Shrubs are an instrumental part of every garden’s ecosystem. They provide shade, improve soil stability, enhance air quality, and create habitats for all types of wildlife. Certain shrubs like sea buckthorn and silver buffaloberry can be used to create natural barriers or screens. Of course, shrubs and small trees are also beautiful to look at, especially when you choose varieties that add seasonal interest to your landscape.
Top Benefits of Growing Shrubs in Your Colorado Garden Design
Lower your energy bills
Planting shrubs in the right location can lower your energy bills in both the summer and winter months. In order to benefit year-round, you’ll need to plant deciduous shrub or trees that do well in our climate, such as Purpleleaf Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea), Kelsey Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Kelseyi’) or Goldflame (Spiraea x bumalda), all of which add interest with colorful branches, leaves, seasonal blooms and fruit.
The Butterfly Bush is another hardy perennial shrub known for its attractive flowers and appeal to pollinators. Many shrubs have dark green foliage that provides year-round aesthetic appeal. Shrubs like Yaupon Holly and Oregon Box Leaf are known for their glossy, dark green leaves, enhancing the visual interest of gardens.
Drought-tolerant shrubs are essential in dry climates, thriving with minimal water. Examples of drought-tolerant shrub options include sea buckthorn and cinquefoil. These drought-tolerant shrubs are crucial for sustainable gardening.
Evergreen foliage is important for creating low-maintenance gardens. Evergreen shrub species thrive in different environments, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Some shrubs produce fragrant flowers, adding ornamental value to drought-tolerant gardens.
Low-maintenance shrubs are beneficial for water conservation and ease of care. Certain shrubs are resilient in poor soil conditions, making them suitable for challenging environments. Red flowers on shrubs can attract pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of gardens. Many shrubs thrive in sun-to-part shade conditions, making them versatile for various garden settings.
You can plant them in front of your eastern and western-exposed windows to provide shade and reduce your dependency on cooling systems. In the winter, deciduous shrubs will shed their leaves, and your home will benefit from passive solar heat gain.
Create wildlife habitats
We frequently share tips for establishing bee, butterfly and bird-friendly landscapes. Most of the time we’re usually talking about the food, pollen and nectar from these plants. However, shrubs also provide homes.
Beyond their beauty, shrubs offer essential habitats for various creatures. These dense, bushy plants are ideal for nesting birds, providing shelter from the elements, and offering a safe haven from predators. Small mammals, such as rabbits and chipmunks, often find refuge beneath shrubs, where they can burrow and hide. By incorporating a variety of native shrubs into your landscape, you’re not just enhancing the visual appeal of your garden — you’re also creating a sanctuary for local wildlife, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Borders and privacy
The aesthetic value of shrubs is one benefit that can protect you from an unattractive view. Use shrubs wisely, and your neighbor’s junkyard will cease to exist when you’re enjoying your morning coffee on the patio. You can also use shrubs to grow a living privacy boundary and to separate one area of your yard from another.
Shrubs can also be used to establish natural borders, separating different areas of your garden or yard without the need for artificial fencing. By choosing shrubs that grow tall and dense, you can create living walls that enhance privacy and contribute to your landscape’s overall aesthetic. These green barriers serve functional purposes and add to the lush, layered look of your garden, making it more inviting and cohesive.
Increase your resale value
Investing in landscaping, particularly by planting shrubs and trees, can significantly increase your home’s resale value. A well-landscaped property is more attractive and also more desirable to potential buyers. Mature shrubs and trees are especially valuable, as they take time to grow and establish. Homebuyers recognize the effort and care that goes into cultivating a mature landscape and are often willing to pay a premium for it. Households that have established landscapes appreciate home values 5 to 20 percent higher than those that don’t. In addition to aesthetic appeal, well-placed shrubs can also contribute to energy savings by providing shade and acting as windbreaks, further enhancing the property’s value.
Enhance Your Landscape with Lifescape Colorado
Creating a beautiful and sustainable garden that optimizes the growth of shrubs, trees, and other native plants requires careful planning and expertise. At Lifescape Colorado, we specialize in designing landscapes that enhance your property’s beauty, support local wildlife, and increase your home’s value. Whether you’re looking to create a wildlife habitat, establish privacy borders, or boost your property’s resale value, our team of experts can help you achieve your goals. Contact Lifescape Colorado today and benefit from a sustainable garden design that optimizes the growth of shrubs, trees, and other native plants.