Maintenance Landscaping Design

Border shrubs along fence is an easy and rewarding way to create privacy and security while also adding curb appeal to your home. These type of shrubs are typically compact and low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy homeowners. When choosing border shrubs, be sure to consider the mature size of the plant so it doesn't overwhelm your space. Another important factor is whether the shrub is evergreen or deciduous, as this will determine how much privacy and security it provides throughout the year.

Also called

• Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
  
• Juniperus scopulorum
  
• Taxus baccata
  
• Ilex aquifolium
  
• Buxus sempervirens

Common Knowledge

• Border shrubs can provide privacy and security along a fence line.
  
• They can also help to block unwanted views and noise.
  
• Border shrubs can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species.
  
• They can range in height from a few inches to several feet.
  
• Border shrubs can be planted in a variety of soil types and conditions.
  
• They should be watered regularly, especially when first planted.
  
• Fertilizer may be required to keep border shrubs healthy.
  
• Pruning may be necessary to shape border shrubs and control their growth.
  
• Some border shrubs can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
  
• Border shrubs can provide color and interest in the landscape year-round.

Related plant:
Border Forsythia

Growing Steps

1. For border shrubs along fence, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard that has well-drained soil.
   
2. Next, use a shovel or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
   
3. After that, spread a 2-inch layer of organic compost over the planting area and work it into the loosened soil.
   
4. Next, choose the shrub you want to grow and dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
   
5. Place the shrub in the hole so that the roots are evenly moistened.
   
6. Fill in the hole with the loosened soil and water the shrub well.
   
7. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to mound it up against the stem.
   
8. Water the shrub regularly, especially during the first growing season.
   
9. Fertilize the shrub once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
10. Prune the shrub as needed to keep it shapely and to remove any dead or damaged branches.

Related plant:
Evergreen Border Plants

The Soil

About soil condition, the border shrubs along the fence are in good condition. The soil is moist and there is no sign of erosion. The fence provides good support for the shrubs and they have plenty of room to grow.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, shrubs need sunlight to grow. However, because they are usually planted along fences or other border areas, they don't always get the sun they need. If you're thinking about planting a shrub along a fence, make sure to choose one that doesn't require full sun to thrive. There are plenty of options to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect plant for your space.

Good Temperature

The temperature has a big influence on how well border shrubs along a fence will do. If it gets too hot, the shrubs will suffer and may even die. If it gets too cold, they may also die. So, it's important to choose the right shrubs for your climate.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The plant can grow in full sun to partial sun. It does best in average to dry conditions, and will do poorly in wet conditions. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to water this plant more often.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant food is important to the growth of your shrubs. This is especially important when planting border shrubs along a fence. By nature, most fence lines are not very fertile and lack the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth. Adding a layer of fertilizer will give your shrubs the extra boost they need to establish strong roots and reach their full potential.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your border shrubs looking their best. By trimming back overgrown branches, you can encourage new growth and keep your plants looking tidy. Border shrubs can be pruned in early spring or late summer, depending on the variety.Before you begin pruning, take a look at your shrubs and decide which areas need to be trimmed. Then, use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts at an angle. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches as well. With proper care, your border shrubs will thrive for years to come.

About Propagating

Propagation is often done by taking cuttings from the parent plant. This is a method that works well for many types of border shrubs. First, find a healthy stem on the parent plant that is about the thickness of a pencil. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a leaf node. The leaf node is the point on the stem where leaves are attached. Next, dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, which you can purchase at a garden center. Plant the stem in a pot filled with moistened potting mix, and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy, and in a few weeks, you should see new growth. At that point, you can begin watering the plant more regularly.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate are very fast. This is due to the fact that they are trying to get as close to the fence as possible to get the maximum amount of sunlight. The faster the growth rate, the more likely the shrub is to get the sunlight it needs.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that they get leggy and require regular pruning to maintain their shape. If you let them grow too wild, they can start to crowd out other plants in your garden and become a nuisance. Another problem is that they can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it's important to keep an eye on them and take action if you see any problems.

Growing Tips

• If you want your border shrubs to thrive, make sure to plant them in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
  
• Be sure to water your border shrubs regularly, as they will need plenty of moisture to stay healthy.
  
• When it comes time to fertilize your border shrubs, choose a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
  
• Border shrubs can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to check them regularly for signs of trouble.
  
• To keep your border shrubs looking their best, prune them regularly.
  
• If you live in an area with a lot of deer, you may need to take extra measures to protect your border shrubs from becoming deer food.
  
• When choosing border shrubs for your garden, be sure to select varieties that are well-suited to your climate.
  
• Be sure to plant your border shrubs at the correct depth.

You May Like

• Boxwood.
  
• Forsythia.
  
• Viburnum.
  
• Lilac.
  
• Spirea.
  
• Pink Dogwood.
  
• Hydrangea.
  
• Nandina.
  
• Cherry Laurel.
  
• Privet.

Source:
Trees and shrubs | UMN Extension - University of Minnesota
Living snow fences | UMN Extension - University of Minnesota
Shrublands | Extension