more... > Tangipahoa > Horticulture > Benjamin Journal > Selecting Trees and Steps to Planting Trees Trees are a vital part of most landscapes and can provide shade, privacy, windbreaks, fruit or nuts, shelter, flowers and real estate value. Cold Protection in the Landscape Over the last few years, many of us have gone just a little bit overboard planting tender tropical plants in our landscapes. When mild winter followed mild winter, it was too tempting to plant hibiscus, bougainvillea, ficus, Norfolk Island pines and even scheffleras outside in the ground. Every December, though, it’s time to face reality and the distinct possibility of temperatures below freezing.