Shrub Planting in North Jersey: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Shrubs provide privacy, seasonal color, and structure to residential landscapes, but planting them successfully involves more than choosing attractive varieties. Poor spacing, incorrect planting depth, and unsuitable growing conditions can lead to unhealthy plants and costly replacements.
In North Jersey, freezing winters, deer browsing, and varying soil conditions create additional challenges. Whether you're updating foundation plantings in Wyckoff, adding privacy borders in Ridgewood, or landscaping a larger property in Franklin Lakes, avoiding these common mistakes can help shrubs establish and thrive.
1. Choosing Shrubs Based on Appearance Alone
A shrub that looks attractive at the garden center may not suit your property's growing conditions. Sunlight, soil moisture, winter hardiness, and maintenance requirements should all influence your selection.For example, inkberry holly prefers acidic soil and tolerates moist conditions, while Virginia sweetspire adapts to a range of moisture levels. Panicle hydrangeas perform well in sunny locations with adequate water.
Deer pressure is another consideration, particularly near wooded areas. Even varieties considered deer-resistant may be browsed when food becomes scarce.
The best choice is a shrub suited to the planting location, rather than one selected solely for its flowers or foliage.
2. Ignoring Mature Size and Proper Spacing
New shrubs often appear small, tempting homeowners to plant them close together for immediate fullness. As they mature, overcrowding can restrict airflow, increase competition for resources, and create unnecessary maintenance.Check each variety's expected mature height and width before establishing a layout. A shrub that eventually spreads six feet needs considerably more room than one reaching three feet.
Spacing also depends on the intended result. Privacy hedges may require closer planting than individual specimen shrubs, but enough room must remain for healthy growth.
For foundation plantings, consider the distance from windows, walkways, and exterior walls. Proper spacing reduces the need for aggressive pruning or future removal.
3. Planting Shrubs Too Deep
Planting too deeply can restrict oxygen around the roots and encourage moisture-related problems near the base of the shrub.The planting hole should generally be no deeper than the root ball and wide enough to encourage outward root growth. Position the root flare or uppermost structural roots at the appropriate finished soil level, typically at or slightly above the surrounding grade.
Before planting container-grown shrubs, inspect the roots and correct any tightly circling growth.
Apply approximately two to three inches of mulch around the planting area, keeping it away from the stems. Avoid piling mulch against the base, where trapped moisture can damage the bark.
4. Overlooking Drainage and Soil Conditions
North Jersey properties can have significantly different soil conditions. Some contain dense clay that drains slowly, while others have rocky, sandy, or compacted ground.Before planting, observe how the area drains after substantial rainfall. Standing water or persistently saturated soil may indicate conditions unsuitable for certain shrubs.
Avoid automatically filling planting holes with large amounts of compost or imported topsoil. In heavy clay, amending only the hole can create a pocket where water collects.
Depending on the site, better solutions may include correcting drainage, improving a broader planting area, or selecting shrubs that tolerate existing conditions.
A soil test can also identify pH or nutrient issues before planting.
5. Watering Too Much or Too Little
Newly planted shrubs require consistent moisture while their roots establish. However, both underwatering and excessive irrigation can cause problems.Instead of following a fixed daily schedule, check soil moisture several inches below the surface near the root ball. Water thoroughly when needed, allowing moisture to reach the roots without keeping the surrounding soil saturated.
Watering frequency depends on rainfall, temperature, soil type, and plant size. Sandy soils generally dry faster, while clay-heavy soils retain moisture longer.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses can provide targeted watering, but schedules should change with weather conditions.
Established shrubs typically need less supplemental watering, although prolonged summer drought may still require attention.
6. Planting at the Wrong Time of Year
Spring and fall are generally the most favorable seasons for shrub planting in North Jersey, although individual species have different requirements.Spring: Moderate temperatures allow shrubs to begin establishing roots before summer heat arrives.
Summer: Container-grown shrubs can often be planted, but heat increases watering demands and transplant stress.
Fall: Cooler weather supports root establishment, provided planting occurs early enough before the ground freezes.
Winter: Frozen or waterlogged soil makes installation difficult, and newly planted evergreens may be vulnerable to winter drying.
Some broadleaf evergreens benefit from spring planting in colder locations, giving them additional time to establish before winter.
The ideal planting date depends on the shrub variety, weather, and soil conditions rather than the calendar alone.
7. Underestimating Winter Damage and Deer Pressure
North Jersey winters can damage shrubs through freezing temperatures, strong winds, and moisture loss.Broadleaf evergreens are particularly susceptible to winter burn when their foliage loses moisture while frozen soil prevents roots from replacing it.
Shrubs near roads and driveways may also suffer damage from deicing salt or accumulated snow.
Deer browsing creates another challenge, especially on wooded properties. Plants marketed as deer-resistant are not necessarily deer-proof, particularly during winter.
Choosing less-preferred varieties can help, but temporary fencing or protective barriers may be necessary in areas with frequent deer activity. Repellents offer additional protection but generally require repeated applications.
Considering these risks before planting can prevent repeated damage and replacement.
8. Pruning and Fertilizing Too Soon
Newly planted shrubs do not automatically need extensive pruning or fertilizer.Remove broken or damaged branches when necessary, but avoid unnecessary heavy pruning during establishment.
Timing also matters. Some spring-flowering shrubs develop buds during the previous growing season, so pruning at the wrong time can remove next year's flowers.
Fertilizer should only be applied when needed. Excessive feeding can encourage unnecessary top growth or damage roots.
If a shrub struggles, investigate sunlight, drainage, soil pH, and possible pest problems before adding nutrients.
Regular inspections during the first growing seasons help identify problems before they become severe.
Avoid Common Shrub Planting Problems
Choosing the right shrubs and planting them correctly can make a lasting difference in your landscape's appearance and health. With proper planning, you can create attractive foundation plantings, privacy borders, and garden beds that perform well through North Jersey's changing seasons.Ready to improve your landscape with professionally installed shrubs? Ken Steenstra Landscaping can help you select the right plants and create a planting layout suited to your property. Explore our Shrub Plantings services and contact us today at 201-857-8700 or via our online form to discuss your project and request an estimate.