What to Plant for Layered Landscaping: Trees and Shrubs

Layered landscaping adds depth and personality to any yard or garden. It involves incorporating trees and shrubs of varying heights and sizes to create a visually striking and functional design. When designing a layered landscape, it's important to choose the right trees and shrubs to ensure that they work well together and thrive in their environment. In this article, we'll explore some of the best trees and shrubs to use when creating a layered landscape.

Trees for Layered Landscaping

Trees bring height and vertical interest to a layered landscape design. When choosing trees for your landscape, keep in mind the height and spread of each tree, as well as its overall aesthetic appeal. Here are a few great options:

Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples are a classic choice for layered landscapes. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small shrubs to large shade trees. Their colorful foliage and interesting branch structure make them an eye-catching addition to any landscape.

Dogwood Trees

Dogwood trees are known for their showy spring flowers and fall foliage. They come in both tree and shrub form, making them a versatile choice for layering. Dogwood trees are typically smaller in size and work well as an understory tree beneath taller trees such as oaks or maples.

Birch Trees

Birch trees are known for their white, papery bark and delicate foliage. They come in a range of sizes and are a great choice for layering in a more naturalistic style. Birch trees thrive in moist soil and partial shade.

Shrubs for Layered Landscaping

Shrubs are an important component of layered landscaping. They add volume to the design and help fill in gaps between trees and other plants. Here are a few shrubs to consider:

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs that produce showy blooms in shades of pink, red, and purple. They thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Rhododendrons work well as a mid-to-lower layer shrub in a layered landscape.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are another popular choice for layered landscaping. They come in a range of colors and grow in a variety of sizes. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They work well as a mid-to-lower layer shrub in a layered landscape.

Boxwoods

Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs that are often used as a hedge or for topiary. They come in a range of sizes and varieties and are easy to shape and prune. Boxwoods are a great choice for adding structure and form to a layered landscape design.

Conclusion

Layered landscaping is a great way to add dimension and interest to any yard or garden. By incorporating trees and shrubs of varying heights and sizes, you can create a visually striking and functional design. When choosing trees and shrubs for your layered landscape, it's important to consider factors such as height, spread, and aesthetic appeal. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and successful layered landscape design.