Creating an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable commercial landscape in regions like Frederick, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore Counties entails carefully selecting trees and shrubs. This guide will help you choose plant species that are both beautiful and disease-resistant, ensuring a robust and thriving outdoor environment.
Importance of Choosing Appropriate Trees and Shrubs
The choice of vegetation in your landscape affects more than just its visual appeal. Selecting suitable trees and shrubs can enhance your outdoor spaces’ overall health and durability, minimizing maintenance and enhancing the landscape’s beauty and functionality.
Recommended Trees for Maryland Landscapes
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): Renowned for its distinct, fan-shaped leaves and vibrant fall colors, the Ginkgo tree is both pest and disease-resistant, bringing a historical elegance to any setting.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Famous for its brilliant red autumn foliage, the Red Maple is adaptable and resistant to many diseases, making it a visually striking addition.
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera): Distinguished by its height and unique tulip-like flowers, the Tulip Tree combines beauty with resilience.
American Holly (Ilex opaca): This evergreen features shiny leaves and bright berries, offering year-round visual interest and excellent disease resistance.
Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata): With its attractive bark and vase-shaped canopy, this tree is ideal for landscapes due to its low maintenance needs and disease resistance.
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua): The star-shaped leaves and stunning fall colors make the Sweetgum a favorite for adding seasonal flair.
Shrubs and Companion Plants
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.): Pair with ferns, hostas, and spring bulbs for a breathtaking spring display of vibrant blooms.
Boxwood (Buxus spp.): Great for structured hedges, complement well with lavender, rosemary, and hydrangea.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.): Their large, colorful blooms are ideal for adding a splash of color, with changing hues depending on soil pH.
Lilac (Syringa spp.): Known for their delightful fragrance and stunning blooms, they pair beautifully with peonies and tulips.
Rose (Rosa spp.): A symbol of classic beauty, thrive alongside aromatic plants like lavender and catmint.
Spirea (Spiraea spp.): Offers vibrant flowers and complements perennials like daylilies and coneflowers.
Guidelines for Selecting Trees and Shrubs
Climate Zone Suitability: Choose plants that are appropriate for your specific USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure they thrive.
Soil and Sunlight Needs: Match the specific needs of each plant with your landscape’s conditions to avoid growth issues.
Maintenance Considerations: Opt for species that align with your maintenance capabilities and availability.
Planning for Growth: Account for the mature size of the plants to prevent overcrowding and promote a healthy growth environment.
Conclusion
By selecting suitable trees and shrubs, you can cultivate a visually stunning but also enduring and manageable landscape. Remember each plant’s specific requirements to ensure a flourishing commercial space in Maryland. Ready to transform your landscape into a vibrant and sustainable environment? Contact EOS Outdoor Services today at 410-648-2820. Our expert team is equipped to handle all your landscaping needs, from design through maintenance. Let us help you create an outdoor space that looks great and is poised for long-term health and beauty.