Select your shrubs. Shrubs that grow well in Texas include several varieties of holly, oleander, boxwood and viburnum. Position shrubs in a row to form a living fence or divide sections of the yard. Planted in a group, they form a mass of color. Near the home they serve as specimen plants. Select shrubs with fragrant flowers to take advantage of various scents.
Loosen the ground with a shovel to a depth of at least 18 inches. Remove all rocks, old roots or other obstructions in the soil. Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost over the soil and mix well. The compost will add nutrients to your Texas soil as well as improve drainage and soil composition. Rake smooth.
Dig a hole with a shovel twice as deep and wide as your shrub's root ball. Fill the hole with water and allow it to drain. This will assure your soil is well-drained and soften the soil for the shrub's roots.
Remove the shrub from its previous container. If the roots are tightly woven, gently loosen or score with a sharp knife.
Fill the hole with enough dirt so the top of the root ball will be at soil level. Place the shrub in the hole. Fill the hole with dirt and tamp the soil down firmly.
Water well to collapse any air pockets and to bring moisture to roots. Continue to water until the first few inches of soil is wet. Water deeply rather than frequently to train the roots to burrow deep into the earth for water.
Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the shrub, being careful to avoid the trunk. The mulch will regulate soil temperatures and retain moisture as well as retard weed growth.