How to Pick the Best Plants and Trees for Your Omaha Landscape
Choosing plants and trees for your landscape can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it's easy to fall in love with a plant at the garden center only to discover a few years later that it's outgrown the space, struggles with our climate, or requires more maintenance than expected.
The good news is that selecting the right plants for your Omaha landscape doesn't have to be complicated. By considering a few key factors, you can create a beautiful, thriving landscape that provides enjoyment for years to come.
Start with the Site Conditions
Before selecting any plants, take a close look at the area where they will be planted.
Ask yourself:
How much sun does the area receive?
Is the soil typically dry or moist?
Does water collect in the area after rain?
Is the space exposed to strong winds?
How much room is available for mature growth?
A plant that thrives in full sun may struggle in a shaded location, while plants that prefer dry soil may suffer in areas that stay consistently wet. Matching plants to the site conditions is one of the most important steps in long-term success.
Consider Omaha's Climate
Nebraska weather can be challenging. We experience hot summers, cold winters, strong winds, drought conditions, heavy rains, and everything in between.
When selecting trees and plants, choose varieties that are well-suited for our climate and USDA Hardiness Zone. Native plants and proven performers often require less maintenance and are better equipped to handle local weather conditions.
Think About Mature Size
One of the most common landscaping mistakes is planting without considering how large a plant will eventually become.
That small ornamental tree may grow 20 feet tall and wide. A compact shrub may eventually cover windows or crowd walkways.
Before planting, consider:
Mature height
Mature width
Distance from structures
Overhead utility lines
Nearby sidewalks and patios
Giving plants adequate space allows them to grow naturally and reduces future pruning and maintenance.
Plan for Four Seasons of Interest
A beautiful landscape should provide interest throughout the year, not just during the spring and summer months.
Consider incorporating plants that offer:
Spring Interest: Flowering trees, bulbs, and early-blooming perennials.
Summer Interest: Colorful annuals, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses.
Fall Interest: Trees with vibrant fall color and late-season blooms.
Winter Interest: Evergreens, ornamental bark, berries, and structural plant forms.
By layering seasonal interest, your landscape remains attractive year-round.
Mix Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials
The most successful landscapes use a combination of plant types.
Trees: Provide shade, privacy, structure, and long-term value.
Shrubs: Create foundation plantings, screening, and seasonal color.
Perennials: Offer blooms, texture, and pollinator benefits year after year.
Combining these elements creates depth and visual interest while helping your landscape feel balanced and complete.
Consider Maintenance Requirements
Every homeowner has a different vision for landscape maintenance.
Some people enjoy regular gardening and seasonal color changes. Others prefer a landscape that looks great with minimal upkeep.
When selecting plants, think about:
Water requirements
Pruning needs
Seasonal cleanup
Growth rate
Disease resistance
Choosing plants that fit your maintenance preferences helps ensure you'll continue to enjoy your landscape for years to come.
Select the Right Tree for the Right Place
Trees are often the largest investment in a landscape, making proper selection especially important.
Some questions to consider include:
Do you want shade?
Are you looking for privacy?
Do you want flowering trees?
Is fall color important?
How much space is available?
Popular choices for Omaha landscapes often include shade trees, ornamental flowering trees, evergreen screening trees, and native species that perform well in Nebraska conditions.
Work with a Landscape Professional
While online research can be helpful, every property is unique. Soil conditions, drainage, sunlight exposure, and homeowner preferences all play a role in determining which plants will perform best.
A professional landscape designer can help you select plants that complement your home, thrive in your specific environment, and create a cohesive design that continues to look beautiful as it matures.
Let Priority Landscape Help
At Priority Landscape, we help homeowners throughout the Omaha area select trees, shrubs, and perennials that are both beautiful and practical. Whether you're refreshing an existing landscape or starting from scratch, our team can design a landscape that fits your style, your property, and your long-term goals.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact Priority Landscape today to schedule a consultation and discover the best plants and trees for your landscape.