TM 5-803-13/AFM 126-8
2-2. Balance. Balance is the arrangement of plants or
the approaches to them can be emphasized by formal
groups of plants to achieve visual equilibrium by
planting. However, formal plantings require high main-
employing either a symmetrical or asymmetrical
tenance to retain a consistently satisfactory appearance.
arrangement.
Plant losses are conspicuous and replacement may be
a. Symmetrical or formal balance exists where the
difficult and costly. To minimize labor and expense,
same number, size and type of plants are placed on each
planting should be predominantly informal with only
side of a visual dividing line such as a walkway (fig 2-4).
occasional use of symmetry to accent a particular
The important of certain areas or selected buildings and
architectural or site feature.
b. Asymmetrical balance can be achieved by using
and growth alter the appearance of plants. However, if
different types of plants in a mass or group which appear
plants are carefully selected, a balanced appearance is
to balance. For example, a large shade tree may have a
possible throughout the year. Some deciduous plants, for
balancing effect when used with a group of smaller
example, have branching patterns which balance with
ornamental trees or shrubs (fig 2-5). Asymmetrical
other plants in the composition even during the winter
balance is difficult to achieve because seasonal changes
when foliage color has changed or disappeared.
2-3. Contrast. Contrast is achieved by the arrange-
sign and in this way focuses attention on the sign.
ment of plants in relation to each other in such a way that
Similarly, large trees may be used to emphasize a
differences in size, shape, texture or color are
building entrance or other important site feature, such as
emphasized. Plants can be selected and arranged to focus
a gateway. In these cases, the contrast between trees and
attention on other plants, as in the case of an evergreen
architectural features draws attention when seen either
hedge used as a background for flowering shrubs. A mass
from a distance or nearby (fig 2-6).
of low plants provides a contrasting base for an entrance
2-3
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