Five Low Maintenance Trees For Your Commercial Landscape
Although it's important that commercial property is attractive and well-kept, one of the last things commercial property owners want is high maintenance landscaping. Because trees are the focal point of most commercial landscaping, making the right selections for your individual needs and preferences is essential. Following are five of the best low maintenance-yet-attractive trees for your consideration.
Crape Myrtle
If you like showy summer flowers but don't like the heavy water and fertilizer requirements usually associated with flowing trees, consider planting Crape Myrtles on your commercial property. You'll get a midsummer floral show when other flowering trees have passed their bloom season, and Crape Myrtles need so little watering that they survive and even thrive in drought conditions. Crape Myrtles only need light pruning to retain their attractive shapes. Although they make excellent specimen trees, Crape Myrtles present a stunning appearance when planted in rows.
Kousa Dogwood
Kousa Dogwood performs well when planted next to concrete surfaces such as parking lots and sidewalks, making it an especially good option for commercial landscaping projects. They grow best in full sun exposures but can tolerate some shade. Naturally, pest and disease resistant, they require little in the way of maintenance -- just keep the area around the trunk well-mulched so that the tree's rather shallow root system won't be harmed by edgers or lawn mowers. Kousa Dogwoods bloom in spring with a profuse showing of small, star-shaped bracts. In autumn, their bright red foliage is outstanding. Kousa Dogwood trees are slow growing and rarely reach over 25 feet in height. This tree is a favorite of those who live in areas where deer commonly roam because deer don't seem to like it. It's not fussy about soils and will thrive pretty much anywhere as long as the soil has good drainage.
Katsura
Although flowers produced in spring by Katsura trees are small and insignificant, their autumn foliage more than makes up for it. Katsura fall foliage ranges from lemon yellow to scarlet, often with the colors of the leaves on the same tree varying wildly, creating a magnificent seasonal display. These trees need average summer watering, only occasional pruning, and are almost entirely pest and disease free. Although they're sometimes planted as a patio or specimen tree, they're at their best when used as street trees planted in rows.
Paperback Maple
Paperback maples are excellent choices for those whose commercial property is located in an area where high wind storms are a factor. You won't get much blowdown from this sturdy tree. Pest and diseases are so rare as to be nonexistent in Paperback Maples, and unlike many other maples, it doesn't reach great heights -- at most, this tree will max out at 30 feet. Fall foliage is attractive, and Paperback Maples don't require pruning. It performs well in any soil type and isn't fussy about sun exposure as long as it gets a few hours of full sun each day.
Jacquemontii Birch
As the average commercial property becomes increasingly smaller, landscaping needs are changing to include trees that take up less horizontal space. Jacquemontil Birch trees only get about 20-feet in with when fully grown. Planted in rows, they make an excellent windbreak or natural privacy screen for your commercial property. They are also a good choice for those desiring the formal look provided by their columnar shape. Jacquemontil Birch trees require little maintenance beyond the occasional trimming and average summer water. This tree has no known pest or disease problems.
For more information about how to care for the various trees on your property, contact a commercial tree service.