During planning, which plant characteristic is preferred?

• A. Plants with few insects/disease
• B. Plants requiring frequent pruning
• C. Highly aggressive spreaders
• D. Non-native species only

Answer: (A)

Choosing plants that are naturally resistant to common pests and diseases is the most efficient way to plan a landscape. When a plant has few insect and disease problems, it stays healthier with less maintenance, fewer pesticide inputs, and fewer unexpected service calls, helping the design stay on budget and on schedule. This reliability is especially important for long-term aesthetic and functional goals, since pest pressure can vary with site conditions and climate. By prioritizing pest-resistant options, you also reduce the risk of damaged beds and the need for frequent interventions. In contrast, plants that require frequent pruning add labor and cost; highly aggressive spreaders can become invasive and hard to control; and relying exclusively on non-native species can introduce ecological and management challenges, often increasing maintenance rather than reducing it.