HOA A&E – Landscaping in TN
What plants should I avoid putting in my yard in Tellico Village?
The first step on the path to a Tennessee Smart Yard is “Right Plant; Right Place.” You may be wondering what exactly is a “right plant” for your yard? A good placed to start is to understand what are the “wrong” plants. You’ll gain 2 inches on your Smart yardstick if you remove or avoid invasive/exotic plants. “Exotic” plants are any plants that are not native to East Tennessee ‐‐ these often originated in the Far East and are native to places like China and Japan. “Invasive” plants are often non‐native and tend to grow and spread with abandon. They can be difficult to control and contain to a specific area. The problem with invasive/exotic plants is twofold: (1) they often don’t produce any or very minimal sustainable nutrition for our native wildlife; and (2) they can outgrow and choke out our native plants that do produce nutrition for wildlife. Here’s a short list of invasive/exotics we see already thriving in Tellico Village – these are definitely the “wrong” plants – each is highly invasive and together they are taking over our native landscape.
- Mahonia
- Japanese Honeysuckle
- Privet
- Mimosa
This information is brought to you by the HOA Aesthetics and Environment Committee of Tellico Village. We encourage you to learn more about the Tennessee Smart Yard program so the yard at your home can contribute to the natural beauty of Tellico Village. https://tnyards.utk.edu/
Plant This Instead by Troy B. Marden
Are you looking for ideas for plants for your yard? This book can be a good resource. The author combines native with non-native suggestions, shows you a photo, explains why it is better than another similar plant. Here is an example: Instead of Leland Cypress (Figure 1) for an evergreen that provides privacy and grows quickly, consider ‘Emerald Arborvitae’ or ‘Green Giant Arborvitae’ (Figure 2). If you would like to see the difference between the two, drive over to Toqua and view the huge Leyland Cypress alongside of the road before you reach the parking lot. Jon North, Toqua Superintendent, plans to remove them because they became too large and disease prone. Then view the ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae planted behind the Toqua Golf Course Hole #14 restrooms. Rita Koridek, Toqua Beautification Committee member, recommended these as a privacy screen for homeowners who live behind the restroom building. You can also view them from Walosi Way (look for back of restroom on the lakeside). We are hoping to make this book available in the library.
Figure 1 – Leland Cypress
Figure 2 – Emerald Arborvitae