Site analysis forms the backbone of effective landscape design. This step involves observing how your outdoor space behaves over time rather than relying on assumptions.

Important considerations include:

• Where sunlight falls in morning, midday, and evening
• Areas that remain dry versus areas that collect water
• Slopes, berms, and low spots that affect drainage
• Soil composition and compaction

Michigan soils vary widely across the state. Some regions have sandy soils that drain quickly, while others contain heavier clay soils that retain moisture. Soil testing provides valuable insight into pH, nutrient levels, and drainage capacity, helping guide appropriate plant choices and layout decisions.

A thorough site analysis prevents many common landscaping problems, including plant failure, excessive maintenance, and drainage issues.

View the video below for an easy, visual tutorial on performing accurate site analysis for your landscape.

Rather than treating plants as isolated elements, native landscape design groups plants into communities based on shared environmental needs. This approach mirrors natural ecosystems and improves plant health over time.

In Michigan landscapes, plant communities are often organized by:

• Sun exposure (full sun, partial shade, full shade)
• Soil moisture (dry, average, moist, or wet conditions)
• Soil texture (sandy, loamy, or clay-based soils)

Designing with plant communities reduces competition for resources and creates more cohesive, self-supporting, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Plant selection plays a central role in landscape success. While color and texture matter, performance should guide decisions.

When choosing plants for Michigan landscapes, consider:

• Mature height and spread
• Root depth and growth behavior
• Seasonal interest across the year
• Wildlife value and ecological contribution
• Maintenance needs after establishment

Native plants are often the most dependable option because they evolved in local conditions. Once established, they typically require less watering, fertilizing, and intervention compared to non-native species.

Common plant categories used in Michigan landscape design include:

• Trees that provide structure, shade, and habitat
• Shrubs that define spaces and offer seasonal interest
• Perennials that support pollinators and add texture
• Native grasses and groundcovers that stabilize soil and soften transitions

Utilize our Native Plant Library as a tool when selecting native plants for your landscape.

Placement determines how well a landscape functions as plants mature. Crowding plants too closely can lead to stress and disease, while spacing them too far apart may leave bare areas prone to weeds and erosion.

In Michigan landscapes, sunlight exposure plays a major role. Full-sun gardens support different plant communities than shaded woodland edges. Matching plants to their preferred conditions reduces long-term maintenance and improves resilience.

Topography also influences placement. Low-lying areas may be suitable for moisture-tolerant plants, while higher or sloped areas benefit from drought-tolerant species with deep root systems.

A well-designed Michigan landscape should become easier to manage over time, not more demanding. Maintenance and longevity are closely tied to the decisions made during the design and planting stages. When plants are selected and placed according to site conditions, ongoing care becomes simpler and more predictable.

During the first growing season, most native plant landscapes require regular watering while roots establish. This establishment phase is critical. Once plants are rooted deeply into Michigan soils, many native species become far more tolerant of drought, temperature swings, and seasonal stress than non-native alternatives.

Long-term maintenance considerations include:

• Watering needs over time: Native plants typically require supplemental watering only during extended dry periods after establishment.

• Mulching strategies: Light, organic mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds without smothering plants. Over-mulching can reduce plant vigor and should be avoided.

• Weed and invasive management: Early identification and removal of invasive plants prevents competition and protects long-term plant health.

• Seasonal cleanup decisions: Leaving seed heads and stems through winter supports wildlife and protects crowns, while spring cleanup refreshes the landscape for new growth.

Spacing plants appropriately from the start also plays a role in longevity. Plants that are allowed to reach their mature size without crowding experience fewer disease issues and require less intervention. As landscapes mature, selective thinning or dividing plants can help maintain balance and prevent overcrowding.

Native landscapes are living systems that evolve. Some plants may spread more than expected, while others may underperform in certain microclimates. Periodic evaluation allows gardeners to make small adjustments that improve overall performance without disrupting the integrity of the design.

By prioritizing maintenance planning and long-term resilience, Michigan landscapes can continue to improve year after year, developing stronger root systems, healthier soil, and more stable plant communities with minimal ongoing effort.