Selecting plants that are susceptible to pest problems will increase the potential need for pest control practices and the likelihood of regular applications of pesticides. On the other hand, selecting plants that are resistant to pest problems will decrease the potential need for pest control treatments, including the use of pesticides. Planting Design Planting design is a broad term that refers primarily to the selection and arrangement of plants to serve one or more purposes. How well a plant will do under particular site conditions is largely determined by its cultural requirements. Design approach is also an important factor influencing maintenance requirements.
Landscape designs can range from formal to naturalistic, and from simple to complex.
Large monoculture plantings are more susceptible to insect and disease problems, and infestations are likely to be more severe than in the case of mixed, multi-species plantings. Also, while replacement plants are highly visible in a fairly mature, formal design with little plant diversity, new plants may be hardly noticed in a multi-species, mixed design. However, the need for such practices can be avoided through thoughtful landscape design. When placed along the interface between shrub beds and turf areas, mowing strips serve as a barrier to underground rhizomes, and they also reduce the need for edging treatments. Usually tree wells are found on turf areas, but they also are used around trees growing in paved areas.