Shrubs can liven up a yard however there are a lot of options! Shrubs come in all shapes, sizes and colours, so which type is right for your yard? Here are some factors to considering when picking out new shrubs to plant this spring season:

 
Space
You must consider the space you have available. Consider how much room you have to work with and home much open space you wish to keep. Evaluate the shrubs shape, height and full size once it ages. Don’t plant too close to your house if the shrub is large! Large shrubs and trees can possibly cause pipe problems and structural damage is planted too close to your home

Design, Habits and Landscape
The current layout of your yard or garden is important when deciding on any new additions. Which colours would you like? Evergreen? Would you like flowers to blossom? Do you want to attract wild life? Don’t forget to factor in your landscape plan and design when deciding on the right match!

Soil and Conditions
Soil and growing conditions should be heavily weighted when determining the type of shrub you should purchase. By evaluating the soil you can determine whether to alter the pH and texture or simply pick another specimen. Test your soil’s pH to gauge the nutrient level. Nutrients and pH level can be altered through the use of fertilizers. You can purchase easy test packs at home improvement stores and garden centers. The soil texture can also affect your shrubs negatively if not considered. For example, if your soil is too clay based, it can kill shrubs that need substantial drainage. Some other things to take into consideration are: local weather, level of light, type of terrain.

Healthy is best!
Choosing a healthy plant is a must and starts with shopping at reputable nurseries and garden centers. Colours should be vibrant and healthy with no wilting leaves and don’t forget to keep an eye out for diseases! When in doubt seek a knowledgeable employee at your local nursery or garden center for advice.

Dreaming of a beautiful lawn and garden this spring? Original Greenscapes share tricks and tips to make your home the envy of the neighbourhood at our Inside Out Home Show on Thursday, March 20 from 5:30-9pm. RSVP today before time runs out!