fundamentals of foundation planting

Fundamentals of Foundation Plantings

Work with existing elements in the site. A front garden is usually created within the framework of existing architectural and landscape features. ...
Preserve views of key architectural features. ...
Foliage and flowers enhance house details. ...
Create your planting plan on paper.

How do you plan a foundation for planting?

When designing a foundation planting, it's important to layer the heights of the plants. You want the tallest ones (your anchor plants) in back next to the house, and then layer each row down so that the shortest plants are in the front.

What is a foundation planting?

At the most basic level, foundation plantings are simply beds of plants (often dominated by shrubs) installed along house foundations. The classic style consists of three parts: An entryway planting. Corner plantings. Plantings that bridge the gaps between these.

What can I plant next to my house foundation?

Trees Planted Near a Foundation

Dogwood.
Redbud.
Japanese maple.
Crepe myrtle.
Star magnolia.

How far should plants be from foundation?

As a general rule of thumb, you should plant shrubs by at least half the distance of their mature spread from your house's foundation. For example, if a shrub will grow to be 20 feet wide, you will want it at least 10 feet from your home.

How wide should foundation planting beds be?

Making planting beds too small. Narrow foundation plantings and tiny berms, are dwarfed by the home and look out of scale. Minimum width for a foundation planting on a one story house is 6 to 8 feet. Berms should be in scale to your lot and the plants you are planting in them.

Are hydrangeas good foundation plants?

Hydrangeas as Foundation Plants

Low-maintenance hydrangeas make good foundation plants, with showy flowers that are easily seen even from a distance.

Should you plant shrubs next to House?

Don't: Plant shrubs too close to the house.

Moisture deteriorates exterior cladding – The single biggest issue with regards to shrubbery growing near or on the structure is moisture, which will accelerate deterioration of practically any type of exterior cladding.

Can you plant hydrangeas near House?

Well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, a hydrangea in front-of-house facades, along the front porch or as borders to flower beds brings a wealth of color from spring through fall in much of the country.

Can shrub roots damage Foundation?

All trees, shrubs and plants can essentially cause problems to a home's foundation, structure or plumbing system. However, certain types of trees, shrubs and bushes, like the ones listed above, are more likely to cause damage because of their flexible, shallow or large root systems.

What trees should not be planted close to a house?

Trees known for their rather undesirable qualities, and why you should steer clear of them.

Cottonwood. One of the trees you should avoid having in your backyard is certainly cottonwood. ...
Bradford Pear. ...
Mimosa Tree. ...
Mulberry Tree. ...
Chinese Tallow. ...
Norway Maple. ...
Eucalyptus. ...
Quaking Aspen.

What happens if you plant shrubs too close together?

Shrubs and trees that outgrow their space often have trouble getting the nutrients they need and therefore become more susceptible to pest and disease problems.

Are Hydrangea roots invasive?

Yes, Hydrangea roots are shallow rooted and invasive. When it comes to the roots, Hydrangeas root spreads underground. You need 3 – 10 feet of space between each plant, and the roots can be spread beyond the drip line.

Is it OK to put mulch next to your house?

A common worry for homeowners is the threat that a layer of mulch applied next to a house foundation might draw termites (Isoptera). ... To be on the safe side, leave a 1-foot-wide swath of ground mulch-free all along your foundation and make sure door and window frames do not touch the mulch.

Should I put gravel around my foundation?

Gravel beds around a foundation are safe as long as they do not impede water drainage or keep the adjacent soil too moist, which encourages termites.

Can you plant roses next to a house?

Roses are more susceptible to fungal diseases if there isn't adequate air circulation surrounding them, so plant the roses with adequate space between it and the foundation, and allow space between it and other plantings as well.

What is a good bush to plant in front of a house?

Upright conical evergreen trees and shrubs such as arborvitae, spruces, boxwood, and yews are excellent choices for planting at house corners. Columnar trees can frame the front of your house and accent your other foundation plants.

What are the best low maintenance shrubs?

17 Low-Maintenance Plants and Dwarf Shrubs

Butterfly Bush. Prune these plants by late August, so plants have time to harden off before freezes arrive. ...
Fringe Tree. ...
Coral Bells. ...
Denver Daisy. ...
Ninebark. ...
Contoneaster. ...
Purple Pixie. ...
Agapanthus.

Should flower bed be higher than lawn?

The best way to make planting beds is to keep the soil at or below the original level. Beside the sidewalk it should be 3 inches below the level of the sidewalk so that mulch can be added. Being lower than the lawn grass also works better than being too high.

What month do hydrangeas flower?

Shrubs like hydrangeas flower from mid to late summer on the previous year's growth. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas will bloom satisfactorily with little attention, but regular pruning encourages new, vigorous growth that can produce a better display.

Do Hydrangeas like coffee grounds?

Coffee Grounds are great for Hydrangeas, Camillias and Roses! Don't throw out those used coffee grounds. There are lots of ways to put them use in your garden. And more to the point, there are certain plants, such as hydrangeas, Camellias and roses that just love them!

What looks nice with hydrangeas?

Plant groundcovers, bulbs or both under your hydrangeas. Purple Pixie® Loropetalum works well as a groundcover, and adds a nice pop of purple foliage, which will complement the both the leaves and blooms of the hydrangeas.