Michael J. Minder

LANDSCAPING TIPS

Landscaping Tip #1

The most common mistake made by homeowners is to design a planter that is too small. (i.e. three feet). This error is usually followed by another common mistake; installing plants into the small planter without considering the size of the fully mature plants. The result is plants that overgrow walks, lawns, or house siding, or you end up chopping them down in frustration years later.

This is an example of what you don't want.

Herein lies the lesson. Whenever you think about designing planters for your yard whether they are for foundation plantings, accent plantings or even mounded areas, think BIG. If you’re thinking about putting in a three-foot wide bed, make it six to eight-feet wide. Larger planters will give you the flexibility to graduate the height from low growing plants in the foreground to the tallest shrubs in the rear of the planter. For example, your foreground planting may be a ground cover or annual flowers. Next a two to three foot perennial shrub may be planted, followed by a larger three to four foot shrub. The end result will be a layered and pleasing planting scheme.

THE "CORRECT WAY" TO DO IT

Landscaping Tip #2

Plant placement is one of the most critical elements of landscaping. Trees are probably the most misplaced of all plants. Those cute little 5'-6' trees look so nice in a nursery container, but may become a garden monster when placed in the wrong spot. Home foundation heaving, cracked sidewalks, and dripping sap are common problems associated with trees placed in the wrong location. (See Photo Below)

This is an example of what you don't want.

The solution is to study the area that you wish to place a tree, and then look for a tree that meets your aesthetic requirements, and will grow into the desired space. So, be sure that the tree you buy now is the tree you want later when it grows up.

THE "CORRECT WAY" TO DO IT

BE SURE AND COME BACK OFTEN FOR MORE LANDSCAPING TIPS FROM MICHAEL

CALL OR E-MAIL MICHAEL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT
FOR ALL OF YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS AND A DESIGN ESTIMATE