How to Plant a Selection of Urban & Tropical Shrub Trees

As the name suggests, a shrub tree displays traits that are common to both shrubs and trees. They are tall, like trees, often reaching 10 to 20 feet in height at maturity. However, they have multiple stems rather than a single main trunk, like shrubs. Whether using broad-leaf urban varieties to add greenery to the yard, or brightly blooming tropical types to add splashes of color, shrub trees define the landscape. Set apart from one another, each tree draws the eye, delineating the terrain; placed close together, they grow to form an impressive, eye-catching hedge.

Garden spade
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Select a planting site for each plant. Shrub trees will have varying needs for sun and shade depending on the species. In general, tropical shrub trees, such as the common fig, do best when planted in full sun, while urban shrub trees, such as the forsythia, thrive in partial shade.
- 2
  Excavate the soil at the chosen site with a sturdy garden spade. Dig a broad hole at the planting site that is no deeper than the tree's root ball, so the settling soil will not cause the plant to sink.
- 3
  Space the planting sites at least 2 feet apart. Set the tree shrubs in a straight line to form a hedge or border. As the trees grow, the branches will mesh together to form a solid wall of vegetation. For a less formal arrangement, plant tree shrubs in groups of three. Leave 5 to 10 feet of space between each plant to keep them from growing into each other. Consider the height of the tree shrubs at maturity, placing smaller plants in front of taller ones to produce a layered look.
- 4
  Set each shrub tree in the center of a hole. Refill the planting sites with the excavated soil. There is no need to amend the soil, as the additional organic matieral discourges root growth beyond the planting area.
- 5
  Pour 1 to 2 gallons of water around the base of each shrub tree. Inspect the plants daily adding just enough water to keep the soil at the planting site moist. When the shrub trees display obvious signs of growth, reduce the schedule, watering twice a week for 20 minutes.
- 6
  Prune any broken or wayward branches at planting time. Use a pair of sharp pruning shears to snip off any damaged foliage, leaving the remainder of the tree shrub intact. Do not remove branches to compensate for roots lost during transplantation.

Low Water Shrubs

Shrubs for the Front Yard

Landscaping Shrubs