- Careful spacing is required when planting evergreen shrubs. Juniper shrubs can grow to have a spread of 5 to 6 feet in just a few years. Japanese yews can grow into 20-foot trees if not pruned carefully to keep them at the desired height and shape. When purchasing evergreen shrubs from a nursery, remember that these are young plants. Research their expected height, width and shape at maturity before selecting plants for your landscape.
- Colors and textures vary in the bark, foliage, berries and cones of evergreen shrubs. These should all be considered when selecting specimens for your landscape. For example, to contrast redwoods, one of the silvery blue juniper evergreen shrubs might work well. Against a brick house, consider the dark green Japanese yew, the female plants of which bear red berries during fall and winter months. The deep green colors of spruce or balsam fir evergreen shrubs are often used to contrast red maples.
- Soil with good drainage and aeration is very important for optimum growth in evergreen shrubs. If the planting soil contains too much clay, it should be amended with coarse organic matter. Peat moss, animal manure or compost all work well. Use about 3 to 5 cubic yards of organic matter for every 1,000 square feet of clay soil. Mix the material into the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches. Soils that are too sandy can be amended by adding organic material in a similar manner.
- Research common diseases and pests to a particular evergreen shrub before making any final decisions. Many cultivars are disease or pest resistant and may be preferable over others depending on where you live and the common pests to that area. Consult with your local nursery for advice and information. Keep a careful eye on new evergreen shrubs, especially when they are young, and look for signs of disease or infestation. The sooner a problem is identified, the easier it is to treat.
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