Yard Landscaping Plants

Grass

• Almost all yards include some type of grass, excluding homes in extremely dry or cold climates. Turf grass is the typical short, green grass that makes up front and back lawns. Most turf grass requires full sun, says the Iowa State University Extension, but some varieties prefer partial shade. Ornamental grasses are also part of the landscaping of many yards. These grasses come in a variety of sizes, growing patterns and colors. Many yards that do not use turf grass use some form of spreading ground cover plant in its place.

Flowers

• Flowering plants range from large bushes to tiny spots of color and add visual interest that few other plants can offer. Perennials that return each year are a common landscaping plant for homeowners who want less maintenance, according to the Arizona Master Gardener Manual. Many of the most common landscaping flowers are annuals, and must be replaced with new flowers the next spring because they will not return after winter.

Shrubs

• Round bushes, clipped hedges and other thick-stemmed plants fit inside the shrub category. Shrubs are common larger landscaping plants that blend well with trees and smaller plants like flowers and herbs. Evergreen plants offer beautiful foliage for your yard throughout the year, states the University of Missouri Extension. Other deciduous bushes and shrubs produce large flowers or have colored foliage during the spring and summer. Shrubs can be planted to form a short or tall privacy screen or windbreak as well.

Trees

• Trees are the largest of the landscaping plants, and are the backbone of any yard. Broad-branching trees provide shade that can lower your home's energy bills, and tall, thin trees accent multistory homes. Before purchasing and planting a new tree in your yard, the University of Minnesota recommends considering the eventual size of the tree. Large trees may require removal after a decade or two if they are planted too close to your house. Tree roots can cause foundation problems and heavy falling branches can damage your roof.