New Plantings

Incorporating native plants into your landscape design is both environmentally responsible and highly practical for homeowners in Washington. At Greenleaf Landscaping & Construction, we specialize in selecting native species that thrive in USDA Zones 6a to 7a, offering beauty, function, and resilience with less effort and fewer resources.

Native plants are naturally adapted to Washington’s four-season climate, varied soils, and rainfall patterns. This makes them more likely to thrive with minimal intervention compared to non-native varieties. Whether you have heavy clay or sandy loam soil, we’ll help you choose the right species to suit your specific site conditions.

Because native plants are already acclimated to the local environment, they require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control—saving you time and reducing maintenance costs. They also support the local ecosystem by providing food and shelter for birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial wildlife.

Their extensive root systems help stabilize soil, making them an excellent choice for erosion control on sloped or flood-prone areas. Native plants are also far less likely to become invasive, unlike some ornamental species that can outcompete local vegetation and harm natural habitats.

Additionally, many native plants have developed natural resistance to common regional pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments. Their ability to handle Washington’s occasional droughts, heavy rains, and freeze-thaw cycles makes them a durable and long-term solution.

Beyond their environmental benefits, native plants bring unique character and year-round interest to your landscape. From spring blooms to fall foliage and winter structure, species like Eastern redbud, winterberry, black-eyed Susan, and switchgrass offer a rich, regionally inspired aesthetic that reflects Washington’s natural beauty and heritage.

Let Greenleaf Landscaping & Construction help you design a landscape that’s not only beautiful but rooted in the rhythm of the local environment.

The best time to plant new plants in your landscape depends on the plant species and the climate. Generally, early spring and fall are ideal times for most plants, as they offer moderate temperatures and typically have more consistent rainfall. Planting during these periods allows the plants to establish their root systems before the stress of extreme temperatures sets in.

As landscape professionals we usually start by testing the soil to determine its nutrient content and pH level. We then amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve its structure, drainage, and fertility. If necessary, we can also adjust the soil's pH with lime (to raise the pH) or sulfur (to lower it) based on the needs of the specific plants you plan to install.  These steps aren't always necessary but when the soil conditions aren't right, your plants are not going to do well.

Staking may be necessary for young trees or shrubs with weak stems, or those that are planted in windy locations. If staking is necessary, we use flexible ties and stake the plant low enough to provide support without restricting its movement, as this can encourage stronger root development.

To prevent weeds, we usually apply a layer of bark mulch around the base of your new plants, leaving a few inches of space between the mulch and the plant stem. Mulch not only suppresses weeds but also helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Additionally, hand-pulling weeds as they emerge can help keep your landscape weed-free.

The establishment period for new plants varies depending on the species, planting conditions, and aftercare. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years for plants to become well-established in their new environment.

Yes!  Depending on the type of plant we often have choices as to the maturity level of the plants we purchase.  For example trees, shrubs, and hedges are often available as juveniles or as mature plants.  Choosing the mature plants can obviously shorten the amount of time it takes for plantings to become established.  However, these more mature plants will be more expensive to purchase and depending on how large they are can significantly increase the cost of handling and labor.

If you're going to spend significant money on new plantings for your landscape then an irrigation system is a wise investment.  Modern, digitally controlled irrigation systems can deliver very precise amounts of water to your specific landscape beds depending on the plants water requirements.  Many nurseries will only provide a warranty on the plants if a working irrigation system is present.

We don't generally provide a warranty but some of the wholesale nurseries we order plants from do.  They usually require that an irrigation system is present so the plants receive sufficient water as this is the leading cause of plants dying or becoming unhealthy.  The warranty local nurseries offer can also vary from plant to plant as well.  If a warranty is important to you please discuss that with us when we are consulting with you on your new plantings.  We'll confirm with our supplier which plants can be covered and what those specific requirements might be.