
Plants can be generally classified into the following groups:
Trees – Trees are considered to be the most vital element in landscaping design because they function as the backbone of a landscape. They take years to grow and almost impossible to move or transfer upon full growth. Most often, they in fact outlived their owners. Trees therefore require the most planning and foresight. They almost always have a single trunk, although they can some in clumps, as with birch, or with two or more trunks; trees with multiple trunks will usually grow wider than the same species with single trunks.

Red-Yellow Azaleas Shrubs
Shrubs – Shrubs are more relevant to the human scale, forming accents, screens, and the foundation for mixed gardens. They are an invaluable landscaping tool for smaller yards and properties, and bring a sense of scale to larger properties. Many are favored for their flowering habits however other characteristics such as texture and form can have a more lasting impact on a landscape. Shrubs typically have multiple stems, often originating at ground level, although some can be trained into tree form with proper pruning.