Landscaping in Louisiana can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Homeowners must deal with extreme heat, heavy downpours, and occasional hurricanes. However, with the right plants and care, your outdoor space can remain lively in almost any condition. Explore ten Louisiana landscaping tips with the experts at Greenscape Design!

1. Favor Heat-Tolerant Flowers

When landscaping in Louisiana, be sure to choose heat-tolerant plants that can withstand heavy rains. Consider trying plants like the Salvia Farinacea. When planted in a well-drained garden, these sun-loving plants spring an abundance of white or purple flowers. They can even survive light winters if properly trimmed.

Looking for more summer flowers? Here are a few more heat-tolerant plants perfect for Louisiana landscaping!

Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia):

 - Violet annuals that are perfect for warm weather.

Marigold (Tagetes hybrid):

 - Round annuals that give a burst of orange.

Coneflowers:

 - Purple, disc-shaped, and a favorite for pollinators.

2. Show Off with Shrubs

Shrubs are often used like hedges to outline or accent flowerbeds. However, many shrubs can be attention grabbers with vibrant flowers and berries. Their aesthetic, convenience, and versatility make the foliage a go-to element for any designer. 

Due to the low-maintenance nature, Louisiana landscapers have plenty of shrubs to choose from. Consider using Soft-Touch Holly if you want clean borders in your yard. If eye-catching is what you’re after, try incorporating Drift Roses into your flower beds. Learn more about Drift Roses here!

3. Fine Tune Your Trees

It's no mystery that planting trees can benefit homeowners. They purify the air, provide shade, and look majestic while doing it. However, did you know they can reduce energy bills and protect against flooding? All it takes is one sweaty hurricane season in Louisiana to understand these advantages.

Speaking of hurricane season, you might think, “Why risk having a big tree coming down during a storm?” That’s understandable; however, there are plenty of dwarf trees that are perfect for Louisiana landscape design. The Dwarf Purple Leaf Plum Tree is an excellent example of a picturesque tree that remains at a manageable height.

4. Water Wisely

Plants get thirsty like us, but finding exactly how much water they need can be difficult. Online sources say everything from three times a week to once every ten days. Ultimately, every plant has a unique relationship with its climate, and its needs reflect that. Luckily, there are simple ways to tell whether your greenery needs a drink!

 - Have a look: Examine your plant for any dryness. If you see any wilting, give it an inch of water, and adjust from there.

 - Finger test: Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. Is your finger covered in dry or moist dirt? That tells you whether to water.

5. Invest in Irrigation

Is your schedule too tight for flower watering? No worries! A professionally installed irrigation system can be more effective than manual watering. Drip irrigation systems water plants at the roots, ensuring water doesn't evaporate before it's absorbed. The systems prevent fungal infections caused by residual water on leaves and flowers.

6. Build Your Budget

Have you ever returned from the garden store only to find you bought too little material? All it takes is a little preparation to keep your projects in progress and on budget. Use these two formulas to budget mulch and fertilizer costs!

Square Footage: Shows you how much material you need for a flat area.

Square footage = Length x Width

Cubic Feet: Gives square footage, including depth.

Cubic footage = Square footage x 4

7. Don’t Forget Drainage

On average, Louisiana receives 50-70 inches of rainfall annually. Standing water poses many risks, including foundation damage, soil erosion, and mold accumulation. From French drains to soil grading, there's many ways to redirect rain runoff. For the best approach, consider having a qualified landscaper evaluate your yard's drainage!

8. Cut Cost with Perennials

Perennial originates from the Latin word Perennis, which means “everlasting.” Perennial plants aren’t exactly everlasting. However, they can survive more than two years, regrowing during the springtime. Not having to replant your bed seriously cuts down your annual landscaping budget. A few common Louisiana perennials include Camelia, Salvia, and Black-Eyed Susan.

Related: 5 Perfect Plants for Landscaping in Louisiana

9. Protect from Pests 

Louisiana’s tropical climate invites a variety of plant pests. Infestation can be costly for gardeners. Luckily, you can prevent pests if you know what to look for. Common signs of plant pests include:

Discolored & Misshapen Leaves: Infestations result in leaves yellowing or wilting into a cup shape.

Honeydew: Insects like aphids secrete honeydew, leaving leaves shiny and sticky.

Oozing: Check branches and fruit wounds for slimy substances. This may stem from insect guttation or slime flux.

You should apply pesticides to your plants every three to four weeks. Talk to your landscaper about including pest prevention in your maintenance plan!

10. Pick the Right Time to Prune

Choosing the right time to prune can be tricky. It depends on the plant and your pruning goals. However, below are general guidelines for pruning your plants.

Spring Flowering Plants: Late spring to early summer (directly after flowering).

Summer Flowering Plants: Late winter to early spring.

Deciduous Trees: Late fall to late winter.

Deciduous Shrubs: Later winter to early spring (just before flowering).

Dead or Diseased Growth: Remove as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

For best results, research your specific plant or reach out to a professional landscaper!

Landscaping in Louisiana? Choose Greenscape!

Want to make the most of your outdoor space? Greenscape Design has helped hundreds of clients create the outdoor space of their dreams for over a decade. We work one-on-one with clients to execute their Louisiana landscape design vision. Send us a message or call (225) 333-9680 for a free consultation from an expert designer. We can't wait to hear from you!