• Specimen or accent: You can use plants as specimens to emphasize a character shrub or an unusully interesting tree. Used sparingly an accent plant can create interest and contrast. Flowering trees are commonly used for accents. Placing a specimen plant or small tree near the homes entrance can draw attention to that area.
• Line: Lines of trees, shrubs and other plants can help carry the home's architectural lines into the landscape. Straight or curved lines of tree plantings can shade parking or play areas or serve as a windbreak. Always select hardy, well-adapted plants to form a line since the visual effect can be spoiled if any of the plants become damaged. Also be sure that the same soil, drainage and sun conditions occur along the entire row since any of these factors will significantly affect the plant.
• Group: Grouping is a relatively natural way to use plants. Placing several trees, shrubs, etc. fairly close together will create a more massive effect. Since plants are often grouped naturally, this is a good method to relate your landscape to the natural environment.
• Mass: The mass is an extension of group planting. In mass plantings the individual plants tend to lose identity. Mass plantings are useful for relating larger buildings to the site since these plantings can be large enough to be in scale.
Selecting, Final Planning, and Purchasing
Landscape professionals can help you choose and locate new trees, shrubs, or ground cover. Share your drawings and tentative ideas with your local nursery or landscape contractor. As long as you have defined intended uses and spaces in which planting is actually possible, a competent nursery or landscape specialist will be able to help you make decisions.
When planting trees, shrubs, hedges, or bushes, find out how large the mature specimen will grow. In all cases, determine spacing by the mature sizes. For those plants close to your house, plan for at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) of extra clearance between the full-grown shrub and the wall of the home. This will prevent heavy pruning or damage to home siding in the future.