Site Analysis and Plant Selection

Success of landscape plantings depends greatly on site analysis and plant selection. The long-term value of a landscape plant depends on how well it performs in the planting site. Planting site characteristics such as amount of sun or shade, salt spray, exposure, water drainage and soil type must be determined before plants are selected.

The light characteristics of a planting site can be full sun, half-day full sun, indirect light, broken shade, full shade or any light level in between. Ornamental plants can be selected which will grow in almost any sun or shade level around the home.

The amount of light affects rate of photosynthesis, plant water loss, degree of sunscald, and ability to tolerate dry soils and winds. Most plants grown in shade require less irrigation than plants grown in full sun.

Plants protected by trees are less subject to cold injury than those unexposed locations because the tree canopy reduces the radiant heat loss from these plants. Shade during the early morning slows the rate of thaw and can reduce the amount of cold damage.

Plant tolerance of salt water and salt spray is of particular concern to homeowners living in Florida's coastal areas. Plants can be selected that are well-adapted to soils and exposures of coastal areas.

Poor soil drainage may cause roots of some plants to rot while other plants are adapted to wet areas. However, plants recommended for wet areas, which are produced in a well-drained nursery soil, may not be able to withstand the rapid transition. The best solution is to correct the drainage problem by altering surface or subsurface drainage patterns with tiles, land forms, etc.

A soil test should be completed before landscape plants are selected. Select plants that are adapted to the existing soil type rather than amending or changing soil conditions to suit a particular type of plant.

Good landscape design requires that landscape plants be used to serve a definite function. Plants should improve the appearance or usefulness of the home grounds.

Homeowners often select plants with unusual characteristics. A limited number of plants with unusual colors or growth habits can be used effectively in the landscape, but their location must be skillfully planned.

Some plants in retail outlets are tagged according to grades and standards as established by the Florida Division of Plant Industry. A plant graded as a Florida Fancy is an exceptionally healthy and vigorous plant that is very well-shaped, heavily branched and densely foliated. A Florida No. 1 grade is a healthy vigorous plant which is well-shaped, well-branched and well- foliated. The Florida No. 2 is healthy, vigorous, fairly well-shaped, and with fair branching and fair foliage. The lower the grade when purchased the less chance the plant has of being a good one at maturity.

Often plants are not tagged as to grade, and they should be inspected closely. Do not purchase plants with an unhealthy appearance or with weak, poorly formed, scarred, cracked or peeling trunks or branches. Poorly distributed branches usually lead to "leggy" plants and should be avoided. Leaves of abnormal size or excessive yellowing are an indication of a plant health problem. These plants should be examined for insects, diseases and mechanical damage.

The root system of a container grown plant should be well established, however, the plant should not be root-bound. Roots should be distributed throughout the soil and not protruding outside the container or penetrating into the ground. High quality plants suited to your particular site will be easier to maintain and will provide beauty and enjoyment for years to come.