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Plant Selection and Placement: Doing your homework.
Consider Sun, Shade and Frost - Read the plant tag for sunlight exposure. Whether the exposure is full sun, partial shade, or full shade will determine which plants can grow successfully. Reflected heat from walls may be too extreme for many plants, including some desert natives. Likewise, cold air collects in low areas of your yard, where frost-sensitive plants may be damaged. Height and Width - Another important factor to consider is the eventual height and width of the plant. Visualize what the growth will be in 10 to 15 years. Many trees grow to overpower or even endanger the homes they're near. Shrubs that are placed too close to foundations rub against the exterior walls and cause structural damage. Placing the 'right plant in the right place' will prevent continual maintenance or replacement. Smaller is Sometimes Better - Remember that trees and shrubs can take years to develop into the specimens you see in photographs, and there are some species and varieties that grow faster than others. However, a larger specimen doesn't always guarantee a faster growing plant. Generally a smaller plant will outgrow one from a larger container within a short time span. Plants that grow too quickly may have weak wood, making them vulnerable to wind or storm damage. Soil Conditions and Temperature - Soils in the Southwest are typically alkaline (salty) with a pH of near 8 and a high clay content. The low humidity levels and high air temperatures cause soils to evaporate rapidly here. Look for plants that can tolerate these soil conditions and temperature extremes. |
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