Shrubs to Plant Between the Sidewalk and Street: A Guide for Homeowners

Oleh Anonymous 12:29 AM Post a Comment

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planting shrubs between the sidewalk and street can be a great way to spruce up your home's curb appeal. Not only do they add beauty and visual interest, but they also serve practical purposes like providing shade and reducing noise pollution.

The Benefits of Planting Shrubs Along the Sidewalk

Before we dive into our top picks for shrubs to plant between the sidewalk and street, let's take a moment to explore the benefits of this type of landscaping:

Improves property value - A well-maintained garden can increase the value of your home by as much as 15%.
Helps the environment - Plants absorb pollutants and carbon dioxide, helping to reduce air and water pollution.
Provides habitat - Shrubs provide shelter and food for wildlife, such as birds and insects.
Reduces noise - Plants act as natural sound barriers, helping to reduce noise from passing traffic.
Enhances curb appeal - A beautiful garden can make your home stand out in your neighborhood and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Shrubs for Your Sidewalk Garden

When selecting shrubs to plant along the sidewalk, there are several factors to consider:

Size - Choose shrubs that won't grow too large or obstruct the sidewalk. Look for varieties that reach a maximum height of 3-4 feet.
Drought tolerance - The area between the sidewalk and street is often a hot, dry spot. Select shrubs that are drought-tolerant and can handle full sun exposure.
Soil type - Check the soil type in your sidewalk garden area. If it's sandy, choose shrubs that thrive in well-draining soil. If it's clay soil, look for varieties that can tolerate heavy soil.
Local regulations - Some cities have restrictions on what types of plants can be planted in the public right-of-way. Check with your local government before selecting shrubs for your sidewalk garden.

Top Shrubs to Plant Between the Sidewalk and Street

Now that you know what to look for when selecting shrubs for your sidewalk garden, here are our top picks:

Purple Leaf Sandalwood Bush (Hedyotis purple leaf) - This low-growing shrub features striking purple foliage and delicate white flowers. It's drought-tolerant and can handle full sun exposure, making it an excellent choice for sidewalk gardens in hot, dry climates.

Carissa Grandiflora (Natal Plum) - This evergreen shrub features glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers followed by red edible fruit. It's drought-tolerant and can withstand full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile choice for sidewalk gardens.

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Winterberry Shrub (Ilex verticillata) - If you're looking for a shrub that provides year-round interest, Winterberry Shrub is an excellent choice. This deciduous shrub features bright red berries that persist into winter, providing a pop of color against the snow. It's drought-tolerant and can handle part shade to full sun exposure.

Yucca Flower Shrub (Yucca gloriosa) - This tough, drought-tolerant shrub features spiky green leaves and tall spikes of white flowers in the summer. It's an excellent choice for sidewalk gardens in hot, dry climates and can handle full sun exposure.

Tips for Maintaining Your Sidewalk Garden

Once you've planted your sidewalk garden, it's important to maintain it properly to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips:

Water regularly - During the first few months after planting, your shrubs will need regular watering to establish their roots. After that, they'll only need occasional watering during periods of drought.
Mulch - Mulch around your shrubs to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune regularly - Prune your shrubs annually to maintain their shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Fertilize - Depending on the type of shrub you've planted, you may need to fertilize it annually to encourage healthy growth.

Closing Thoughts

Planting shrubs between the sidewalk and street is a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal while also providing practical benefits like reducing noise and improving air quality. By selecting the right shrubs and maintaining them properly, you can create a beautiful and welcoming sidewalk garden that you'll enjoy for years to come.