How to choose the right trees and shrubs for your yard
Trees and shrubs add structure, color, and year-round interest to your landscape. The right picks can practically take care of themselves once they're established. Before you start browsing, here are a few things worth thinking about:
- Sun and shade needs: match the plant to your yard's light conditions
- Mature size: check how tall and wide it will get so it fits the space
- Evergreen vs. deciduous: evergreens provide year-round coverage, while deciduous varieties offer seasonal color
- Growth rate: fast growers like Leyland Cypress Tree fill in quickly, while Wintergreen Boxwood offers a more refined look over time
- Climate fit: plants suited to your local conditions need less work long-term
Trees and shrubs for every yard and every goal
Whether you're building a privacy screen, anchoring a garden bed, or adding curb appeal, there's a product type here that fits.
Live trees and shrubs: Sunday carries 20+ varieties shipped to your door. For a dense privacy hedge, Emerald Green Arborvitae and Sky Pencil Holly grow tall and narrow. For color, Carolina Midnight Loropetalum brings deep purple foliage and August Beauty Gardenia delivers fragrant white blooms.
Granular fertilizer: WonderFert Tree & Shrub Garden Fertilizer uses a 6-3-4 NPK blend with 60% slow-release nitrogen, iron, and humic acid. Covers 500 sq ft per application and is appropriate for use around edible plants.
Biostimulant: MitoGrow Biostimulant enhances root development, improves nutrient uptake, and supports recovery from transplanting or extreme weather.
Complete kit: The Complete Tree & Landscape Kit bundles fertilizer, biostimulant, and a hydration mat so you get feeding, root support, and watering in one box.
When to plant and feed your trees and shrubs
Spring and fall are ideal for planting trees and shrubs. Mild temperatures and steady rainfall help roots establish before summer heat or winter cold sets in.
- Spring: plant and start your first fertilizer application once new growth appears
- Summer: focus on hydration, especially for new plantings during heat waves
- Fall: another great planting window, plus a final fertilizer application to support root growth heading into dormancy
For granular fertilizer, reapply every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Water after application to help nutrients reach the root zone.
Sunday's approach to tree and shrub care
A lot of places sell you a plant and leave the rest up to you. Sunday pairs live trees and shrubs with pesticide-free care products designed to help them thrive from day one.
Our fertilizers include slow-release nitrogen, iron, and humic acid, ingredients chosen for what your trees actually need. Biostimulants and hydration tools address the two biggest reasons new plantings struggle: weak roots and inconsistent watering. You get the plant and everything it needs to succeed in your yard.
Browse the full collection below to find what fits your space.
Frequently asked questions about trees and shrubs
What type of tree or shrub is best for a privacy hedge?
Tall, narrow evergreens work best because they stay dense year-round. Dwarf Burford Holly and Compacta Holly are solid mid-height options for border hedges. For taller screening, Anise Tree adds fragrance along with privacy.
How do I choose between evergreen and deciduous trees for my yard?
It depends on what you want the tree to do. Evergreens like Green Pittosporum and Globosa Nana Cryptomeria keep their leaves all year for screening and structure. Deciduous varieties offer seasonal blooms and color shifts but drop leaves in winter. Lean evergreen for privacy, deciduous for variety.
What should I feed newly planted trees and shrubs to help them establish?
Start with a biostimulant to support root development right after planting. Once new growth appears, begin applying a slow-release granular fertilizer with humic acid for better nutrient absorption. Reapply every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Do trees and shrubs need fertilizer, and how often should I apply it?
Yes, especially in the first few years while they're establishing. Regular feeding helps maintain deep green color and vigorous growth. Apply a slow-release granular formula every 4 to 6 weeks from spring through early fall.
How do I protect my trees and shrubs from heat stress and drought?
Consistent hydration is the biggest factor. A smart watering mat placed around the base delivers slow-release moisture directly to the root zone, reducing how often you need to hand-water. Mulching 2 to 3 inches deep also helps retain soil moisture and regulate root temperature. Focus on deep, less frequent soaks rather than light daily sprinkles.
Complete your yard beyond trees and shrubs
Here are a few other categories worth exploring as you build out your space:
- Flower: add seasonal color that complements your shrub beds and borders
- Veggie & Herb: grow your own food with nutrients designed for edible gardens
- Indoor: bring the green inside with houseplants and indoor care products
- Lawn Care: keep the grass between your garden beds thick and healthy
Want to take the guesswork out of your lawn? Start with a custom lawn plan built around your soil, climate, and yard goals.