How to Landscape Plants or Trees

Follow the directions for the pH soil testing kit to obtain the pH of your soil. It is easier to find plants and trees that will thrive in your soil conditions than to adjust the soil for the plants. Soil adjustment is possible, but it will need to be done often because the soil will have the tendency to return to its natural pH. This can mean extra work and unnecessary expense.

Sketch your yard onto a piece of paper. Place circles where you wish to plant trees or plants.

Place empty paper cups in the areas of your yard that you circled on your sketch. Set a timer to go off every hour.

Start as soon as the sun rises. Each time the timer goes off place one corn kernel in each cup that is in the sun. At sunset, count the kernels in each cup. Write the number of kernels in each cup in the corresponding circle on your sketch. This is how many hours of sunlight that the area receives each day. The number eight and above means the area receives full sunlight. Five to seven kernels mean the area receives partial sun and four and below are low-light areas.

Decide why you are planting in the area. Write the reason in the corresponding circle. Trees may be planted for ornamental purposes, to create shade or to soak up moisture from the soil. Plants can soften the look of hard corners of your home, add a splash of color or provide you and your family with food.

Take the sketch to your local nursery. Talk to the employees about plants and trees that will thrive in your pH and light conditions and still serve the purpose you want. You may also do research on-line and order from on-line nurseries.

Follow your sketch when planting your trees and plants. Make sure each plant and tree is in the correct place from the sketch. Lay the greenery on top of the soil before you begin to plant. Decide if you like the placement before you plant.