Trees, Shrubs, Perennials – OH MY!

When it comes to landscaping, the most common categories for plants are trees, shrubs, and perennials. Each plays a unique role and has distinct characteristics.

What is a Tree?

A tree is characterized by its single, tall trunk and woody structure. Trees provide shade, privacy, and vertical interest. They have a defined canopy or crown made up of branches and leaves, which can be deciduous (shed leaves seasonally) or evergreen (retain leaves year-round).

Tree Characteristics:

• Size: Trees are normally larger than shrubs, often growing to 10 feet or higher.

• Structure: Trees have a single, main trunk that supports the branches.

• Longevity: Trees live a long time, with some living for decades or even centuries.

• Root System: Trees have deep, well-established root systems that allow them to reach water and nutrients from deeper layers of the soil.

  
  

Tree Examples: Oak, Maple, Pine, and Apple.

Tree Uses: Trees are commonly used in landscaping to provide shade, act as windbreaks, and create visual interest in gardens. Some trees, like fruit trees, are valuable for producing food.

What is a Shrub?

A shrub is a woody plant that is smaller and often bushier than a tree. Shrubs have multiple stems or branches growing from the base rather than a single trunk. They come in a wide range of sizes, from low-growing varieties used as ground cover to larger, more upright shrubs that can reach several feet in height.

Shrub Characteristics:

• Size: Shrubs tend to grow 2 to 10 feet tall, although some can grow larger.

• Structure: Shrubs have multiple stems or branches that emerge from the base, giving them a bushy, dense appearance.

• Growth Habit: Shrubs can be evergreen (retaining leaves year-round) or deciduous (shedding leaves seasonally).

• Root System: Shrubs usually have a shallower root system than trees, which allows them to be more suited to smaller spaces or areas with less soil depth.

  
  

Shrub Examples: Azalea, Boxwood, Hydrangea, and Lavender.

Shrub Uses: Shrubs are versatile, often used for hedges, privacy screens, or ornamental plantings. They are also great for filling in garden spaces or adding texture and color through flowers or foliage.

What is a Perennial?

A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. Unlike annual plants, which complete their life cycle in one growing season, perennials regrow every year from the same root system. Perennials can be either herbaceous (having soft, non-woody stems) or woody (like some shrubs and small trees).

Perennial Characteristics:

• Life Cycle: Perennials live for multiple years, dying back to the ground during the colder months and reappearing in spring.

• Growth Habit: Many perennials are herbaceous, meaning they don’t have woody stems. However, there are woody perennials like shrubs and small trees that maintain their structure year-round.

• Blooming Period: Perennials often have a specific blooming season, and after flowering, they typically go dormant for a while before resuming growth the following year.

  
  

Examples of Perennials: Daylilies, Hostas, Echinacea, and Peonies.

Perennial Uses: Perennials are commonly used for flower beds and border plantings. They are a great choice if you're looking for plants that return every season without needing to be replanted. Perennials are also valuable for attracting pollinators and creating seasonal interest in the garden.

Key Differences Between Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

While trees, shrubs, and perennials all play essential roles in a landscape, understanding the key differences can help you make better choices. Trees provide height, structure, and long-term investment. Shrubs offer versatility, with many providing privacy, texture, and ornamental value. Perennials are perfect if you want plants that bloom year after year with minimal replanting.

Here’s a summary of what we talked about:

Characteristic	Tree	Shrub	Perennial
Size	Large (10+ feet)	Smaller (2-10 feet)	Varies (typically smaller than trees)
Structure	Single trunk, tall, woody	Multiple stems, bushy, woody	Herbaceous (non-woody) or woody
Growth Habit	Tall with canopy or crown	Bushy, dense foliage	Grows back year after year from roots
Longevity	Long-lived (decades to centuries)	Long-lived (many years)	Return every year, but may die back in winter
Root System	Deep, well-established roots	Shallower roots than trees	Shallow or deep, depending on the species
Common Examples	Oak, Maple, Pine	Boxwood, Azalea, Hydrangea	Daylilies, Peonies, Hostas