How to Landscape With Shrubs & Hedges

Identify your reasons for using shrubs and hedges. Decide what you want from them. Privacy, decoration, energy efficiency and defining spaces are common uses of this type of greenery. Consider this when selecting your shrubs.

Identify the general location for the shrubs or hedges. Common areas include the front of the house, along a sidewalk, along a driveway or surrounding the property.

Sketch the home and property. View the home from across the street to get a good view. Note the areas that would benefit from the landscaping. Mark the proposed shrub and hedge locations on the sketch.

Measure the area where the shrubs will go. You'll need the measurements to choose shrubs that will fit the area and to determine how many shrubs you need.

Determine if you want the shrubs touching to form a solid hedge or spaced out. This affects how many shrubs you purchase.

Choose the appropriate shrubs for the landscaping job. Consider your local climate and shrubs that grow well there. Consult with a plant nursery for suggestions. Also consider the mature size of the shrubs and the amount of care needed to maintain the shrubs.

Calculate the number of shrubs needed based on your measurements of the area, how close you want them and the size of the selected bushes.

Decide if you want to mulch around the shrubs. Choose the specific type of mulch and a landscaping border to complete the area as desired.