Jason Dambach of Lake Forest Gardens nursery shifts shrubs at the company's farm in Fombell. Homeowners locally have been seeking more trees and bushes as privacy screens in their yards since the pandemic shutdowns.

Many people are using stimulus money to invest in their homes and properties. At least, that's what Jason Dambach, general manager of Lake Forest Gardens in Fombell, has seen.

“It has been a strong couple of weeks,” Dambach said. “A lot of people are considering doing privacy screens.”

In the landscaping business, a privacy screen uses bushy plants like shrubs or evergreens to shield homeowners from neighboring properties.

As the pandemic has forced many people to stay home, Dambach said some property owners are realizing where they lack privacy.

Fortunately, Lake Forest Gardens can help property owners in that area.

The fourth-generation family business began with Dambach's great-grandfather in 1939.

The company produces arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, spruce, pine and ornamental shade trees. It also sells landscaping material, shrubs and perennials.

“We grow most of the material here on-site,” Dambach said, adding Lake Forest Garden does import some things.The benefit of the company growing most of its plants is that they're acclimated. Dambach said soil in this part of Pennsylvania contains lots of clay and shale.The plants Lake Forest Gardens grows are prepared to be transplanted to a similar location.“They're used to this climate,” Dambach said.He said there are two big trends he's seeing this year among home gardeners taking the time to invest in their property.One of those trends is plants that require little maintenance, like boxwoods. The other is specialty plants, like weeping evergreens and Japanese maples.“I think people are getting away from your everyday shrubs,” Dambach said.Part of the reason is that property owners usually want to plant something unique, according to Dambach.

Trends aren't limited to customers. Dambach said the landscaping industry is seeing shifts of its own. Plants that are resistant to disease and hungry animals are becoming increasingly popular.Dambach said putting time and money into property development — whether it be a home or a garden — can produce a “good return on investment” down the road.“I believe that it's something you can (benefit from) if you even decide to sell your property,” he said.Dambach said it's important for new home gardeners to know what they plant comes down to personal preference.“I can recommend and tell you what I prefer in a plant,” Dambach said. “But it's really what (customers) like.”That doesn't mean customers should always expect to be able to grow exactly what they want. Dambach said researching things like growing zones and plant adaptability are important.He also recommends talking to people in the business.“We have a lot of knowledge,” Dambach said. “We work with the plants every day.”Ultimately, Dambach said home gardeners should also know there are alternatives for almost any plant.“Do your research,” Dambach said. “There's always something that can be substituted.”

Jason Dambach of Lake Forest Gardens nursery explains how to maintain and prune a Japanese Maple at their tree farm in Fombell.

Jason and Kevin Dambach of Lake Forest Gardens nursery in Fombell.