Hollies, boxwoods, arborvitae and hydrangeas each play a role. Here is how to choose shrubs for screens, borders and foundation beds.
Shrubs give a landscape its structure. Evergreens such as hollies, boxwoods and cherry laurels provide year-round shape and screening. Flowering shrubs such as hydrangea, spirea and viburnum bring color. Tall evergreens such as Green Giant arborvitae and Leyland-type conifers create fast privacy. Choosing among them means weighing growth rate, mature size, sun, soil and how much trimming you want to do.
Spacing matters. Plants set too close crowd one another and invite disease, while those set too far apart leave gaps for years. We space shrubs by their mature width and plant in prepared soil with mulch. We explain how to trim each type, from formal shearing of boxwood to gentle thinning of hydrangea. We also warn about plants that outgrow their space or struggle in Tennessee heat, so you choose with confidence.
Fast evergreens.
Right-sized plants.
Seasonal color.
Mature width.
By plant type.
Suited to Tennessee.
Take the quiz, check a problem or ballpark a budget.
Which Landscaping Service Do I Need? QuizAnswer five questions about your yard, your lawn and your goals to see whether you need design, lawn care, hardscape, drainage or tree work.Try it 
Lawn and Yard Problem CheckerCheck the signs you see in your lawn, beds and drainage and get a likely cause with the next step.Try it 
Landscaping Budget PlannerPick a project, a size and a few options and get a ballpark planning range.Try it Green Giant arborvitae, holly and cherry laurel are common choices.
By mature width. We give exact spacing for each plant.
Spring bloomers after flowering, and most others in late winter.
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