How to Plant an Evergreen Hedge

Evergreens are the workhorses of residential privacy, providing year-round screening that softens hard property lines and muffles street noise. A well-executed hedge is more than just a row of plants; it is a structural element of your garden that requires careful planning regarding spacing and soil preparation to ensure each specimen matures into a cohesive, uniform wall. Success starts before the first hole is dug. If you rush the soil prep or crowd your saplings, you will be left with patchy growth and struggling plants years down the line. Focus on the long game: clearing the site of grass, loosening the soil depth, and planting at the correct elevation will pay off in a lush, healthy barrier that lasts for decades.

1. Establish the exact line. Run a string line between two stakes at the exact height and location where you want the center of the hedge. This ensures a perfectly straight boundary for your privacy screen.
2. Break ground and amend soil. Remove all grass and weeds in a three-foot-wide strip along your string line. Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to allow roots to establish quickly.
3. Position plants for density. Set the potted plants along the line according to your species' mature width, usually 3 to 4 feet apart. Adjust the spacing until the layout looks balanced before digging any holes.
4. Dig shallow, dig wide. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the container. Ensure the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent stem rot.
5. Seat and secure each plant. Gently place the plant in the hole and fill with native soil, tamping down lightly as you go to remove large air pockets. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was in the nursery pot.
6. Mulch and soak thoroughly. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the hedge, keeping it away from the actual stems. Soak the entire row thoroughly with a garden hose.