The document outlines reasons for removing or keeping legacy plants, highlighting characteristics that may necessitate removal such as poor health, invasiveness, or high maintenance requirements. Conversely, it presents subjective justifications for retaining plants, including their size, ecological benefits, aesthetic appeal, and sentimental value. The evaluation aims to aid gardeners in making informed decisions about legacy plants in their landscapes.

1. Legacy Plant: ____________________________________
Reasons for Removing the Legacy Plant: Below are some plant characteristics that
weigh towards removing a legacy plant. We’ve also included a few notes about each
characteristic.
√ Reason Notes
Suggest Removal
Poor health/senescence
Too large for space
Dangerous (weak branches;
leaning; trip hazard; etc.)
Invasive
May Argue for Removal
Poisonous; prickly; produces
allergens
Attracts undesirable creatures
(insect or other)
Unusual or unpleasant odor
Requires too much maintenance
Requires too much water
Requires regular amendments,
fertilizer
Requires regular use of pesticides
Planted in wrong place
Ugly
Wrong color (foliage or flowers)
Doesn’t fit with design/ theme

2. Reasons for Keeping the Legacy Plant. The reasons for keeping a plant are more
subjective than the reasons for removal. Below are some reasons that gardeners use to
help decide to keep a legacy plant.
√ Reason Notes
General Reasons
Appropriate size for space
Cold & heat tolerant
Drought tolerant
Provides shade
Evergreen
Provides protection from wind
Blocks an unsightly view
Would take a long time to replace
Does well in a ‘difficult’ place
Native to region
Food and habitat
Provides food for the family
Provides food for pollinators,
butterflies & other beneficial insects
Provides habitat for birds
Appearance
Looks neat and tidy
Good fall/winter color
Attractive flowers/fruits
Attractive foliage
Interesting shape
Appropriate appearance for style of
house
Appropriate for the neighborhood
Sense of Place
Sentimental value
Historical/culturalvalue
Important plant in region
Plant native to the region or culture
featured in landscape