Before you head to the garden center, though, take a little time to plan. One of the best rules to remember when landscaping is “right plant, right place.” Choosing plants that naturally fit your site can result in healthier plants while reducing the need for extra water, fertilizer, pesticides, and maintenance later.
What Do You Want the Plant to Do?
Start with function. Are you looking for a shade tree? Do you need shrubs to create a screen between your home and the road? Maybe you need plants for erosion control, a windbreak, noise reduction, or simply a focal point near the front entrance.
Think about the mature size of the plant, too. That cute little three-gallon shrub at the garden center may eventually become 8 feet tall and wide! Allowing enough room for plants to reach their mature size can help reduce pruning and other maintenance. Trees also need adequate room for both their canopy and root system, and large-growing trees should not be planted beneath utility lines.
What Do You Want It to Look Like?
Next comes the fun part. Consider the plant’s form, foliage, flowers, color, and texture. Do you want something evergreen for year-round screening? Spring flowers? Fall color? An interesting branching pattern?
A diverse mixture of trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers can add year-round interest while also creating a more resilient landscape. Incorporating native plants can provide additional benefits by supplying pollen, nectar, food, and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
What Will Actually Grow There?
This may be the most important question of all.
Take a good look at your planting site. How many hours of sunlight does it receive? Is it full sun, partial shade, or mostly shaded? Does the soil drain quickly after rainfall, or does water sit there for several days? Is the location exposed to wind or reflected heat? You also need to consider cold hardiness and heat tolerance. Matching the plant to the site’s light, drainage, soil, temperature, moisture, and available growing space gives it a much better chance of succeeding.
And don’t forget what’s happening underground. A soil test can tell you the soil pH and fertility and help determine whether adjustments are needed before planting.
Once you’ve done your homework, fall is a great time to visit your local garden center. Take some information about your planting site with you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, they may be able to order it or recommend another plant that will work just as well.
Remember, a successful landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place. Think about what you want the plant to do, how you want it to look, and whether your yard can provide the growing conditions it needs. A little planning before you plant can lead to healthier plants, fewer problems, and a beautiful landscape you can enjoy for years to come.
Bethany O’Rear, a horticulturist for more than 20 years, is a regional agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, specializing in commercial and home horticulture.
