Why is proper spacing important when planting ornamental plants?

Proper spacing is crucial when planting ornamental plants primarily because it reduces competition for nutrients. When plants are spaced appropriately, each one has a better chance to access the necessary nutrients from the soil. Close planting can lead to overcrowding, where plants compete for limited resources such as water, nutrients, and light. This competition can hinder their growth, lead to poor health, and diminish overall plant vigor. Adequate spacing allows each plant to establish a robust root system, optimizing its ability to absorb nutrients and moisture without interference from neighboring plants.

While increasing visual interest and enhancing fertilizer uptake may also be benefits of proper spacing, these factors are secondary to ensuring that each plant receives sufficient nutrients. The prevention of animal invasion is not directly related to spacing but rather to other factors like plant selection and landscape design. Thus, reducing competition for nutrients is the central reason why spacing is important in planting ornamental plants.