Disasters happen when we don’t use the right plant in the right place. Now is the time to be finalizing those important decisions about what you are planning to do in your landscape this spring. It is a real shame when, after years invested, we find that the plant we have been watching develop into a good specimen is going to be too big to stay where it is located.

Trees and shrubs have different growth habits that are unique to each variety and it is important to understand how big they will become and how fast they grow. When you look around the area and see so many overgrown plants that are growing over windows and under power lines it is evident that many people are purchasing plants with little good advice or no understanding of how the plants they are planting will grow.

Purchases from mail order catalogs, box or other bargain stores provide little or no information to help the consumer with how the plants grow or how large they can become. It is important to know the characteristics of plants that are being purchased so they are compatible with the area where it is going to develop into a mature plant.

When we drive around the area looking at the surroundings we often notice how trees are butchered under or near utility lines. See the photo showing how this spruce tree was literally cut in half vertically. Why? Because the tree was planted in the right-of-way and very near to the power lines. In most cases the power lines are installed before properties are developed and homes are present. Trees, especially evergreen varieties like spruce, pines and shade trees need to have plenty of room to grow because the can get very large, up to 40’ or 50’ tall and 15’- 30’ wide. These trees make excellent wind breaks or screening for privacy but most of them get big and plenty of room must be available for them to grow. This is also true of shrubs that are planted in an area that does not allow them to develop properly. In just a few short years it becomes necessary to start chopping them back so they don’t cover a sidewalk or grow up over a window.

It is true that our landscapes are continually changing and that is the fun and challenge of working with plants. It is important to understand the characteristics of these beautiful puzzle pieces so we can be successful when we use them to beautify our surroundings. So when you begin to plant a new area of renovate some of the plantings in your landscape, stop, and do the necessary research and seek help from your local garden center or landscape designer, when it is necessary, to be sure you have considered all the variables. When we use the right plant in the right place everyone lives happily ever after.

If you have questions that are unanswered go to www.meadowview.com or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Meadow View Growers

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