Merrifeld, MN 56465
| 1) Consider the use of skyline
or background trees not only as a setting or frame for the house,
but also to add depth to the landscape. This is the reason taller
trees are most often used to the rear of the property and smaller
ones to the front. 2) For ease of maintenance, use lower growing shrubs under windows,
the effect will be pleasing and more natural if the shrubs reach
their ultimate height naturally, without any pruning or with very
little pruning. |
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| 4) Don't leave so much foundation exposed
that the house will appear barren. On the other hand, don't overpower
the house with a complete planting of shrubs in depth. 5) Plant larger, taller plants or small trees just beyond and slightly to the front from the corners to make the house appear larger and soften the vertical lines of the house. |
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| 6) Plant foundation shrubs far enough apart
so that they can mature naturally. Use a large, sweeping curve for
interest in planning the shrub border. Good design adds interest even
during the coldest days of the year when plants may not be at their
best. During their early growth shrubs may be inter-planted with annuals
for interest. 7) Set shrubs far enough away from the foundation so that the plant may grow naturally on all sides. Check the drip line of the eaves and avoid planting where shrubs may get bombarded by water falling off the roof. 8) Allow ample planting space around the entire house, if at all possible. And, if possible, keep necessary walks three to four feet from the foundation. 9) Deciduous trees do a fine job of cooling your house in summer and admitting light in the winter. 10) There are usually three strategic areas of the house that need shade; namely the southeast, southwest and northwest corners. Plant trees at least one-third of their ultimate spread away from the foundation. 11) Orient the shade to the setting sun in your local area. In other words, since the sun reaches its farthest north location during the warmest months, shade trees on the northwest corner should be so located as to give shade in a particular area (a patio, for example) at the time of day when shade will be most needed. 12) Avoid tall plantings in the parkway or toward the intersection of corner lots. Many local ordinances prohibit tall plantings or parkways. However, a ground cover or a low shrubs effect may be desirable to add depth. 13) Low porches that are only a step or two above the ground usually do not need to be bordered by shrubs. Often a ground cover or very low growing shrubs will provide the softening effect that is needed. |
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| 14) In your planning, be sure to provide
a convenient place for a service area that is screened from general
view by fence, shrubs or vines. 15) If immediate or future needs call for it, be sure to provide adequate play areas for children or pets. 16) If you want a vegetable garden, plan a separate area for it and remember most vegetables grow best in full sun and in rows that run north and south. 17) Keep in mind that some plants require regular attention while others require very little attention. If you are inexperienced, start with a few easy to grow varieties. |
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18) Plan to screen unsightly objects, such as trash cans, clotheslines
and power poles. Use hedges, fences or trellises that can be covered
with vines. |
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