It may seem that the gardening season has come to a close, but it’s the perfect time to regenerate next year’s landscape with potentially the most valuable and versatile resource in your garden — trees and shrubs.

As prominent features in your garden, they give structure to the landscape and serve as effective backdrops, foundation plantings, hedgerows and privacy screens. Trees and shrubs not only infuse the area with dynamic distinction, they also contribute to the landscape’s overall design. From petite patio trees to towering specimens, and creeping dwarf shrubs to treelike giants, every tree and shrub sets the mood with its unique character, whether that be a stature of elegance, dainty and delicate, wispy and carefree, or hauntingly beautiful.

This time of year, many in this group also bring an added element of attraction by dazzling us with an unexpected display of showy blooms, colorful fruit or textural seed heads. These elements are attractive to more than just the human eye as they also attract birds and butterflies with sources of food as well as cozy shelter and safe places to perch.

Planting in fall and winter has benefits. Plentiful rains generally take care of the watering while plants are getting established. Also, many deciduous trees and shrubs are entering or have already entered their dormancy, causing their respiration rate and nutritional needs to slow to a minimum. And since growth comes to a halt in the upper branches, the plant can devote its energy to growing a stronger root system, which will ultimately support better foliage growth in spring.

Shorter days and cooler temperatures also mean that in addition to container-grown plants, B&B (balled-and-burlapped) and bare-root plants are also available for planting.

For guaranteed attraction for years to come, choose plants that are compatible with your yard’s specific soil type, water and light conditions. Be sure that the tree or shrub you select will not overwhelm the allotted space; depending on its ultimate height, spread and growth habit, it may eventually expand into a widespread canopy of shade or grow into a soaring specimen too big for your yard.

Call John Helmke at (845) 398-2300 for a free consultation.  Consultations can be scheduled whenever it’s convenient for you.  They can help with planning and answer all your questions.