LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, January 30

Plant / Environment Miss-Matches

There is no percentage in trying to force plants to grow in places alien to their native preferences. It is much easier to garden hand-in-hand with Mother Nature by matching the landscape plants and the conditions for which they are best suited.

Best never to:

• Plant plants that need full sun in the shade, or vice versa 
• Use plants that need deep, rich, organic soils in compacted sub-soils or in heavy clays 
• Place plants that like moisture in parched, dry, sunny spots
• Try borderline-hardy plants from more southerly regions on top of cold, windy hills 
• Grow alkaline-loving plants in Georgia acidic soils without correction of the pH

Your LandscapExperts at Crabapple are here to offer suggestions and to make yours an Outstanding landscape! 

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, January 23

Inappropriate Plant Placement

So you think you want a Dogwood near your front entrance?  That’s a nice idea, but what if the soil there is heavy clay and the site is in full sun? 

In native environments, Dogwoods are understory trees enjoying cool, organic soils under the shade of taller pines and hardwoods. Rather than forcing a Dogwood to grow in an unsuitable spot, your Crabapple LandscapExperts might suggest a golden Chamaecyparis cripsii that would thrive under the conditions available at the front entrance.

All too frequently people impose untutored ideas on the landscape. The LandscapExperts Team is here to advise you on how to match the plant requirements with the available site. Rely on the expertise of your team of LandscapExperts at Crabapple.

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, January 16

Plants Get Old Too

One of the most common reasons for the decline of trees and shrubs in the landscape is due to old age. Trees and shrubs have average, predictable lifespans. For example, Oaks and Camellias* are long-lived (200+ years!) but Flowering Cherries and Poplars are naturally short-lived (30 years). Stressful urban environments can further shorten the life of a plant. People tend to think that once planted, a woody ornamental shrub or tree will live indefinitely, but this is not the case. 

Plan for routine maintenance and sometimes for rejuvenation pruning, but don’t expect trees and shrubs to have an infinite lifespan.


*Camellias 600 years of age are recorded and centuries-old Oaks :-) 

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, January 9

Quality of Plant Materials

CrabappleLandscapExperts install only healthy, vigorous plants hand-selected from metro-Atlanta area  nurseries.

Bargain plants are often a false economy, rarely reaching their true potential. With a little extra care, the LandscapExperts can coax some neglected or bargain plants to beat the odds and perform well in a community landscape, but the best course of action is to start with the best. 

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, January 2

Re-evaluate a Declining Landscape

The LandscapExperts at Crabapple often advise new clients on the condition of their landscape. Several factors can contribute to the decline of landscape plants.

• Disease 
• Lawn mower or string trimmer “blight"
• Excavation by utility companies
• Curb cuts or paving prep too close to root systems 
• Incorrect plant choices for the specific microclimate

We are happy to recommend Property Managers and HOA Reps on the next steps to take for a breathtaking landscape!