Characteristics of Healthy Shrubs and Trees

The characteristics of healthy shrubs and trees are not the same as the characteristics of healthy plants. A plant is healthy if it can sustain a reasonable amount of growth in a limited space and it is able to do so without getting much use. Shrubs and trees are often very large and need to have a lot of space for roots and air, so it is important that you consider this when buying a new one.

Growth of Healthy Trees

On a related note, a tree needs room for its branches and leaves to grow and expand out, which also limits growth. Some shrubs and trees, like the cacti, grow very tall with very high branches that reach 100 feet or more. This means that if you have a shrub or tree that is too big, it will take up a lot of space in your yard or garden. A smaller, lower-growing tree or shrub could fit in a relatively small area, providing more room for other features of your landscaping to fit into.

Growth of Healthy Shrubs

In the case of shrubs, healthy ones will have leaves that are properly covered. You don’t want them to get all tangled up in the grass or weeds, or they will not look their best. In order to see the best quality of the growth of your shrub, you should check to see how well the leaves are covered. They should be white and shiny, and not look mottled or dirty.

Growth and Size of Plants

There are two other characteristics of healthy shrub and tree plants that you should look for. The first one is how they grow. If they are taller than most plants, they probably grew up in a healthy environment and are now at the point where they are able to handle the extra growth. Plants that are short-lived, though, will need to be replaced before they completely lose their leaves. This is a good way to keep the size of your yard in check, too.

Growth Patterns of Plants

You should also consider what kind of growth patterns the different plants in your yard or garden have. Some plants grow very tall and thin, while others reach their peak height in only a few years. Tall, healthy shrubs and trees should have leaves that are at least two to three feet high. If the leaves are shorter, the plant is stressed and may have trouble supporting its weight. This makes it susceptible to disease, a condition which affects plants more often than not.

Water Needed by Plants

Finally, you should find out how much water your plants need. Watering is important to the health of your shrub or tree, because it helps to keep the leaves healthy and glossy. Too much water, on the other hand, can cause the plants to become dry and flaky. If you find that your shrub or tree requires more water than it likes, it’s probably time to change the plants.

The Shape of Leaves of Healthy Shrubs and Trees

The next characteristic you should look for is the size and shape of the leaf. Healthy trees and shrubs should have leaves that are elliptical in shape. It’s best to get a measuring tape and take a real close look at each leaf, looking for the smooth and rounded edges of the leaves. A tree or shrub with sharp and pointed leaves is likely suffering from some sort of disease or damage, so you should suspect pruning. If you don’t want to resort to this drastic measure, you should try to keep the size of the leaves as small as possible.

The Beauty of Healthy Shrubs and Trees

One of the most obvious characteristics of healthy shrubs and trees is their beauty. They are a beautiful addition to any home or landscape. These plants provide a focal point for any yard or garden and can add great interest and beauty to your landscaping, too. The best thing about these plants is that they are fairly easy to maintain, which makes them a great landscaping choice for those who are new to gardening. Make sure that when you’re ready to plant your next tree or shrub, you consider its characteristics and do what’s best for it.