Shrubs and Bushes
Three of the myriad factors that come into play when landscaping property stand above all others: aesthetic, environmental, and practical. A winsome and compelling appearance is most desirable for any home or commercial building. Likewise, plants that will adequately regulate irrigation and drainage while thriving with little chemical assistance help save water and reduce the carbon imprint. Moreover, proper landscaping can serve to foster privacy and limit foot traffic. With these variables in mind, property owners should consider the strategic placement of shrubs and bushes on their grounds. Such flora pays for itself in the long run.
Shrubs
Shrubs are woody plants that grow up from more than one stem. Usually smaller than trees, they rarely exceed 20 feet in height. The range of shrubs is vast. They can be deciduous (seasonal) or coniferous (often evergreen), broad-leafed or needle-bearing, sometimes yielding fruit, sometimes flowers, and seemingly just bark. Shrubs that grow in uncontrolled conditions like wilderness are hardy food sources and shelter for fauna yet can be cultivated for domestic purposes. Hummingbirds frequently nest in shrubs growing on lawns or out in open spaces. If grown in their native region, shrubs require little maintenance.
Shrubs, whether they are flowering shrubs or evergreen shrubs. Benefit a landscape in various respects. The root systems of shrubs run deeper and spread farther than turf grass, requiring less frequent watering. Though more water is needed per application, the net effect still saves on the total amount of water used. Furthermore, certain shrubs are attractive to the eye throughout the entire year, the oakleaf hydrangea serving as just one example. This species blooms in the summer, bursts into autumn hues, and then displays its stately bark in winter. In addition, shrubs are used to define boundaries, create paths and provide seclusion without the stark presence of a fence or wall. They also provide shade to keep pools and birdbaths from getting too hot.
Bushes
Are shrubs and bushes the same, or can a meaningful distinction be made? The answers are yes and yes. A review of academic plant science reveals slight biological divergence, but—for practical purposes—those plants whose leaves and stems are lower to the ground are more often called bushes. Some master gardeners maintain that bush foliage is not as thick as that of shrubs. If there are no hard and fast scientific criteria for defining bushes, perhaps these standards will suffice when discussing shrubs and bushes. In any event, bushes still meet the three landscape standards referenced above.
Like (other) shrubs, bushes are helpful for land cover and moderate shade. Many of the rot-resistant varieties can enhance soil quality where drainage is poor. Thereby they benefit adjacent plants. Those that produce berries also attract a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Significantly, bushes can conceal basement windows, pipes, and vents that are otherwise unsightly necessities to any home. Whether they are shrubs or not, bushes are indispensable components of a landscape design.
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