Trees in the Landscape

A single tree can be the most basic element of a landscape, but also has the greatest potential to influence a site. Selecting a tree and its placement needs some thought, because a decision made today can create benefits and challenges in the future.

When selecting a tree we need to determine its function in the landscape. What are we trying to achieve by planting this tree in this location? How large will it grow? Does it need to keep its leaves in the winter? Does it need to flower? What about fruit and seeds, will they create an maintenance problem? And, how adaptable is the tree to its environment?

Trees can provide shade, they can hide the undesirable view, they can frame and enhance the outdoor living space, and a tree can direct us from one place to another.

So, before you plop a tree down on each side of the yard, at the very least, think about what you are doing.

A Dallas Landscape Japanese Style

This week Garrison Gardens completed the final touches on a contemporary Japanese garden in the Dallas Prestonwood area. The landscape relied heavily on traditional Japanese garden elements but were simple and bold to introduce a modern look that required lower maintenance.

Vertical living elements include Tanyosho Pine, Weeping Bald Cypress, Weeping Yaupon Holly, and 4 varieties of Japanese Maple. I also introduced some Basalt Columns and Slim Vase Fountains for vertical features.

An Oklahoma chop stone border with random Mossy Boulder inserts separate the lawn from the planted spaces. Within these planted spaces include shrubs like Spreading Plum Yew, Variegated Pittosporum, Japanese Spirea, Autumn Rouge Azalea, Cast Iron Plant, Gold Dust Aucuba, Japanese Cleyera, Japanese Holly Fern, and Chinese fringe Loropetalum.

Drip Irrigation was used throughout the project to create a water efficient landscape.

Willow Bend remodel in Plano, Texas

Here we have a home in a Willow Bend neighborhood in Plano, Tx. The homeowner was in the process of remodeling the inside of their home and wanted to update the curb appeal.

The existing landscape was overgrown and tired. We began fresh by removing nearly all of the existing landscape elements. Because the mature Live Oaks were limiting the sunlight, some areas of the lawn were thin and bare. By incorporating the trees into the landscape beds we were able to creatively overcome this challenge.

The landscape sprinkler system was updated with Line Source Drip Irrigation that will save water, and eliminate water damage on the woodwork. Plant materials such as Spreading Plum Yew, Japanese Maple, Gold Dust Aucuba, Carissa and dwarf Yaupon Holly, Variegated Liriope, Moon Bay Nandina, and Pittosporum were selected to thrive in the mixed light conditions. A border of Oklahoma chopstone and Mossy Boulders ties everything together.

Allen, Tx Swimming Pool Landscape

The owners of this Allen, Texas residence contacted Garrison Gardens to explore some landscape design ideas and develop a plan that could be completed in phases. This property featured some unique challenges being situated on a corner lot with an alley on the east side. The easement to the back of the property limited the depth of the planting beds.

One of the first needs discussed was some shade and screening along the west fence line. We designed a mixed tree line consisting of Red Oak and Crape Myrtle, with a planted bed underneath. The initial phase addressed the trees with the landscape bed designated to a later phase. The plantings around the swimming pool were also assigned to the initial installation. We selected shrubs and ornamental trees that would thrive in the intense west sun. Some of the plant material selected included Knock Out Rose, Silverado Texas Sage, Indian Hawthorn, Vitex, and Salvia.

We also worked on phase one for the front yard and that will be shown in a later post.

Plano, Texas Backyard Patio and Landscape

This Plano, Texas backyard landscape and patio began with the design process by contacting Garrison Gardens earlier this year. The homeowners knew that they wanted a larger patio with a fountain, updated landscape plantings, and a healthy lawn. Sunlight and shade played an important role in this landscape plan.

Most of the remaining lawn was thin fescue or perennial ryegrass, the bermuda grass disappeared long ago. The homeowners wanted a patio that projected out into the backyard but were not sure what type of material to construct the patio. Natural flagstone, stamped or patterned concrete, broom finished concrete, and aggregate were considered, but they ultimately decided on Pavestone pavers.

The overall goal was to create more usable patio space, a pleasant. flowing, low maintenance shade garden, with a St. Augustine lawn. The landscape edging was constructed from the same material used in the patio construction which helped unify the project.

Crape Myrtles

The Crape Myrtle is probably the most identifiable plant in Dallas. A native to southern Asia, it has adapted well to the North Texas landscape. But, as popular is the Crape Myrtle, most people do not know how to selectthe proper variety and maintain a Crape Myrtle for their landscape.

First of all, the mature size and growth habit need to be considered. Mature heights can range between 24 inches to 30 feet or more. So, if your intension is to maintain a height of 8'-10', please do not select a variety that can grow twice that size. Too often, you will see that scenario end up with a butchered pruning job that requires attention each spring.

The varieties that were traditionally grown in the nursery industry has changed. Faurei hybrids ( a cross between the south Asian(Lagerstroemia indica) and Japanese varieties (Lagerstroemia fauriei)) are now more widely grown. Most of these are the largest growing varieties and the nursery growers like these because many are naturally Powdery Mildew resistant and can grow very quickly, as much as 6 feet in a season. This helps them make more money and produce a product that looks better at the retail level. The problem is most yards are getting smaller and they require an ornamental tree that is smaller in scale.

Varieties such as 'Pink Velour' and 'Sioux' grow smaller and tend to be scaled to most suburban home sites better than large varieties like 'Bashams Party Pink', and 'Natchez'.

One of the best internet sites I have found relating to crape myrtle information is produced by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Dallas

A McKinney Cul-de-Sac

This McKinney home was purchased by a long time customer. This home's unusual lot sits in a cul-de-sac, with the left side facing into the circle. The existing landscape is overgrown and needs to go.

Garrison Gardens completed this project last fall in late September. The first three photos illustrate a section of the landscape before we started, after completion in the fall, and the same bed six months later in the spring. There is something about a winter's sleep that makes a new landscape just jump.

Of course, our premium bed preparation is key to this phenomenal growth, tilling in Canadian Peat Moss, expanded shale, and a Mycorrhizae fungal inoculate. Most of this plant material has doubled in size since its planting half a year ago.