How to Build Up Soil for Planting Shrubs

Mark out the area where you will plant your shrub. Measure the planting hole a few feet back from any sidewalks or structures so there is plenty of space for the shrub to grow. Be careful about planting under trees, since the tree roots will rob soil nutrients and moisture and shade your shrub.

Dig down twice the depth and twice the width of the root ball on the shrub. Place the dirt into a wheelbarrow as you remove it. Throw out any stones or sticks.

Mix an equal amount of compost with the removed soil in the wheelbarrow. Add in several inches of dampened peat moss and vermiculite. Use a hoe or trowel to mix the compost and other amendments into the soil until they are evenly distributed.

Fill the bottom half of the hole with the soil mixture. Set your shrub in place, keeping the same soil line as it had previously. Add another layer of soil and tamp it down around the roots with your heel while you hold the shrub straight in the hole.

Fill the planting hole with water and allow enough time for the water to drain. Add more soil until you have filled the hole. Tamp down the soil around the shrub and water.