Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001622
11/12/99
Uses Of Shrubs
Several shrubs are suitable for planting on banks or
slopes. Suitable shrubs have suckering root systems or
branches that root where they touch the ground. Use
shrubs tolerant of adverse growing conditions.
Some types of shrubs grow and bloom in shade. These
shrubs don't require shade, they simply adapt to it better
than other shrubs. Many shade tolerant shrubs grow better
when given more light.
Shrubs can be used as a barrier to unwanted foot traffic.
Especially those with thorns. Consider the possibility of
injury resulting from the use of thorned plants. Always
consider future possibilities. Pruning, maintaining, or
removing a planting of thorned shrubs is difficult. An
armed barrier plant should not be invasive. Species of
rose are used effectively as barrier plants, but they
spread rapidly and are difficult to get rid of.
Shrubs used in hedges or screens provide privacy. A hedge
is clipped or sheared to keep it at some definite width
and height. A screen grows to whatever height and width
is normal for plants making up the screen.
Shrubs in screens should attain the desired height and
width and have a dense branching habit. Avoid those with
tendency to form large thickets of suckers. When shrubs
get bare at the bottom, to cut the plants off within a few
inches of the ground to rejuvenate the screen. Screens
tend to look more natural and require less maintenance
than hedges.
Hedges provide privacy and create a thick barrier. The
required shearing gives hedges a high maintenance
requirement. Some hedges need shearing 2 to 4 times a
year to maintain a manicured appearance. A hedge gains 1
to 2 inches of growth at every shearing. Hedges are
sheared to be wider at the bottom to prevent the bottom of
the hedge from becoming bare. Most deciduous hedges are
rejuvenated by cutting back to within a few inches of the
ground. Shrubs selected for a hedge must be tolerant of
shearing.
Here are the steps to follow when starting a hedge with
young plants of deciduous shrubs. At planting, cut the
plants to within 2 to 4 inches of the ground then allow
them to grow. When new growth forms, clip it 2 to 3 times
during the growing season. Once the hedge shape is
established, fewer shearings are needed. A string,
stretched along the hedge at the desired height, serves as
a shearing guide to maintain a uniform height. Do not
shear the hedge after late summer. Spacing of plants in a
hedge depends on the plant used.
Shrubs direct traffic around property corners by keeping
pedestrians on the sidewalk. Plantings in the front yard
should not block driver views of the street when leaving
the driveway. Low shrubs at corners of walkways help keep
pedestrian traffic on the walk and off the grass.
Trees growing close together may create a mowing problem.
A planting of shade tolerant shrubs around the trees makes
mowing easier and protects the trees from lawn mower
injury. This type of planting ties the trees together in
one mass and works best when the trees are fairly close
together.
A foundation planting need not consist of a solid row of
shrubs; a few carefully selected and placed shrubs can be
more effective. Finding a shrub fitting in the space
allotted to it at maturity should not be difficult.
A number of shrubs can be used as ground covers. Like
other ground covers, they should adapt to conditions
found in the growing area.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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