Uses
Besides the visual qualities that plants possess, they provide many other functions within the landscape. Plants can be used to create outdoor spaces, stabilize steep slopes, screen unsightly views and modify the exposure to wind and sun. Additionally, plants provide ecological benefits by cleansing the air, modify air temperatures, preventing erosion and providing habitat for birds and animals.
- Creation of Outdoor Spaces: Similar to the walls, ceilings and floors of a house, plants can provide the same functions in the creation of an outdoor room. The establishment of the vertical, overhead and ground plane can be shaped by plant size and form.
The vertical plane can be created multiple ways through the use of plant materials. Tree trunks visually provide the “walls” of an outdoor space. Their spacing and size contributes to feeling of enclosure within the space. Large trees, spaced close to each other produce a greater sense of an enclosure then smaller trees spaced further apart. Foliage profoundly influences the vertically of a space. Foliage on a plant that is more densely spaced and larger in size creates a greater feeling of enclosure than foliage sparsely spaced on a plant. Additionally, seasonal change influences the vertical enclosure of a space. Deciduous plants may provide enclosure in the summer, however after their leaves drop; the space is vertically open in character. A space defined by evergreen plants will remain the same throughout the year.
The canopy and foliage, of a tree creates the “ceiling” of an outdoor space. Variables that affect the overhead plane of a space, includes seasonal change, the habit or form and spacing of the trees used. If the desired outcome of a space is to create a strong sense of overhead enclosure, with limited views to the sky above, select large canopy trees with dense foliage and plant relatively close to each other.
Lastly, the ground plane or “floor” can be created through variations in height and materials of low shrubs and groundcovers. Although the creation of outdoor spaces are established through the creation of the vertical and overhead planes, plants used as the ground plane can accentuate and add to the definition of the outdoor room.
 
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- Screening and Privacy: Besides creating outdoor spaces, plants can be used to screen undesirable objects or features within the landscape or be used to create privacy. Because of seasonal change, evergreen plants are the most desirable in fulfilling this objective.
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Click Here for Recommended Plants for Screening and Privacy
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- Street Trees: Street trees provide aesthetic appeal, as well as economic and ecological benefits. Tree-lined streets attract pedestrians and cars tend to drive slower on tree-lined streets. Street trees increase property values and improve the appearance of front yards and storefronts. Additionally, trees improve air quality.
If planting under overhead utility lines, choose street trees that only grow to a maximum height of 20 feet.
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Click Here for Recommended Street Trees
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