How to Plant Evergreen Shrubs

Evergreen Shrubs are a good way to add privacy and plant life to your yard. There are several types to choose from, and each has its own characteristics. A unique effect can be created when different species are planted next to each other. The different textures and colors help pattern a hedge and make it more attractive.

For the best chances for survival, the shrubs should be uprooted very close to the time you wish to plant them. Another very important factor to consider is the time of year you will plant the shrubs. This changes according to variety, but a good rule of thumb is to either plant them in the spring before they start to grow or in the fall after growth has slowed.

Step One: Preliminary Set Up

Before you begin anything, you need to do some footwork. The holes you will be digging are deep enough that you may hit a utility or phone line. Call your local company to be sure you won’t rupture anything. If you are planning on planting near your property line, know the exact location of your boundary so that you don’t encroach on your neighbor's plot.

Step Two: Prepare the Soil

Before you plant your shrub, you must be sure that the soil is conducive to growth. You need at least one foot of good topsoil. If your soil is mostly clay, mix in potting soil or mulch. If your soil is hard it needs to be broken and manure needs to be mixed into it. You also need to be sure that ground has been well drained before you begin planting.

Step Three: Dig a hole

Dig a hole for your shrub. As you dig, remove any poor quality soil and replace it with manure. Mix the soil and manure so that they are evenly distributed. Dig the hole slightly deeper than the height of the root system. Be sure that the hole is wide enough to comfortably fit the roots.

Step Four: Plant the Shrub

Remove the protective covering from the shrub's roots and place them in the ground. Keep as much of the original soil as you can. There's no need to remove it from the roots, just loosen it a little. Cover the roots with the misplaced soil, and be sure to leave out the poor quality soil. Surround the tree with fertilizer. Finally, be sure to thoroughly water the ground. This will help the soil settle and help the plant absorb vital nutrients.

Repeat this procedure with as many evergreen shrubs as you plan on planting. If you wish, you can pattern the trees or plant them close together in order to form a privacy hedge. It is long and dirty work, but well worth the effort.