Planting Trees & Shrubs

Using native plants in your landscape offers numerous benefits for both the environment and you. Some of the key advantages include:

Adaptation to local conditions: Native plants are well-adapted to the specific climate, soil, and precipitation patterns of their region, making them more likely to thrive with minimal intervention.

Low maintenance: As native plants have evolved to suit their local environment, they typically require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control than non-native species. This can result in lower maintenance costs and reduced labor.

Support for local wildlife: Native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Planting native species can help support and maintain healthy ecosystems and contribute to biodiversity.

Erosion control: Many native plants have extensive root systems that help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and runoff. This is particularly beneficial in sloped landscapes or areas prone to erosion.

Reduced risk of invasive species: Native plants are less likely to become invasive or spread uncontrollably compared to some non-native species. Invasive plants can outcompete native species, negatively affecting ecosystems and potentially causing environmental damage.

Resilience to pests and diseases: Native plants have co-evolved with local pests and diseases, often developing natural defenses that make them more resistant to these threats. This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, benefiting both the environment and human health.

Climate resilience: As native plants are adapted to local weather patterns, they are often better equipped to tolerate extreme weather events, such as droughts or heavy rain.

Preservation of cultural heritage: Native plants can have cultural significance, reflecting the natural heritage and history of a region. By including these plants in your landscape, you can help preserve and celebrate this heritage.

Aesthetic appeal: Native plants can offer unique colors, textures, and seasonal interest, creating a visually appealing and regionally distinct landscape design.

Conservation of resources: By using native plants that require less water, fertilizer, and other inputs, you can conserve valuable natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of your landscape.

The best time to plant new plants in your landscape depends on the plant species and the climate. Generally, early spring and fall are ideal times for most plants, as they offer moderate temperatures and typically have more consistent rainfall. Planting during these periods allows the plants to establish their root systems before the stress of extreme temperatures sets in.

As landscape professionals we usually start by testing the soil to determine its nutrient content and pH level. We then amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve its structure, drainage, and fertility.

If necessary, we can also adjust the soil's pH with lime (to raise the pH) or sulfur (to lower it) based on the needs of the specific plants you plan to install.  These steps aren't always necessary but when the soil conditions aren't right, your plants are not going to do well.

Staking may be necessary for young trees or shrubs with weak stems, or those that are planted in windy locations. If staking is necessary, we use flexible ties and stake the plant low enough to provide support without restricting its movement, as this can encourage stronger root development.

To prevent weeds, we usually apply a layer of mulch around the base of your new plants, leaving a few inches of space between the mulch and the plant stem. Mulch not only suppresses weeds but also helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Additionally, hand-pulling weeds as they emerge can help keep your landscape weed-free.

The establishment period for new plants varies depending on the species, planting conditions, and aftercare. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years for plants to become well-established in their new environment.

Yes!  Depending on the type of plant we often have choices as to the maturity level of the plants we purchase.  For example trees, shrubs, and hedges are often available as juveniles or as mature plants. 

Choosing the mature plants can obviously shorten the amount of time it takes for plantings to become established.  However, these more mature plants will be more expensive to purchase and depending on how large they are can significantly increase the cost of handling and labor.

If you're going to spend significant money on new plantings for your landscape then an irrigation system is a wise investment.  Modern, digitally controlled irrigation systems can deliver very precise amounts of water to your specific landscape beds depending on the plants water requirements.  Many nurseries will only provide a warranty on the plants if a working irrigation system is present.

We don't generally provide a warranty but some of the wholesale nurseries we order plants from do.  They usually require that an irrigation system is present so the plants receive sufficient water as this is the leading cause of plants dying or becoming unhealthy. 

The warranty local nurseries offer can also vary from plant to plant as well.  If a warranty is important to you please discuss that with us when we are consulting with you on your new plantings.  We'll confirm with our supplier which plants can be covered and what those specific requirements might be.