Maintenance Landscaping Design

Tall evergreen shrubs is a plant that can grow to be over 15 feet tall. It has small, dark green leaves and can produce white or pink flowers in the spring. This shrub is often used as a privacy hedge or screen.

Alternative name

• Gardenia
  
• Magnolia
  
• Rhododendron
  
• Oak
  
• Maple

Good to Know

• They can grow up to 30 feet tall.
  
• They have deep green needles that are 2-4 inches long.
  
• They are usually found in temperate or cold climates.
  
• They can live for hundreds of years.
  
• They are often used as decorative plants or for privacy hedges.
  
• They need full sun and well-drained soil.
  
• They are relatively easy to care for.
  
• They are susceptible to damage from deer, rabbits, and other animals.
  
• They can be affected by diseases and pests, such as scale, mites, and aphids.
  
• They can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or size.

Related plant:
Tall Oregon Grape

Planting Process

1. For tall evergreen shrubs, first step is to choose a location. It is important to find a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
   
2. The second step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrub’s root ball.
   
3. The third step is to mix some organic matter, such as compost, into the hole.
   
4. The fourth step is to place the shrub’s root ball into the hole and backfill with soil.
   
5. The fifth step is to water the shrub deeply to help settle the roots.
   
6. The sixth step is to mulch around the base of the shrub to help conserve moisture.
   
7. The seventh step is to fertilize the shrub once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the shrub as needed to maintain its shape.
   
9. The ninth step is to monitor the shrub for signs of pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your beautiful, healthy shrub!

Related plant:
Tall Flowering Shrubs

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, tall evergreen shrubs need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as the roots will rot in waterlogged conditions. A thick layer of mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moist in summer. You can amendment the soil with compost or manure before planting, and also top dress with a layer of compost every year or two.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, evergreen shrubs need sunlight to grow. However, because they are taller, they may need more sun than other plants. They may also need more sun than other plants because they have more leaves. When choosing a location for your evergreen shrub, make sure it gets at least six hours of sun each day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is critical to the growth of tall evergreen shrubs. If the temperature is too cold, the shrubs will not grow. If the temperature is too hot, the shrubs will not grow. The ideal temperature for tall evergreen shrubs is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a low-nitrogen fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. The root system is very important to the plant, so make sure it is well-established before transplanting.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of tall evergreen shrub care. By pruning, you can remove dead or diseased branches, control the shape and size of the shrub, and encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a bud.

The Propagation

Propagation is relatively easy for tall evergreen shrubs; stem cuttings can be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be at least 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. The bottom leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be inserted into a moist soil mix. After a few weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is pretty fast. If you are looking for a fast-growing shrub, you should consider one of these varieties. Some of the most popular evergreen shrubs include Leyland cypress, arborvitae, and juniper.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth and weak stems; incorrect pruning, which can result in bare patches; and sun damage, which can cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow. Proper care can prevent these problems and keep your tall evergreen shrubs looking their best.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to provide enough space for your tall evergreen shrub to grow.
  
• Give your plant plenty of sunlight.
  
• Make sure to water your plant regularly.
  
• Fertilize your tall evergreen shrub regularly.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage growth.
  
• Protect your plant from pests and diseases.
  
• Train your plant to grow in the desired shape.
  
• Support your plant with stakes or other support structures.
  
• Harvest the branches and leaves of your plant regularly.
  
• Enjoy your tall evergreen shrub!

Substitution

• Yaupon holly
  
• American holly
  
• Christmas holly
  
• Devil's walking stick
  
• Douglas-fir
  
• Eastern red cedar
  
• Fraser fir
  
• Japanese holly
  
• Leyland cypress
  
• Norfolk Island pine

Source:
Overview of Evergreen Shrubs - University of Illinois Extension
Selecting Evergreen Trees | Oklahoma State University
Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-leaved Evergreens