Care of Spreading Evergreeens

Spreading evergreens, such as creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) or bearberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) that reach a height of less than 24 inches, provide a dense ground cover. Spreading evergreens are suitable for hilly areas to reduce erosion. Planted along flower beds, walkways or driveways, spreading evergreens help to control foot traffic. As evergreens, their color provides year-round interest to the landscape. Spreading evergreens require minimal care, making them a good choice when you have little time or desire to tend landscape plants.

Organic mulch
Fertilizer (optional)
Hand pruners

Instructions

- 1
  Water deeply and regularly. The first year after planting, as the evergreen establishes a root system, plan to water every seven to 10 days if there is no saturating rainfall.
- 2
  Spread 1 to 2 inches of organic mulch, such as pine chips or leaf mold, around the base of the evergreen. Keep the mulch about two inches from the stem of the evergreen. Mulch helps to block weed growth and aids in retaining soil moisture.
- 3
  Pull weeds as they appear. Though mulch blocks sunlight from reaching the soil to slow or prevent the growth of weeds, some weeds may still grow. Grasp the weed close to the soil surface and pull firmly to remove as much of the root system as possible.
- 4
  Apply a liquid fertilizer during a watering session if desired. Use a fertilizer specially formulated for the evergreen variety such as a needle evergreen or a flowering evergreen. Follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions for the frequency of use and for mixing directions.
- 5
  Prune dead or broken branches as they occur. To maintain a desired size, prune back the tips to the previous year's growth.

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