What Homeowners Do Not Understand About Plants (And How We Can Help)
- Maple Leaf Farms
- Sep 13, 2025
- 3 min read
For many homeowners, walking through a nursery or garden center feels overwhelming. Rows of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals line the aisles, each with unique needs, growth patterns, and lifespans. Too often, choices are made based on impulse — “That looks pretty, let’s grab it!” — instead of long-term planning.
But plants are living investments, not just decorations. Choosing the wrong species for the wrong location can lead to wasted money, disappointment, and dead material in your yard. At Maple Leaf Farms, we believe education is as important as selection. Here’s what homeowners often misunderstand about plants, and how we help guide them toward success.
Misconception #1: All Plants Grow the Same Way
Plants are not one-size-fits-all. Some thrive in full sun, others demand shade. Some want wet soils, others suffer if their roots sit in water. Fast-growing trees like willows or green giant arborvitae provide quick privacy but require maintenance, while slower growers like boxwoods or Japanese maples reward patience with structure and longevity.
What We Do:
We ask questions — Where will it be planted? What’s the light exposure? What’s your soil like? Are deer an issue? These basics determine survival. Buying “pretty plants” without considering conditions often ends in failure.
Misconception #2: Plants Don’t Need Much Care After Planting
It’s common to hear, “Once it’s in the ground, it takes care of itself.” This is false. Plants require time, consistent watering, and proper fertilization during establishment. Even mature trees and shrubs benefit from seasonal pruning, mulching, and feeding.
What We Do:
We give straightforward care instructions:
Deep, infrequent watering (instead of shallow daily watering).
Balanced fertilizer timing through spring and summer.
Pruning at the correct season (spring bloomers after bloom, summer bloomers before spring).
Structural support staking if needed during early growth.
Misconception #3: Big Box Stores Sell the Same Plants Cheaper
Large chains may appear cheaper at first glance, but many plants there are not locally grown, often neglected once delivered, and sometimes mislabeled. Worse, these stores discard unsold plants without loss because the grower eats the cost. That doesn’t support the industry.
At Maple Leaf Farms, we grow, maintain, and care for plants year-round. Every boxwood, hydrangea, or spruce on our property has been shaped, fertilized, and watched daily. That’s why our trees and shrubs remain vibrant when they reach your landscape.
Misconception #4: Size Equals Value
Homeowners often think, “Why does that large pot cost so much more?” Bigger plants take years of care, pruning, and shaping. A 2.5" caliper maple or 8' spruce didn’t grow overnight. You’re paying for years of cultivation, not just soil and water.
Misconception #5: Any Plant Can Go Anywhere
Wrong plant, wrong place is the #1 killer of landscapes. Planting a sun-loving crape myrtle in dense shade guarantees failure. Putting hydrangeas in dry sandy soil leads to stress and poor bloom. Ignoring growth size leads to “monster plants” swallowing walkways or crowding foundations.
What We Do:
We help match the right plant to the right location, whether it’s evergreens for privacy, flowering trees for curb appeal, or perennials for seasonal color.
How We Help Homeowners
At Maple Leaf Farms, we don’t just sell plants — we guide you through the process. We’ll:
Walk with you through our extensive selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses.
Recommend options for your property’s unique conditions.
Share best practices for watering, fertilizing, pruning, and seasonal maintenance.
Provide ongoing care advice even after you’ve purchased.
If you’re looking for deeper guidance beyond plant selection, we recommend Horticulture Specialists LLC. They provide consultations, professional horticultural advice, and custom 2D landscape design renderings for your home.
📧 Email: horticulturespecialists@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.horticulturespecialists.com
Visit Maple Leaf Farms
📍 525 US-9, Manalapan, NJ 07726
📞 (732) 851-4400
Serving NJ, NY, NYC, DE, MA, CT, and PA — delivery available within 135 miles.
FAQ
Why do some large pots cost more?
Because you’re not just buying time — you’re also buying years of professional care, proper maintenance, pruning, shaping, watering, fertilizing, and disease monitoring. Each step ensures the plant you’re getting is healthy, structured, and ready to thrive in your landscape.
Can you plant for me?
Yes, Maple Leaf Farms offers local planting services. Our team can deliver and install trees and shrubs in your yard.
Do you hold or reserve plants?
No. All purchases are first come, first serve, in person only. We do not hold or reserve material.
Do you deliver?
Yes. We deliver within a 135-mile radius covering NJ, NYC, NY, DE, MA, CT, and PA. Delivery fees vary by location.
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