Landscape Failure Why Some Landscapes Thrive and Others Fail

A landscape is an integrated system made up of grass, trees,
rocks, flowers and shrubs along with mowing, mulching, pest
control, fertilizing and watering. All the pieces of this nature
puzzle work together with each other. Mistakes in one area can
cause issues and problems in another. Technology and our
environment continue to push the boundaries of the way landscapes
are designed, used and maintained.

Xeriscape, mirco-irrigation, high tech slow release fertilizers
and new plant varieties capable of doing well in a wide array of
conditions continue to make management easier and more cost
effective, if they are understood.

One example is a trend toward the use of native plants in the
landscape. Natives are a great way to lower the cost of landscape
maintenance. However, for these natives to do well they need a
native environment. Not one where the bobcat or bulldozer has
destroyed the under story or piled up mounds of soil on the root
system.

Natives require a balance to do well. This reaches all the way
down to a root system, which may no do as well when faced with
excess water from runoff of the foundation, or compacted soil.

Many new home landscapes find themselves fighting a battle with
the building contractor skimping on the landscaping all in an
effort to keep the cost in line. With county and city codes only
requiring minimum plant material, most landscaping comes down
to two inexpensive small caliper trees, a few bushes planted near
the front door, a lawn of cheap grass cows would not even eat and
no irrigation system in the picture.

The do it yourself (DIY) home landscaper can face similar issues
of landscape failure if they do not pay attention to a few
landscape design guidelines. Some landscape problems do not show
up for years, but being aware of them can save time and
aggravation

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planting your landscape.

- Do not plant grass on slopes or in narrow strips. It makes
watering difficult.

- Use healthy and actively growing plants and not root bound
ones. Root bound plants can stunt plant growth.

- When planting trees dig a good hole for planting but do not
plant them too deep, roots may suffocate.

- When planting trees keep them a safe distance from the house pool
or foundation. The roots of the tree can grow up against the
foundation and cause damage. Also trees planted too close to a
home can block visibility and as the tree matures branches can
rub up against the walls, roof and painted surfaces.

- Nailing supports into the tree or palm can create entry points
and conditions ripe for plant disease.

- Planting in locations where the soil drains poorly

- Putting flowerbeds and shrubs on the same irrigation zone as
grass can cause over watering of shrubs and flowers.

In general many landscapes never succeed because of improper
planning, design, installation and finally maintenance. With
water restrictions and drought conditions around the country,
tough times can be ahead for lawns and landscapes without proper
preparation. Practicing good landscape management practices will
still deliver and overcome environmental issues a landscape and
homeowner may face.

Thomas Fryd offers his experienced insight at http://www.Plant-Care.com and shared some pool landscape ideas giving readers a look into the world of outdoor landscape and pools.