In general, trees and shrubs are planted and cared for in the
same way, the difference between them being chiefly one of
height. One definition of the difference, however, is that while
a tree has only one trunk, a shrub has several stems or trunks.
Not so long ago the number of reliable shrubs was quite limited,
but today the many new hybrids have lengthened the list and the
gardener's choice is almost endless. No matter the region, it is
now possible to plant shrubs that will satisfy color needs, bloom
at various seasons, cover bare spots where grass won't grow, or
grow in such profusion and depth that screening purposes are
served.
Shrubs are valuable to the gardener because they bridge the gap
between trees and flowers. As do trees, they serve as boundary
markers, soften the lines of buildings, act as a decorative
background for flower beds and hide unsightly views.
Like flowers, they add character and shape to the garden,
blooming forth with colorful blossoms and attracting birds with
their berries. One big item in their favor is that they mature
rapidly, yet remain as hardy and long-lived as trees.
Planting of shrubs is tittle different from planting of trees.
Early spring is the most favorable time since it gives the plant
a long spell of good growing weather to get reestablished. In the
milder sections of the country, however, transplanting may be
done through the winter months. In New England, evergreens may be
planted in September and May, and deciduous shrubs in October and
May.
Dry roots are the chief cause of planting failures, and steps
should be taken to prevent this—i.e., balling and burlapping, and
heeling in. After receiving shrubs from a nursery, water as soon
as possible; shade them from sunshine at first, mulch the ground
around them, and prune back severely.
The older the plant you get, the more severely it will have to be
cut back, so that in the long run, you come out just as well
buying the less expensive, smaller shrubs. Forsythia and azalea
may be moved while in flower, but most plants should not.
Watering in the fall, before the ground freezes, is important for
box, azalea, rhododendron, mountain laurel and broadleaf
evergreens, whose leaves lose moisture in winter.
Pruning of shrubs helps to keep them young and vigorous. Rather
than cutting all branches off to an even length, prune out the
older branches, even though they may be sound. With lilacs, for
example, use a keyhole saw, and cut as close to the ground as
possible, cutting out the oldest stems.
Some shrubs need pruning every year, especially those which have
dead branches as a result of winterkill. (These include some
deutzias, hydrangeas, buddleia, spireas and privets.) Other
shrubs such as rhododendron, azaleas, magnolia and buddleia
should have the flower heads pruned off after blooming.
About the Author
Paul Curran is CEO of Cuzcom Internet Publishing Group and
webmaster at Trees-and-Bushes.com, providing access to their
nursery supplier for a range of quality plants, trees, bushes,
shrubs, seeds and garden products.Visit their
trees section to find a great selection of shrubs for your
garden