Garden Gate

• Emphasizing a significant point in the landscape with structures and planting is a design technique for establishing a sense of entrance or transition point. Garden gates are especially effective at communicating the transition to another zone in the way a doorway opens to another room. The scale and style of the garden gate signals a particular character for the site and invites physical engagement; planting at the garden gate extends the motif.

Entrance Trees

• Tree canopies act as the roof of the outdoor room. They enclose the overhead space, encouraging a sense of shelter, and help direct attention to a focal point or destination. The garden gate and tree selection should complement the landscape theme; if it's near the house, usually the theme echoes the architecture. If the space is not connected to the house, the surrounding landscape is an important factor. Consider the rest of the planting for the site when selecting the trees to avoid disharmony.

Specimen Trees

• Specimen trees have characteristics that make them focal points in the landscape. Height and striking ornamental characteristics of color, form, texture or flowers make them stand out in the landscape, attracting attention from a distance so that they become landmarks. Specimen trees are often planted at entrances and gates. Selection should be consistent with the theme as well as meet normal criteria for any planting, including suitability for climate and region.

Garden Gate Trees

• A pair of trees planted on each side of the gate frames an appealing view, or a single striking specimen tree encourages visitors to stop for a moment. Keep it simple; the garden gate is a transition and should encourage further exploration. The canopy of the tree should not be lower than 6 feet from the ground at maturity to allow people to pass under it. Plant at least 5 feet from the walkway to avoid problems with roots.