Importance of Site Assessment© Georgeann Hall
Feb 10, 1999
Improperly evaluating a site is one of the most common problems seen in today's landscapes. 20 year old yews or arborvitae crowd entranceways and block windows. Silver maples, considered a weed tree by many, and towering spruces in various stages of decline, adorn many residential properties. Once attractive, euonymus and pieris have fallen prey to the numerous pests which plague them. A homeowner tries in vain to grow rhododendrons near his house, while his neighbor's plants thrive. Why? Choosing plants for the landscape or garden should always include a little research. The area must be assessed thoroughly and conditions such as sun, wind, soil, property use, the presence of overhead power lines or underground pipes, and all other factors which may affect plant growth must be noted. When selecting plants for a foundation planting, be aware of that plant's adult size. Also, make certain your soil is suitable for a particular plant. Many rhododendron plantings fail due to improper siting. If you must have a rhododendron, and your site is sunny and exposed, then look for cultivars like 'Nova Zembla' which have been bred for such conditions. Pay close attention to soil preparation! Many gardeners like to dig a hole and fill it with bagged topsoil or fine compost which can spell certain death for rhododendrons and other shallow rooted plants. The common flowering dogwood is a lovely tree that has caused heart aches for more than one gardener. Dogwoods are a forest understory tree, which means they have adapted to living and flourishing in the cool, moist soil and dappled shade beneath larger trees. In their desire to have part of the forest at home, homeowners plant dogwoods anywhere they have the space. Unfortunately, that space is usually exposed to full sun,heat and drying winds. The dogwoods begin to decline, and may even die the first season. But others hang on,sometimes for many years, looking pathetic the whole time. Insects and disease attack the stressed dogwoods, and branch by branch, they die, until they are finally removed A sad fate for such a lovely sylvan wonder. If you don't have the knowledge to conduct a site assessment, then find someone who does. The local garden center is a good starting point, as is your county extension office. And it never hurts to do a little reading and of course, do surf the web!
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