Which "low maintenance" plants can I use in my landscape?

ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question Which “low maintenance” plants can I use in my landscape?

Answer This may not be the million dollar question, but it is the question I hear a million times. Most folks want their landscape to be “low maintenance” and to “look good.” Of course, the problem here is the subjectiveness of these terms (yes I know subjectiveness is not a word).

There is no list of low maintenance plants. Whether a plant has pest problems or not is not subjective. It either does or it does not. On the other hand, pruning choices and plant types (or landscape elements) are very subjective.

There are many shrubs and trees which do not need to be pruned. Placement and size go hand in hand when considering a shrub or tree. Most high maintenance shrubs are simply regular shrubs that were planted in the wrong place. Very few shrubs or trees require constant pruning.

The major maintenance chore is pest management. If a shrub or tree is plagued with insects or diseases, then chemical sprays can become a burden. The good news is there are many more pest resistant plants on the market these days. Fewer plants are being sold which require constant sprays. The exceptions to this rule are some fruit trees. Other than these, most plants do not require scheduled sprays (even roses are getting better).

Insect or disease problems may pop up from time to time, but they should not be part of your annual landscape chores. Weeds are a different tale. If you own land, then you will be battling weeds – end of story.

The key to controlled maintenance is proper design. Spend the time to plan your landscape. Hours spent planning may save days of labor. For example, less time will probably be spent maintaining a bed of perennial flowers than a bed of annual flowers. Therefore, the size of your annual flower beds may need to be reduced in order to minimize maintenance.

If the main function your landscape serves is to be low maintenance, then it will probably be pretty boring. There are hundreds of functions your landscape can accomplish. You may not mind the maintenance if you are gaining an outside room, a wildlife sanctuary, a ball field or a visitor guide.

Sometimes the best laid plans may have oversights. A plant may be picked that has perennial problems. In this case, replacement may be the best solution. Continuous reevaluation of your physical chores versus your landscape’s function may be the key to peace of mind.

Low needs to be defined by each homeowner. Most folks mean “no” when they say low. There is maintenance involved with any type of landscape. Even structures like concrete walkways have maintenance associated with them. Obviously, there is less maintenance with a concrete walkway than a 40 acre Bermuda grass lawn, but everything has to be maintained in some way.

For more low maintenance ideas, visit http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1703.htm

If you don’t have internet access, call me at 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

A low maintenance landscape would go great with a low maintenance car, job, health plan or spouse. Can you see how these are subjective? None of them are “no” maintenance, but all of them should “look good.” Right?

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent

Harnett County