Outside Silk Plants & Trees

Advantages

• Live plants and trees create challenges that can be overcome through the use of artificial plants. Live plants are susceptible to insect infestations and can be costly to replace each year. According to Artificial Outdoor Plants, "The most common reasons businesses call in range from slashed maintenance budgets to higher than normal problems with bug infestations in live topiaries." The narrow range of conditions in which most colorful, tropical plants will grow also limits landscape design in some areas. Without any adaptability concerns, artificial plants become a viable option.

Disadvantages

• Despite improvements in how artificial plants are designed for outdoor use, they will not last forever. Artificial Outdoor Plants estimates that plants may last up to 10 years, if properly cared for. The waste generated by the disposal of artificial plants becomes a consideration as well. Artificial plants for outdoor use also cost more at the start, although they may pay for themselves over time.

Considerations

• If you plan on using artificial plants in your landscaping designs, be sure that they are made of flame-retardant material, as non-treated silk plants are highly flammable. Flame retardants may be applied to plants after production, but the safest plants have flame-retardant chemicals added to the materials during manufacturing. Because of the cost of outdoor artificial plants, avoid their use in areas where they are likely to be damaged. For example, artificial plants may not be the most cost-effective landscaping choice alongside an area where children play sports.

Installing Unpotted Plants

• Unpotted plants are held in place with concrete and are, therefore, more suitable for permanent designs. Begin by digging a hole large enough to accommodate the trunk or stem of the plant. Larger plants require deeper holes. Next, wrap the trunk or stem with heavy-gauge wire to help hold it in the concrete, place it in the hole and fill the hole with concrete. Alternatively, you can pour the concrete first and then place the trunk or stem into the concrete. To make the plant look natural, cover the concrete with dirt or mulch.

Installing Potted Plants

• Potted plants arrive in a weighted base, making them easier to remove or arrange after planting. To begin, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the base. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with dirt. Add mulch to add a more natural look. Potted plants are also suitable for installing in decorative planters.

Caring for Outdoor Artificial Plants

• Although artificial plants do not require the maintenance and care of live plants, in order to extend the life of your plants, some basic care is required. Dirt and oil buildup will cause plants to deteriorate faster, so keep your plants clean. In areas with normal rainfall and where the artificial plant is exposed to rain, the rain should take care of this. In dry climates, hose down plants periodically. Plants may also bend out of shape because of wind. Simply reshape the plant. If this becomes a chronic problem, installing a stake on the leeward side of the plant will reduce shifting in the wind.

Design Ideas

• Artificial plants and trees can be used in designs to create focal points, as well as to block noise or direct foot traffic. For example, a row of artificial trees planted alongside a restaurant patio blocks noise from the parking lot and creates a more intimate atmosphere. Artificial plants may also be used in conjunction with live plants to get the advantages of landscaping with artificial plants without losing the scent and feel of live plants.