Heat, paving and fill ground
Large paved areas absorb heat and shed rainwater quickly, which sends runoff to the edges of a property. Plants along frontage and in parking lot islands face reflected heat and compacted soil, so they need sturdy species and good watering. Fill and rock left from construction can mean thin, hard ground that needs improvement before anything grows well.
On a residential lot, the issues are similar but smaller: baked yards, patchy turf and rainwater that stays where it falls. Quarry lakes and canals in the wider area show how close water sits below the surface, so drainage and plant choice matter. A smart plan places hardy plants where they are most needed and lets the paving carry the heavy use.

