Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509210036
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JOE HUNNINGS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As in any other landscape project, analyze the site, design the entire area and create a priority list. Start with the entrance. The steps to the door should be constructed of sturdy material such as concrete, welded iron or treated lumber. Good steps are safe and add immeasurably to the overall appearance of the mobile home. Underpinning helps unify the landscape by closing off the area beneath the mobile home.
Sidewalks can be constructed of brick or concrete squares. When the trailer is moved, the walk, steps and underpinning material can be moved with it. The same is true with the private area. If a patio or deck is built, construction material should be either wood, brick or concrete squares. A solid poured concrete patio is not a good choice.
Very often, the lawn area in large mobile home parks is maintained by the park owner. When landscaping must be kept to a minimum, consider container gardening and the use of raised planters for landscape plant material. Otherwise, the lawn must be considered a part of the landscape, just like a permanent residence.
Foundation shrubs should be kept in scale with the mobile home and generally will be in the category of evergreen shrubs which grow 1 to 4 feet high. Shrubs should be planted at least 5 to 6 feet from the trailer, since access to the area beneath the mobile home is important to maintain.
This category includes: Dwarf Abelia, Curly Leaf Ligustrum, Dwarf Aucuba, Mugo Pine, Japanese Littleleaf Box, Dwarf Japanese Holly "Helleri," English Boxwood, "Kingsville," Rockspray, Cotoneaster, "Stokes," Dwarf Euonymus, Dwarf Chinese Holly "Rotunda," Yaupon Holly, "Burfordi," Andorra Juniper, Dwarf Nandina, Shore Juniper and Dwarf Japanese Yew.
The evergreen shrubs are appropriate to use as screening plants and will vary from 6 to 12 feet high with medium pruning: Abelia, Japanese Yew, American Boxwood, Burford Chinese Holly, Osmanthus, Camellia (sasanqua & japonica), Pfitzer Juniper, Pittosporum, Cleyera, Podocarpus, Gardenia (cape jasmine), Rhododendron, Southern Waxmyrtle, Japanese Aucuba, Viburnum, Waxleaf Ligustrum (Glossy Privet), and Japanese Holly (many varieties).
If you plan to live on the site for several years, consider planting shade trees, which will help keep utility bills low. For best cooling effects, locate trees on the south and west sides of the home. Don't plant a tree directly over the utility lines or septic tank.
Fast-growing shade trees are Norway Maple, Scarlet Oak, Red Maple, Water Oak, Sugar Maple, Pin Oak, White Ash, Willow Oak, Sweet-gum, Red Oak, Tulip Tree, American Linden, Plane Tree, Littleleaf Linden, Sycamore, Japanese Zelkova and Sawtooth Oak.
Allow plenty of room for growth because these trees have a fast to moderate growth rate. Growth rates will be enhanced during active growth periods by providing plenty of water and additional fertilizer. Seasonal color can also be incorporated into the design. Incorporate a mixture of annuals, perennials and herbs.
Remember a few landscape basics before starting your project. Consider personal needs and requirements. Analyze the area and set priorities. Choose low-growing plants and ground covers for the foundation. Incorporate building materials which can be easily moved for constructing patios, steps and walks. Screen objectionable views. And, finally, plant shade trees if you will be in the same home for five years or longer.
Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture in the Montgomery County Extension Office in Christiansburg. If you have questions, call him at 382-5790.
by CNB