Chapter 10 Ornamental Plants in the Landscape 249 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Evergreens are often planted along the north and west sides of the property to create a windbreak because they pro- vide protection year-round. The dense growth habit that alters the speed and direction of the wind can also be used as a sound buffer. The ability of trees to buf- fer sound is especially important when the outdoor living area is near a busy and noisy street. Large trees are also used as specimens in landscape designs. Species Some plants fall into more than one category. The plant’s location and spe- cies will determine the category in which it belongs. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), for example, has many different cultivars. The cultivars range in mature heights of 36″ tall shrubs to trees that are over 30′ tall, Figure 10-6. Small trees commonly used in land- scape designs include Japanese maple, dogwood, crape myrtle, saucer mag- nolia, eastern redbud, and Japanese apricot. Large trees used in landscape designs include beech, white ash, syca- more, southern magnolia, eastern white pine, loblolly pine, and various oaks. See Figure 10-7. Functions Trees are used to create shade, add color, provide wind protection, serve as sound buffers, and provide frame- work for a design. Trees also sequester carbon from the atmosphere and lower temperature on heat islands. An urban heat island is an area in which the temperature is higher than that of the surrounding areas due to human activi- ties. Buildings, pavement, concrete, and other structures help create heat islands, Figure 10-8. Shade Trees provide shade for outdoor living areas and permanent structures, such as Wolfilser/Shutterstock.com Figure 10-7. A—Small trees, such as the Japanese apricot, provide beautiful floral displays that make strong statements. B—White ash does not provide a showy floral display, however, its growth habit and architecture make it a desirable large tree for many landscapes. ZQFotography/Shutterstock.com A B Jorge Salcedo/Shutterstock.com Figure 10-6. Cultivar selection is extremely important when selecting plant materials. Plants, such as Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica), are available in a wide variety of cultivars. Mature heights range from just a few feet to over 30′ tall. kimkwanhee/Shutterstock.com Lindy Klales/Shutterstock.com Figure 10-8. The tree and turf between the parking spaces will be negatively affected by heat reflected from the asphalt..