The term ‘avenue’ has several different meanings. Most commonly, it’s used to describe streets and roads. New York City, for instance, refers to streets that run parallel in one direction as avenues, while streets that run 90 degrees to them are simply referred to as “streets.”
But avenues may also be used to describe a popular landscape design, which is something that we’re going to discuss in today’s blog post.
Avenues in Landscaping
So, what are avenues in landscaping? Also known as an allée, it’s a straight, clean pathway with trees or shrubs running along both sides. Parks, for instance, use avenues to denote their walkways. A straight, paved walkway may have rows of trees off to the left and right sides.
The trees are typically of the same species/variety, but some avenues may feature multiple tree species. It’s an otherwise simple landscaping technique that improves the aesthetics of the environment.
According to Wikipedia, avenues are among the oldest landscaping techniques in the history of gardens, with some of the earliest known exampled dating back to the 17th century. Avenues aren’t restricted just to trees and shrubs, though. Statues, such as the Egyptian sphinxes of the Great Pyramids, have also been designed in avenues.
Benefits of Using an Avenue
There are several benefits to using an avenue in your landscape, one of which is the definition it provides for pathways and walkways. If there’s a long paved walkway leading up to your home, you could grow a row of trees off to each side for a cleaner, more defined look.
Some people assume that avenues are difficult to create, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Like all landscaping design techniques, there’s some initial labor and time involved. However, once you’ve planted the trees and/or shrubs, it’s pretty much hands-off. The trees will grow to form the “avenue,” at which point you can sit back and enjoy your new landscape.
Keep in mind, however, that avenues require a fair amount of space to create, especially if you intend to use trees instead of shrubs. If you’re working with limited space in your yard, you may have trouble creating a genuine avenue with trees. Of course, shrubs are a viable alternative for small landscapes. The only downside is that they don’t offer the same visual appeal as trees.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
I really like how you suggested that if you have a long driveway, its good to grow a row of trees following it. I agree that this is becoming a hot trend to do in order to look elegant. I just bought a house and want to add some trees to the landscape of my yard. How much does it cost to get the trees planted and trimmed?
HI Breck – thanks for your comment. The price for planting and trimming trees is based on the size of the tree we are planting and how extensive the trimming is. We would be glad to come out and provide you with a free quote.
Great article! This is great, very informative