Hedges - Ask Extension
I wanted a 3-4 foot hedge around my patio. I think I have sandy soil because the dirt isn't dark black but rather light. I bought Little Giant Dwarf...
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Hedges #929477
Asked April 24, 2026, 12:29 PM EDT
I wanted a 3-4 foot hedge around my patio. I think I have sandy soil because the dirt isn't dark black but rather light. I bought Little Giant Dwarf Arborvitae bushes and planted around the patio. It was a struggle to get them to stay healthy and to grow. In three years more than half died and I decided to replace them with more Little Giant bushes. For some reason, all are not surviving and have been dug up. Could you tell me what bush I should plant that likes almost full shade and some sun and to grow in this type of soil? Also, please let me know how to invigorate the soil for the shrubs to live and grow
I'm lost
Thank you very much
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
From your photos it looks as thought the soil space for your shrubs is very rocky. Based on two sets of shrubs failing I would highly recommend having a soil test done (https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden). The soil test results will have recommendation for what to amend it with to support new shrubs.
Once your soil is amended and you plant new shrubs you will want to make sure they get an inch of water/week through the full growing season. If it does not rain or if your overhang does not allow them to get rain water you can use a slow flowing how at the base of each shrub.
I placed a link below that has options for shrubs/evergreens that grow well in the shade. The list includes height and width.
Gardening In Shade - shrub options
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade#evergreens-1424061
Once your soil is amended and you plant new shrubs you will want to make sure they get an inch of water/week through the full growing season. If it does not rain or if your overhang does not allow them to get rain water you can use a slow flowing how at the base of each shrub.
I placed a link below that has options for shrubs/evergreens that grow well in the shade. The list includes height and width.
Gardening In Shade - shrub options
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade#evergreens-1424061
