Blog - Country Springs Wholesale Nursery

September 22, 2025September 22, 2025

Landscape Privacy Screening: The Ultimate Guide

Creating a natural landscape privacy screening in your landscape is one of the best ways to add privacy, reduce noise, and define outdoor spaces. Whether you’re barring the neighbor’s view of your outdoor space, softening a property line, or enclosing a patio, plants offer a living, green solution that improves with time. The right choice depends on your space, climate, and design goals.

Why Choose Plants for Privacy Screening?

Beauty: Screens provide year-round greenery and seasonal interest.

Eco-Friendly: Living walls support wildlife, absorb carbon, and cool surrounding areas.

Flexibility: Options range from tall, fast-growing evergreens to layered shrub borders.

Top Choices for Landscape Privacy Screening

Plant	Growth Rate	Sun & Soil	Best Use	Why it Stands Out
Thuja ‘Green Giant’ (Arborvitae)	Fast — 3–5 ft/year	Full sun to part shade; wide soil tolerance; prefers moist, well-drained	Rapid privacy screen, windbreak, hedge	Quick, dense growth with few pest issues; evergreen cover year-round
Leyland Cypress	Very fast — 3–4+ ft/year	Full sun; adapts to many soils; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic	Tall, fast screens and windbreaks	Extremely fast growth and height; instant screening effect
American Holly (Ilex opaca)	Slow to moderate — 6–18 in/year	Full sun to part shade; prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soils	Specimen tree, formal hedge, wildlife habitat	Evergreen with glossy leaves and bright red berries; high wildlife and ornamental value
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’)	Moderate — 1–2 ft/year	Full sun to part shade; tolerates clay and urban soils if well-drained	Columnar screen, street tree, narrow-site planting	Slim, upright form fits tight spaces; smooth bark and good fall color
Bamboo (Clumping varieties)	Fast in season — new canes reach full height each year; clump expands 1–2+ ft/year	Full sun to part shade; moist, fertile, well-drained soils	Living fence, fast screen, tropical accent, erosion control	Rapid vertical growth, dense foliage; clumping types are non-invasive and manageable

Tips for Planting Landscape Privacy Screening

When planning a landscape for privacy, thoughtful design and care make all the difference. Spacing is key: plant Green Giants about 6–8 feet apart to create a seamless, dense hedge without overcrowding. For added beauty and depth, try layering—combine evergreens with shrubs and perennials to soften the look and give your screen a more natural, varied appearance. Maintenance also plays a role in long-term success; light pruning will keep plants dense and shapely, while consistent watering during the establishment phase helps them root deeply and grow strong. Finally, keep design considerations in mind—choose plants not just for their mature height and width, but also for how they look through the seasons, ensuring your screen provides privacy and visual interest all year long.

Final Thoughts

For most homeowners, Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is the ultimate go-to for privacy: fast, reliable, and attractive year-round. But combining evergreens, shrubs, and ornamental trees can create a screen that’s both functional and beautiful, tailored to your property’s unique needs.

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

Boxwood Basics: Which Variety Should You Choose?

Boxwood Basics

Boxwoods are a cornerstone of American landscapes, prized for their evergreen foliage, adaptability, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re designing a formal hedge, adding structure to a mixed border, or creating a classic foundation planting, choosing the right boxwood variety is key to long-term success. With dozens of cultivars available, it’s important to understand the differences in size, shape, and hardiness so you can match the right plant to your landscape needs.

Why Choose Boxwoods?

Boxwoods offer year-round greenery, respond well to pruning, and can be shaped into hedges, spheres, or left natural for a softer look. Their dense foliage makes them ideal for creating structure and contrast in the garden.

Popular Boxwood Varieties

Tips for Success

Site Selection: Plant in well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged areas.

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety.

Pruning: Light, regular pruning keeps shape without stressing the plant.

Winter Care: Mulch roots and shield from harsh winds to prevent bronzing.

Boxwood Basics: Final Notes

The best boxwood for your project depends on your design goals. For formal hedging, ‘Suffruticosa’ or ‘Green Velvet’ are excellent. If you need an upright structure, go with ‘Green Mountain.’ For compact accents, ‘Green Gem’ is ideal. And for durability with faster growth, ‘Wintergreen’ stands out.

No matter which you choose, boxwoods provide year-round structure and elegance, making them one of the most dependable shrubs in the landscape trade. Boxwoods also provide elegant foliage that helps to increase property value.

Contact our knowledgeable team at Country Springs Wholesale Nursery and schedule a visit to see our huge selection in person.

August 25, 2025August 29, 2025

Native Trees for Busy Landscapes: Why They Matter

Native Trees in the Mid Atlantic

Native Trees grow naturally in a certain regions or ecosystems without being brought there by people. They are species that have adapted over time to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. These trees play an important role in supporting the natural balance of that area.

It is easy to be drawn to exotic or unusual trees when planning a landscape project. Uncommon tress have their place but native trees are often the best choice for homeowners. Additionally, beauty, resilience, and low-maintenance care. make Native Trees ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.

Native Tree Benefits

Low Maintenance
A native tree is already suited to our region’s rainfall, temperature swings, and soil conditions. This means they require less watering, fertilization, and long-term upkeep compared to many non-native options.

Support for Wildlife
From songbirds to pollinators, native trees provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Planting them helps restore natural habitats right in your own backyard.

Seasonal Beauty
Far from being ordinary, many of these trees offer spectacular seasonal displays. Spring blooms, rich fall colors, and striking winter silhouettes add year-round appeal.

Resilience
Another reason to consider, native trees are more resistant to local pests and diseases. This reduces the need for chemical treatments because these trees are also more tolerant of weather extremes, from summer heat to winter cold.

Recommended Native Trees for Landscape Projects

In the Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, and surrounding areas), native trees represent the smart choice for landscaping because they’re already adapted to local weather, soils, and pests. That means they require less maintenance and provide better habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Here are some top recommendations and why they’re most often used:

Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – Beautiful pink spring flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and excellent for small yards.

White Oak (Quercus alba) – A classic shade tree with strong wildlife value and stunning fall foliage.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – Multi-season interest with spring blooms, edible summer berries, and fiery fall color.

River Birch (Betula nigra) – Distinctive peeling bark, fast-growing, and adaptable to wet soils.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Evergreen privacy tree that provides food and cover for birds.

Choosing local trees is not just good for the environment — it’s good for you too. They save time, reduce maintenance headaches, and ensure your landscape thrives for years to come.

If you’re ready to bring the beauty and resilience of native trees into your yard then stop by Country Springs Wholesale Nursery. Our team can help match you with the right tree for your space and lifestyle.

August 8, 2025

Choosing the Right Tree for Your Landscape Project

Choosing the right tree for your Landscape Project starts with asking the right questions. What kind of sunlight does your planting area receive? How much space is available—both above and around the spot? What type of soil are you working with, and which trees thrive in your local climate zone?

Beyond site conditions, it’s also important to think about what you want your tree to provide. Are you looking for fast shade, seasonal color, long-term durability, or added habitat value?

Understanding these factors can help narrow your options and guide you toward trees that will grow well and serve your goals.

In the sections that follow, we’ll walk you through key considerations—from evaluating your planting site to identifying popular, proven choices. You’ll also find simple planting tips and ongoing care practices to support long-term success.

Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at what matters most when selecting a tree.

Assess Your Site Conditions

The following 4 considerations should be taken into account when choosing the right tree before you fall in love with a tree’s form or foliage. Getting to know the basics of the planting location is paramount to the success of the Right Tree for Your Landscape Project.

Sun Exposure: Is the area in full sun, part shade, or mostly shady? While many shade trees tolerate full sun, some (like red maples) prefer at least a few hours of direct light each day.
Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, or clay? Well-draining loam is ideal for most trees, but if your soil leans heavily to clay or sand, choose species known to adapt—like oak (for clay) or Kentucky coffeetree (for sand).
Available Space: Measure both overhead clearance (under power lines or eaves) and width. A mature canopy spread of 30–50 feet is common for large shade trees—so be sure you have room!
Climate Zone: Check your USDA hardiness zone. Native trees not only thrive in local temperature ranges but also support wildlife and demand less maintenance.

Match Tree Characteristics to Your Project Needs

When choosing the right tree, different trees offer unique benefits. Here is a chart to help with important questions:

Top Picks for Homeowners when Choosing the Right Tree

Here are three versatile, attractive shade-tree favorites.
When it comes to choosing a shade tree that delivers both beauty and resilience, a few timeless options rise to the top. Whether you’re looking to create a cooling canopy with a big tree, support local wildlife, or simply add standout foliage to your landscape, the right tree can make all the difference. Below, we highlight three versatile favorites—each with its own unique appeal. From the stately and ecologically rich White Oak to the light-filtering Honey Locust and the striking, low-maintenance Ginkgo, these shade trees offer lasting value for a wide range of environments.

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Mature Size: 80–100 ft tall; 60–80 ft spread

Highlights: Long-lived, deep lobed leaves, supports hundreds of insect and bird species

Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis)

Mature Size: 30–70 ft tall; 30–60 ft spread

Highlights: Light, dappled shade; tolerant of city conditions and poor soils

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Mature Size: 50–80 ft tall; 30–40 ft spread

Highlights: Unique fan-shaped leaves, stunning golden fall color, extremely disease resistant

Planting & Early Care Tips

Giving your new tree a strong start sets the stage for decades of healthy growth. Proper planting and early care practices are essential for helping roots establish, trunks strengthen, and canopies develop naturally. From digging the right hole to knowing when—and how—to prune, a few simple steps can make a big difference. Follow these foundational tips to ensure your tree not only survives but thrives in its new home.

Dig the Right Hole:
Make it as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. This encourages roots to spread into native soil.
Backfill Gently:
Mix native soil with a bit of compost, but avoid heavy mulch piles at the trunk (“volcano mulching”).
Stake If Necessary:
Young trees may need staking in windy sites—remove ties after the first year to allow natural movement and trunk strengthening.
Water Consistently:
During the first two growing seasons, aim for 1 inch of water per week (from rain or irrigation). Soaker hoses or drip irrigation work best.
Prune Thoughtfully:
Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy pruning; let the tree establish a natural form.

Long-Term Maintenance

Caring for your tree doesn’t stop after it’s established—long-term maintenance is key to ensuring lasting health and beauty. Even mature shade trees benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods, helping them stay resilient through stress. Keep an eye out for early signs of pests or disease, such as leaf spots, cankers, or borer activity, as prompt treatment can prevent serious damage. Finally, refreshing mulch each year with a 2–3 inch layer of shredded bark or hardwood helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the root zone—keeping your tree strong for seasons to come.

By matching your property’s conditions with the right species, and giving your new tree attentive care when choosing the right tree, you’ll enjoy years of cool shade, wildlife visits, and seasonal beauty. Ready to explore our current shade-tree inventory? Stop by Country Springs Wholesale Nursery and pick the perfect one for your home!

January 22, 2019July 14, 2020

How to Resolve Customer Landscape Issues

How to Solve response to landscape complaints

When handling unsatisfied customers it’s important to recognize why they’re complaining. If you don’t know what the problem is, then it’ll be rather difficult to determine your response to landscape complaints. Here are some helpful tips to deal with an angry customer.

Talk To Them Before Your Response to Landscape Complaints

This may Sound obvious but we sometimes assume we know what the problem is before any discussion. Talk to the customer and ask them what made them unhappy with the service you provided. Are they frustrated with the lawn service? Did you order the wrong colored pavers? Where the wrong plants used in the wrong place?

When providing a service, of any kind, there are a number of things that might go wrong and it’s up to the business supplying the service to make things right again. And while you won’t be able to please everyone all of the time, you need to do your best to keep the consumer in question as a customer. Sometimes this means going above and beyond your normal job duties in order to make this happen.

If they call the office to make a complaint on the telephone, you need to realize that they’re expecting the problem to be resolved. They’re giving you the opportunity to offer a response to landscape complaints which means you need to fix it as quickly as possible. When customers complain, they aren’t trying to do damage to your business; they just want the issue taken care of.

If a customer leaves a negative review on Social Media, that generally means that they’re done dealing with you. Maybe the issue wasn’t corrected or their expectations haven’t been met.

All hope is not lost however, because you still have the opportunity to avoid future problems. Take a look at how your business is handling things and consider the fact that you might need to tweak or overhaul how your company is operating. Listed below are helpful ways to deal with unhappy customers when running a lawn care business:

Solve the Problem

If there is a problem, it’s best to solve it as soon as possible. Letting it go by the wayside does nothing to retain an angry customer. Little problems can also become even bigger problems and this can happen quickly, so it’s best to make things right, right away.

Listen and Learn

Listen to response to landscape complaints

Ask the customer why they are upset and then actually listen to what they have to say. Don’t interrupt them while they are talking because doing so may create resentment. The client may think you don’t care about their point of view. When they’re finished talking, be sure to repeat what they just said, so that once again, they know that you’re listening…. a response to landscape complaints might be something like “Yes, the pump on the fountain isn’t working, and yes, we’ll be out to replace it tomorrow afternoon.”

Research

After talking to the customer, it’s best to go back and examine your notes to see if maybe you missed something. Gather your team and talk to them as well. Did someone make a mistake? Look at the issue from the viewpoint of the customer and try to put yourself in their shoes. If this was your yard, how would you feel if something went wrong? If you discover that you or your team did something wrong, apologize to the customer and do what you need to do in order to fix whatever it was that went wrong.

Avoid Technology

What I mean by this is don’t hide behind your computer when something goes wrong. Get out there and make things right! A customer is more likely to respect you when you visit them at home or at their place of business.

Documentation

It’s best to document every home or business that you landscape. You should have a file for each consumer that you service. Keeping good records allows you to backtrack in the event that something DOES go wrong.

It’s not a matter of if something goes wrong, it’s a matter of when, and you should always be prepared to make things right. When keeping documentation, however, it’s always best to be organized.

Cut Your Losses

While this method should be a last resort it may need to be considered in response to landscape complaints. When dealing with the public, it’s important to realize that you’re not going to get along with everyone. When this happens take a step back and determine whether or not this is a customer worth keeping.

However, if the customer is demanding and the two of you are not a good match, then don’t be afraid to speak up. You may want to refund their money after fixing their lawn, or you could always refer them to another landscape company. Perhaps you know of someone who might be better suited to meet their needs.

Observe the Outcome

Take note of what happened after the response to landscape complaints. Did you order the wrong flowers? Was an employee late, again? Determine what you can do in the future to make sure that you, or your employees, don’t make the same mistake twice.

No matter the complaint, it’s always best to keep a level head because it does nothing for you or your business if you get upset every time something goes wrong. In fact, feeling hurt of injured only tends to make the situation worse than it already is. So, if you get a complaint from a customer, smile, be polite and do your best to make things right!