Plantings

Universal Principles

Create spaces for use like interior rooms.

  • Provide a layer of screening between outdoor uses and adjacent properties.
  • Create focal points from windows, doors or other parts of the landscape.
  • Roof overhangs prevent plants from receiving rainwater even in an irrigated landscape since rain sensors turn off irrigation. Move plants out from overhangs so they will receive adequate water. A vast number of plants can grow in deep shade, but none can grow without water.
  • Rules regarding the size and numbers of plants is important for homeowners. Smaller plants should be planted in greater quantities. On a typical Chattanooga 50- x 100-foot lot, one or two shade trees is appropriate. A line of five small trees might be appropriate to form a barrier along a property line. A 40 shrub hedge can frame outdoor rooms. About 200 perennials might be enough to keep out weeds in a shaded area and provide flowers and herbs for the house. Consider the appropriate number of species used. More species variation is appropriate with perennials than with trees. Five species of perennials when planting 200 is sensible. Using 40 different shrubs or five different small trees would not be. Masses of the same species create a more coherent and cohesive planting and exponentially more dramatic displays.
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Shade Trees

Large canopy trees are a staple of great yards, streets and neighborhoods. In the south, summer heat makes shade trees essential. Shade trees contribute to inside comfort when placed to block the sun from shining on the house. Shade trees add beauty and value and can significantly reduce utility costs.

  • Locating shade trees in the right place is important. Shade trees provide the most benefit when they block the sun from midday to late afternoon. A shade tree on the southwest corner of your house is most valuable followed by trees to the south. Consider the mature size of a tree before locating to ensure adequate space for growth as tree limbs and roots can interfere with power lines, underground utilities and structures.
  • Shade trees should be deciduous. They block sun in the summer and allow warm sunlight through in winter.
  • Shade trees need to be large enough to provide shade. Crape myrtles and other common ornamental trees don’t provide enough shade to be of value.
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Evergreen Trees

Like shade trees on the southwest corner of the lot, evergreen trees should be placed to the north in order to shield the house and lot from northern winds. Evergreen trees should not be placed so close to the house that they create moisture and shade near the house during the winter. The use of a row of evergreen trees can reduce utility costs and screen unwanted views.

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Small Trees / Large Shrubs

When is a shrub a tree? Does it matter? This category includes some of the most beautiful planting options for residential gardens. It’s also the most incorrectly used planting.

  • This category of plants is critical to good design and is used to fill the gap between large trees and low shrubs. With the right number and location, they make a landscape feel complete and serve purposes other plants can’t fulfill.
  • When used properly, small trees and large shrubs seldom need pruning, can provide eye level screening without feeling like a barrier, extend cooling shade to smaller spaces, create focal points from windows and doors, and provide year-round interest.
  • When used improperly, small trees and large shrubs can quickly outgrow their space, block desirable views from windows, fail to achieve the size needed to shade an area, or appear perpetually stressed when over pruned.
  • Carefully select and place small trees and large shrubs where their lower canopies will enhance the landscape.
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Shrubs

Medium to small shrubs make up the next category of plant material. Generally, as plant categories get smaller the number of options grow and the jump from small trees to shrubs is where this is perhaps most obvious. Options for bloom, foliage and fruit color are tremendous.

  • Shrubs when planted to fill and cover the ground completely are the lowest maintenance planting. Little mulch or weeding is required once established. When mature size is considered, little pruning is required. When hardy natives are selected and basic soil requirements are met, they seldom need fertilizer or irrigation beyond rainwater.
  • Unfortunately, this category of planting is often used to create a line of ‘foundation’ plants across the front or side of a house. This practice should be abandoned for a more thoughtful placement of plants that:
    • Relate to house architecture integrating landscape and structure.
    • Grow to an appropriate size and won’t overwhelm the house by covering windows or creating issues with branches pressed against walls.
    • Cover the ground to minimize weeding and mulching.
    • Provide interesting views from windows and porches.
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Perennials

Perennial is the correct term for non-woody plants that die back but re-emerge in the spring. It includes plants often sorted into confusing categories like ‘groundcovers,’ ‘ornamental grasses,’ and ‘flowering plants.’ Perennials require more maintenance early on and less as they mature and fill in the space. They offer more diversity than other plants.

  • Like shrubs, perennial maintenance is minimized by planting to completely cover the ground. Plant selection relative to size and nutrient requirements is equally important to minimize maintenance.
  • Plant perennials in masses to increase the drama of features and simplify weeding. Plant multiple species of perennials to maintain constant blooming and interest.
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Lawn

Iconic of the American landscape, lawns symbolized wealth and influence for early Americans. While lawns serve as important spaces for play, gathering and relaxation, they also have major environmental, economic and resource consequences. Most people would prefer not to sink large amounts of money and time into the care of large lawns. Almost no one wants to use chemicals that could compromise the health of their family, pets, surrounding nature and clean water for a perfect lawn. Taking this into consideration along with how much lawn is required to fit the needs of your family is imperative to enjoying your house and landscape.

  • Size your lawn to family needs to avoid excess maintenance and expense.
  • Avoid lawn in areas that can’t be used for activities. Eliminate hard to mow slopes and replace lawn with low shrubs and perennials.
  • Select the right type of lawn grass to limit mowing, fertilizer and chemicals.
  • Consider organic lawn maintenance alternatives.
  • Don’t try to grow lawn under trees. Lawn stunts the growth of small trees and won’t tolerate the shade or water demands of large trees.
  • Perform soil tests every other year, adjusting nutrient applications until you reach the desired levels. At that point stop all nutrient application. Applying lime every fall when not needed has a negative impact on other plants and costs more than soil testing. Excess nitrogen runs off to the river causing algae growth thereby reducing the value and beauty of the river and fouling drinking water sources.
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Edibles and Annuals

The value of growing food cannot be overstated. Rewards come in the form of health, economics, education, beauty and enjoyment. Annuals offer a way to bring ornamental plants to small areas for short bursts of flowers for appearance and cutting.

  • Edibles can fit in any sized landscape with options ranging from a single pot of lettuce to a fruit tree or a series of raised beds.
  • Most edibles require full or nearly full sun for the best growth.
  • Soil requirements for edibles vary widely and should be consider with any edible planting.
  • Raised beds, supports for growth, fences for animal deterrence, and other garden elements can be designed to be beautiful as well as functional so that edibles create both a productive and beautiful landscape.
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