How to Build a Wall From Shrubs

Wait until the fall months, optimally between mid-August and mid-October, to plant the shrub wall. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, this can give the shrubs a better chance of success in establishing rapid root growth and stability because of the generally moderate temperatures and often good moisture levels associated with that time of year. If fall planting is not possible, you may also plant the shrubs in March, April or May to take advantage of the longer growing season.

Research the type of shrub you want to use in the wall. Evergreen varieties are best since they retain foliage year-round. Good evergreen options are arborvitae, juniper, spruce, rhododendrons or yew. If you prefer only a summer wall, choose a deciduous shrub variety such as privet, buttonbush, dogwood, elderberry or forsythia.

Mark out the line for the shrub wall on the ground using a garden hose until you are happy with the location. In general, keep the shrubs at least 3 to 4 feet from roads and paths.

Walk along the garden hose and spray paint an "X” on the ground every 6 to 8 feet for evergreens and every 2 to 3 feet for deciduous shrubs. This is an average distance when planting a shrub wall, so refer to the planting instructions for your specific species and increase or decrease the spacing as needed.

Place the shrub pots at each marked location and dig a hole over the “X” that is the same size as the pots that the shrubs are in.

Turn each pot over and tap the bottom gently with one hand to dislodge the root ball. Remove the roots from the pot and loosen them gently by kneading them with your fingers.

Insert the root balls into the soil, ensuring that the tops of the roots are at the tops of the holes. Back fill the soil into the holes and pat the top of the ground to firm the soil around the roots.

Water the ground along the entire length of the shrub wall until it is damp to the same depth as the original holes. This ensures that moisture soaks down to the bottom of the shrub roots.

Wait until the spring, for fall planted shrubs, and begin training the shrub wall by cutting the new growth on the top and sides back by half using pruning shears. If planting in the spring, wait until you see new growth, which may take one to two months. New growth is a lighter color than the old growth and is flexible when you bend the stem.