From foukeffa.org Written by Patti Hayes Ag Student Texas A&M Landscape Plants From foukeffa.org Written by Patti Hayes Ag Student Texas A&M GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson 01463-2.1 July 2001

Objectives List & describe the 6 shapes of trees. List & describe the 7 shapes of shrubs. Describe the factors that are important in selecting trees or shrubs.

Types of Plants Native – plants that are natural to the area Exotic – Introduced to the area Naturalized – were exotic but have adapted well to the area and now occur naturally

Trees Act as the ceiling for the outdoor living room (yard). Provide Shade

Selecting A Tree Pay attention to: Height of tree How low the branches are to the ground Density of foliage

Pay attention to: Whether the tree is deciduous or evergreen Seasonal color, foliage texture, flower and/or fruit bearing Hardiness

Pay attention to: Ease of transplanting Resistance to Insects or disease

Types of Trees Wide-oval Vase-Shaped Pyramidal Round Columnar Weeping

Wide-oval Much wider than tall Often a small tree Branches low to the ground Works well to frame & screen A focal point plant

Wide-oval

Vase-shaped High, wide-spreading branches Usually gives excellent shade Allows human activity underneath Make excellent street trees

Vase-shaped

Pyramidal Shape is less noticeable as the trees mature Accent plant Large, high branching trees allow human activity beneath

Pyramidal

Round Width & Height are nearly equal Usually Dense Lawn trees Can be to create grove effects If large, can be used to create heavy shade

Round

Columnar Much taller than wide Accent Plant Frames views & structures Useful in formal settings

Columnar

Weeping Very Graceful Attracts the eye (focal point) Screens Not useful if you want to use the lawn underneath the tree

Weeping

Weeping

Shrubs Multistemmed Used as the wall element

Selecting a Shrub Pay attention to: The silhouette of the shrub Its branching structure Size Texture & Density Color Contributions

Pay attention to: Attraction to birds & other wildlife Existing soil conditions Hardiness Resistance to attacks by insects & disease

Types of Shrubs Globular Low & Creeping Spreading Arching Pyramidal Upright & Loose Columnar

Globular As wide as is tall Attracts attention Accent plant Use with a single pyramidal to create a strong eye attraction Does not mass very well.

Globular

Low & Creeping Low growing Much wider than tall Masses well Use to edge sidewalks or cascade over walls Controls erosion

Low & Creeping

Spreading Wider than tall Medium to large shrub Masses well Use at corners of buildings Useful for screening, privacy & traffic control

Spreading

Arching Wider than tall Graceful Softens corners Background for flowers & statues Provides screening

Arching

Pyramidal Taller than wide Attracts attention Usually evergreen Use to mark entries

Pyramidal

Upright & Loose Taller than wide Used for screening & framing Used to soften buildings Can closely space to create privacy

Upright & Loose

Columnar Width about half of height Flat topped & dense Use for hedges if closely placed Mass closely to create a solid wall

Columnar