What to look for in a plant:
-
Plants well adapted to your environmental
conditions
- A
plant that when full grown will fit
into the space provided
- Pest-resistant species
- Roots
and crown free of rot, galls, wounds
- Roots not kinked or circling the
main roots
- Roots that aren't compacted or too
small
- Good overall plant appearance
- A tree
trunk that has not been headed back
or topped
- A trunk without wounds
that can stand without being staked
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Choosing plants
Choose plants that will be well suited to local conditions. Determine the physical properties of the soil where you plan to plant. Learn which plants tolerate local soil conditions and choose from among those species and varieties. If necessary, aerate and amend the soil and provide adequate drainage.
Landscape plant species vary in their climatic adaptation. Choose plants that thrive within the water limitations and overall climate in your area. Choose plants that can tolerate the coldest and hottest conditions expected in your area. Too much or too little sunlight causes the foliage of susceptible species to discolor, die, and drop. Excess heat, or light that converts to heat when it contacts surfaces, causes cracked and sunken bark, which can promote wood-boring insects, bark cankers, and decay fungi.
Choose good-quality stock and avoid planting species or varieties known to be prone to serious problems in your area. Group together plants having compatible growth characteristics and similar needs for irrigation and other cultural care. |
