How to Plant Shrubs

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Shrubs are the workhorses of the garden, providing structure, flowers, fruit, interesting bark and years of enjoyment. Shrubs do not ask for much, but getting them off to a healthy start by using proper planting techniques will protect your investment.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Weed mat
Mulch
Ground cover

Step1

Pick a site in your yard that meets the shrub's cultural and space requirements. Planting a sun lover like hibiscus in the shade results in a slow decline. Planting a potential giant like viburnum against the foundation of your house turns into a yearly battle with your clippers.

Step2

Plant your container grown or balled shrubs in early spring or fall, while temperatures are mild. Plant your bare root shrubs in early spring, so they have the rest of the growing season to get established.

Step3

Dig a hole approximately 1 ½ times the size of the root ball. Amend the soil minimally. When roots encounter overly rich soil surrounded by a wall of clay, they tend to grow back into the amended area, producing a rootbound effect.

Step4

Tamp the soil back into the hole with your foot, eliminating air pockets.

Step5

Water the shrub with a trickle from the hose or drip irrigation until the area is saturated. Continue providing one inch of water per week during the growing season.

Step6

Reduce competition from weeds by installing a weed mat or 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Alternatively, plant a shallow-rooted ground cover around the base of the shrub. Periwinkle and star jasmine are good choices.

Step7

Steer clear of the lone soldier effect by planting shrubs in groups of 3 or 5. Repetition and odd numbers are pleasing to the eye. If you consider your shrub to be a standalone specimen, plant some smaller shrubs in front of it to give a layered look.