Sometimes the secret to a lush, beautiful outdoor landscape is knowing what not to do. Here are some plants you should avoid planting in your front yard.
Bradford pear
This plant is common in the South but, unless you live on a huge piece of property, this plant is too big for the typical yard. It grows 50 feet high and 40 feet wide. You definitely want to avoid planting these trees anywhere near permanent structures or power lines, because they will eventually need to be cut back to avoid causing damage. Surface roots and dense shade prevent grass from growing beneath it, and a weak branching structure makes it prone to storm damage—potentially bad news for your home or business, considering its potential to grow to gargantuan sizes.
Redtip photinia
Also planted throughout the South, this plant grows quickly and can reach 15 feet in both height and width. That is too big for the front of most houses, which means it must be sheared and maintained on a regular basis. More pruning, however, results in new growth that is very susceptible to a devastating plant disease called Entomosporium leaf spot. This disease has to be treated by regularly spraying with a fungicide—or else you will have a large, unsightly dead plant in your front yard.
Leyland cypress
Another monster plant; this one can reach more than 70 feet in height while spreading out to 15 feet wide. Did we also mention it can grow at least 3 feet per year? This giant plant also is vulnerable to disease—specifically, a fungus called seridium canker that can be potentially fatal and kills trees from the top down. Drought encourages the development of the disease.
Privet
The privet is an invasive, weedy plant that grows very quickly and needs to be trimmed often before it chokes out other, more desirable nearby plants in your landscape. Its white flowers produce blackberries that can attract hordes of birds. The birds then spread the berry seeds, creating more privets. The flowers also have a very sweet odor that is known to aggravate allergy sufferers.
While these trees are gorgeous, and can provide a beautiful feature to your property, just be sure to plant them in the appropriate space. If you have a rather small landscape, you may want to opt for smaller trees or ones that do not grow quite as large. If you need assistance in selecting the most appropriate trees and shrubs for your landscape, reach out to the experts at Promier Landscapes. Our technicians can help you design an outdoor oasis that utilizes your space, and keeps your surrounding structures safe from overgrown trees or falling branches. Whether you need help throughout the entire phase from planning, designing, to maintaining your landscape or only need help planting and designing, Promier Landscapes can help!
Professional landscapers in Kingsport
Promier Landscapes combines expertise and knowledge while incorporating your ideas, to design a magnificent outdoor space for your enjoyment. To schedule a consultation, give us a call today at (423) 872-2988. Promier Landscapes serves clients in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, Tennessee.