Planting shrubs might seem like a simple task, but if you want them to thrive rather than struggle, it’s important to follow best practices—especially when dealing with Georgia’s notorious red clay soil. Red clay is excellent for compaction, but its poor drainage and limited nutrient availability make it challenging for plants. If you’re not careful, improper planting techniques can lead to struggling or dead shrubs. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your plants not only survive but flourish.

How Deep Should You Plant Shrubs?

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is planting shrubs too deep. In Georgia, where the dense clay soil retains water, planting too deep can cause root rot and suffocate the plant. Here’s the right way to do it:

1. Dig the Hole to the Right Depth: The hole should be the same depth as the plant’s pot. Avoid digging too deep, as this can cause the plant to settle lower over time.
2. Add Topsoil to the Bottom of the Hole: Before placing the plant in the hole, add 1-2 inches of topsoil at the bottom. This helps elevate the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level, ensuring better drainage.
3. Avoid Burying the Plant Too Deep: The top of the root ball should be slightly higher than the surrounding ground. This prevents the plant from sitting in water, which is a common cause of plant death in Georgia’s slow-draining clay soil.

Amending the Soil for Healthy Growth

Georgia’s red clay is rich in minerals but lacks the proper structure and nutrients for optimal plant growth. If you simply backfill the hole with the same dense clay, your plant’s roots may struggle to expand beyond the planting hole. Here’s how to improve the soil:

1. Mix in High-Quality Soil: Instead of putting the clay soil you removed back into the hole as is, mix it with topsoil or a well-balanced landscape mix.
2. Encourage Root Expansion: This blended soil should be used to backfill around the plant, making the transition from the planting hole to the native soil easier for the roots.
3. Break Up the Native Soil: Before backfilling, break up compacted soil around the hole’s edges. This will make it easier for the roots to spread out and establish a strong foundation.

Essential Watering Tips

Watering is one of the most critical aspects of shrub care, and in Georgia’s climate, overwatering is actually a bigger problem than underwatering.

1. Soak the Plant at Installation: When planting, water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets in the soil. Air pockets can cause roots to dry out and hinder establishment.
2. Check Moisture Levels Before Watering: Don’t follow a strict watering schedule. Instead, check the soil around the plant. If the surface feels dry, water deeply. If it’s still moist, hold off on additional watering.
3. Water as Needed for the First Few Weeks: Newly planted shrubs need consistent moisture while establishing roots. After the first few weeks, gradually reduce watering frequency to encourage deep root growth.

Fertilization for Better Growth

Adding fertilizer can give your shrubs an extra boost, especially in the first year when growth is typically slow.

1. Use a Slow-Release Fertilizer: This ensures your plant gets a steady supply of nutrients over time.
2. Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer or the wrong type of fertilizer can burn or harm the plant. 
3. Feed at the Right Time: The best time to fertilize is in early spring when the plant is ready to put out new growth. 

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Location

Not all shrubs thrive in Georgia’s climate, so selecting the right plants is crucial.

1. Know Your Hardiness Zone: Georgia falls in USDA zones 7B to 8A, meaning plants should be able to tolerate the temperature ranges of this region.
2. Consider Sunlight Needs: Different plants require different amounts of sunlight. Assess your property’s sun exposure and choose shrubs that match those conditions.
3. Select Drought-Tolerant Varieties: Given Georgia’s hot summers, shrubs that can tolerate occasional dry spells will be easier to maintain.

Final Thoughts

Planting shrubs the right way from the start can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration down the road. By ensuring proper planting depth, amending the soil, watering correctly, and selecting the right plants, you’ll set your landscape up for long-term success. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance your yard or a professional landscaper, following these best practices will help ensure your shrubs not only survive—but thrive.