Based in southeast Iowa, Jake Kruse is a longtime dog breeder and landscaping business owner who heads K & E Landscapes, Inc., where he provides client-focused residential and commercial services. Jake Kruse works closely with homeowners to understand their concepts and ideas and make informed recommendations on planting and hardscapes.
A key consideration when planning any design is to think carefully about how it will evolve in future years. When it comes to trees and large shrubs, growing is a year-round process and some species are known for sending down extensive root systems. Unfortunately, these may be on a gradual collision course with underground utilities, including septic tanks and plumbing systems. To avoid this, consider trees that form shallow root systems, such as cherry and dogwood.
Another common issue is planting before hardscaping features have been fully conceptualized and integrated. This can result in major uprooting and replanting, as vegetation needs to be reconfigured to conform with permanent features such as stepping stones, retaining walls, and patios. Always ensure that the hardscape is installed before shrubs, trees, and flowers are set in the earth so that you can precisely calibrate what vegetation can be comfortably accommodated.
