How to Design a Covering for Chain Link Fencing With Shrubs

Place shrubs in nursery containers along the row in front of the chain link fence. Step back to ensure that you are designing a look that blends in with the landscaping. Choosing shrubs that produce brightly colored blossoms can either take emphasis off the chain-link fence or attract the eye to the area.

Dig a trench along the side of the chain link fence using a trowel. The depth of the trench should be the same as the depth at which the shrubs are planted in their container, and the width twice the size of the plants' root balls. If planting different types of shrubs, create individual holes to accommodate the root ball and planting depth difference.

Place the shrub inside the trench or hole. Small shrubs are spaced six to eight inches apart, while larger shrubs are spaced 18 to 30 inches apart. If you are using taller shrubs such as conifers for covering tall chain-link fences, space the plants six feet apart.

Prune back shrubs. Cut deciduous shrubs 6 to 8 inches from the ground to help root establish. Make pruning cuts back to healthy, outward growing buds. Trim and shape evergreen shrubs. Avoid taking too much off to prevent exposing the chain link fence.

Spread a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch around the shrubs. Mulch prevents weed growth and also covers the bottom of the chain-link fence.