One of the biggest things that separate a truly memorable property from an ordinary-looking landscape is the selection of plants. If you are a property owner that loves to take landscaping into your own hands, you probably already know just how important it is to select the right plants. There are so many different plants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to make a final decision. On the other hand, the diversity in plants also can help you find exactly what you are looking for to make your landscape dreams come true.

Before you start adding new plants to your landscape, it is crucial to make some important considerations. The last thing you want as a landscaper is to set yourself up for failure by avoiding the work and research needed to choose the best plants for your own unique outdoor area. We want you to always have the knowledge needed to successfully add plants to your landscaping, which is why we’ve prepared the following article which details 4 important considerations for adding plants to your landscape.

This article is brought to you by Cal Blend Soils, the leading supplier of landscaping products in California. Reach out to Cal Blend Soils today if you are interested in learning more about how our great landscaping supplies can take your property to new heights.

1. How Much Maintenance Will the Plant Need?

One of the first things you should ask yourself before choosing a plant to add to your landscaping is how much maintenance will be required to keep it healthy and growing. There are plants that are high-maintenance that will require your attention almost every single day, while others are much easier to take care of. It’s important that you are honest with yourself when making this consideration because you don’t want to add a plant that you won’t be able to properly care for.

Think through things like fertilizing, watering, and pruning before you make any decisions. The more you know about the specific requirements of a plant, the better suited you will be to make the right decision for your property. If you are someone that has the time and energy to head outdoors and prune your plants, adjust watering habits, and stay focused on specific areas of your property, you can pretty much go with any plants. Just make sure you are committed to working hard if you decide to choose a high-maintenance plant.

2. Native vs. Non-Native Plants

Another important thing to consider before you decide on a specific plant type for your property is if it is native to your region or not. This is important because when you choose a plant that is native to your area, you are giving yourself a much higher chance of success. Keep in mind that every region has different plants that are native to the area. These plants thrive under the specific condition in your area, so you are giving them a great chance at growing in healthy if you choose native plants for your property.

Non-native plants can work in your landscaping, but you will need to be prepared for a variety of different outcomes. Non-native plants might require special attention and care, especially if they are struggling to establish their root system. Make sure you do the research to figure out whether or not a plant is native or non-native in your area before you decide to add it to your property.

3. Soil Quality

What many beginner landscapers and gardeners fail to realize is that a plant will only grow with the right soil conditions. That means if your soil is lacking certain nutrients in it, a plant might not necessarily be able to grow. It can really pay off to research a plant type and the type of soil it needs to flourish. For example, some plants prefer acidic soil while others need high levels of moisture in the soil.

One of the best ways to determine the qualities of your soil is to perform a soil test. This will let you know exactly what your soil is composed of and whether or not you need to add anything to it in order to improve the condition for your incoming plants. Landscaping products like mulch, topsoil, and soil amendments are great options if you want to change the quality of your soil and add specific nutrients. Reach out to Cal Blend Soils today if you need help with a soil test or are interested in purchasing landscaping supplies to improve the quality of your soil.

4. Growth Qualities of the Plant

If you want to make sure a plant is a good fit for your property, another important consideration to make is how fast it will grow. It is crucial to make this consideration before adding a plant to your landscape because you don’t want to add a plant that outgrows the space you had planned for it. For example, some trees will grow at extremely rapid rates and end up crowding your property.

Try to consider things like how long it will take to get to the size you anticipate, what the biggest size is for the species, and how many years it will continue increasing in size. These questions are a great way to avoid planting something that might end up being too large for your property.

Plant with Purpose

We all recognize just how much value plants can add to a landscape. When you choose the right plants, your property will be blossoming with life and your curb appeal will improve greatly. Make sure you keep the considerations mentioned above in mind before you make any final decisions on what to plant. Reach out to Cal Blend Soils if you have any questions about choosing the right plants for your property or if you are interested in exploring our selection of top-quality landscaping supplies.