Understanding Plant Care In Northern Meadows
At Northern Meadows, we have a variety of plant types in our landscaping, each with distinct needs and care requirements. It’s important to understand the differences between native plants, and evergreen plants or ornamental plants, as these differences influence the care they receive and why plants don’t always appear perfectly manicured.
1. Native Plants
What are Native Plants? Native plants are species that naturally occur in our region and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Examples of native plants in our area include Chamisa, Apache Plumes, Russian Sage, and Blue Mist Spirea. These plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal care once established.
Care Needs for Native Plants Native plants generally have low water and maintenance needs, making them an ideal choice for landscaping. They typically need annual pruning to maintain their natural shape, particularly after flowering or during the growing season to remove dead or damaged growth. They are also pruned minimally to avoid stressing the plant. Pruning is usually done once a year in spring or after flowering.
2. Evergreen Plants & Ornamental Plants
Some plants, such as ornamental and evergreen varieties, require more frequent trimming and maintenance compared to native shrubs. This is because these plants are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, and to maintain their desired appearance, they need regular pruning throughout the growing season. For example, ornamental plants like Roses and Lavenders may require deadheading, shaping, and thinning to keep them looking neat and healthy. Evergreen plants, while less demanding than ornamental varieties, still need trimming to maintain their shape and remove dead or damaged branches, typically done in early spring.
Horticultural Best Practices: The landscaping contractor in Northern Meadows follows best horticultural practices, which involve ensuring plants are pruned and cared for in ways that promote their natural growth and health.
Best practices include:
- Pruning According to Plant Type: Plants are pruned based on their species’ specific needs. For example, ornamental plants may be pruned more frequently, while native plants require minimal pruning to preserve their natural shape.
- Minimizing Stress: Pruning should never remove more than a third of a plant’s growth in a single season, as over-pruning can damage the plant.
- Seasonal Considerations: Pruning should be done during the correct season for each plant type, ensuring the plant is in its optimal growth phase and minimizing the risk of damage.
Why Do Plants Appear To Not Be Perfectly Manicured All the Time? Because each type of plant has different care requirements, not all plants will appear perfectly manicured all the time. Native plants, for example, require less frequent maintenance to maintain their natural, rugged appearance. On the other hand, ornamental plants may require more frequent trimming for a neat, tidy look. Homeowners can request special trimming services for any plant if they desire a more manicured appearance or specific care needs outside of the standard pruning schedule. The landscaping contractor will respond to these requests as necessary.
This section helps clarify the different types of plants in the community, why their care varies and serves as a guide for homeowners who are seeking information. It also clarifies that maintaining a natural, healthy landscape often means not every plant will be perfectly manicured all the time, and that special requests through a landscaping ticket are welcome for those who prefer more meticulous trimming.