Milwaukee sits smack dab in the middle of Zone 5B on the USDA Hardiness Map. This means that for landscaped plants to survive here from year to year, they must be able to survive temperatures all the way down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
But, what is landscaping? And how can you find the right plants for your location and landscape?
First, it’s important to understand that landscaping is both the physical landscaping in your yard (like the grass, the trees, the plants, and constructed elements) and the activities one does to keep up their property (like building a retaining wall or clearing debris).
Then, it’s important to understand that, due to regional differences, landscaping is different in different areas. What works well in one place may not work well in another. Once you understand that, then it’s just a matter of learning what landscaping works best for your area. No problem.
So, if you’re curious about what landscaping is like here, read on to learn more about what works for landscaping here!
What Is Landscaping in Milwaukee?
Having good landscaping in Milwaukee is all about having landscaping elements that can sustain the climate changes of this region.
For instance, you already know the winters are harsh. But, did you also know that the changes in temperature can cause shifts in the ground, especially where you may have pavers and other hardscapes installed?
If you want the garden and outdoor spaces of your dreams, knowing a little about how four common elements can affect your landscaping is key. These are plants, trees, hardscapes, and maintenance.
Perennials vs Annuals
One of the key concepts in landscaping is to know the difference between perennials and annuals. These are the types of flowers you can buy for your landscape. When picking your plants, remember:
- Perennials will last many seasons (if not longer), while annuals will only bloom for a few months before they die off.
- Some perennials to consider planting include echinacea, daylily, lavender, peony, and various types of ferns.
Trees
Trees are an important part of any landscape because they provide shade and keep the air clean. There are a few different types of trees that fit well in the USDA zone 5B, including:
- October Glory
- Autumn Blaze Maple
- Cleveland Select Pear
Hardscapes
Hardscapes are anything in your yard that are built with brick or concrete. This includes elements like retaining walls, patios, steps, and decorative stones.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your landscape is suggested to keep it clean and free from overgrowth. Your hardscapes should also be inspected from time to time, just to make sure they’re holding up to the elements and don’t need repairs.
What Is Landscaping in Milwaukee? A Year-round Task!
What your landscaping is really depends on where one lives, how one has designed their land, and what they want to achieve. For those in the Milwaukee area who work with professional landscapers, that typically means integrating great plants with great landscape design.
So, what is your landscaping like? Is it doing everything you want it to do?
If not, contact us. We can guide you through the process by integrating the right plants with the right landscaping elements for your space and region. And we can maintain your landscape throughout the year so you don’t have to!
