Tree, Shrub and Privacy Screening Installation on Cape Cod
In & Out Landscaping helps Cape Cod homeowners select and install plants suited to their property, goals, and local growing conditions.
We do more than dig holes. A planting project can include site evaluation, plant selection, layout and spacing, soil preparation, compost or soil amendments, installation, mulching, staking when required, watering guidance, and cleanup — so plants establish well and look right for the long term, not just on install day. We also handle transplanting and flower arrangements when they fit the project.
Planting Services for Your Cape Cod Property
From a single foundation shrub to a full privacy screen, here's how we approach common planting needs — the problem, our approach, and the benefit you can expect.
Privacy-screening design and installation
Problem: A yard feels too open to neighbors, the road, or gaps in the treeline.
Approach: We evaluate sightlines, mature width, and exposure, then select and space evergreens or mixed screening for year-round or seasonal coverage.
Benefit: A natural screen that fills in over time without being crowded.
Foundation shrubs
Problem: Bare or aging foundation plantings leave the home looking unfinished.
Approach: We choose shrubs sized to the windows and entry, with year-round or seasonal interest.
Benefit: Cleaner curb appeal and a finished, intentional look.
Tree and ornamental-tree planting
Problem: A yard lacks shade, structure, or a focal point.
Approach: We match the species and mature size to the space, plant at the correct depth, and stake only when the site requires it.
Benefit: Long-lived structure and shade that fits the property.
Hydrangea and flowering-shrub installations
Problem: A yard wants more color and seasonal interest.
Approach: We match the hydrangea type and flowering-shrub selection to sun, soil, and exposure.
Benefit: Reliable seasonal bloom where conditions suit the plant.
Native and coastal-tolerant plantings
Problem: Exposed coastal conditions stress ordinary plants.
Approach: We select plants better suited to wind, salt, and sandy soil for the specific site.
Benefit: A planting more likely to thrive with less replacement.
Garden-bed creation and renovation
Problem: Overgrown, empty, or tired beds drag down the property.
Approach: We design the bed layout, prep the soil, and install plants at proper spacing.
Benefit: A cleaner, lower-maintenance bed that holds up over the season.
Replacement of dead, damaged or overgrown plants
Problem: Dead or overgrown shrubs make the property look neglected.
Approach: We remove the old plant, address the soil, and install a properly sized replacement.
Benefit: An immediate, lasting improvement.
Transplanting when the plant and conditions are suitable
Problem: A good plant is simply in the wrong spot.
Approach: We assess whether the plant and season allow safe relocation, then move it with proper root care.
Benefit: You keep a valued plant and improve the layout.
Mulching and finishing around new plants
Problem: Bare soil washes, dries out, and looks rough.
Approach: We mulch at the correct depth and keep mulch away from trunks and stems.
Benefit: Better moisture retention and a clean, finished look.
Seasonal watering and plant-care guidance
Problem: New plants fail from inconsistent watering.
Approach: We provide clear watering and care instructions for the first seasons after install.
Benefit: Better establishment and a higher chance of long-term survival.
Old shrubs in the way? We can remove them before planting, and pair new beds with ongoing lawn care or weekly maintenance.
Privacy Screening Trees and Shrubs
The best privacy plant depends on more than one factor: desired height, available planting width, sun exposure, soil drainage, salt and wind exposure, deer pressure, distance from buildings/fences/property lines, desired growth rate, long-term maintenance, budget, and whether year-round screening is required. Plants should be spaced according to their mature width — not crowded together merely for immediate coverage.
Green Giant arborvitae
Often considered for fast-growing, tall evergreen screening where enough width is available.
Emerald Green arborvitae
Often considered for narrower areas and formal screens where a smaller mature width is preferred.
American Pillar arborvitae
Often considered for tight planting areas requiring a tall, narrow screen.
Norway spruce
Often considered for large properties where a substantial evergreen windbreak or screen has room to mature.
Holly varieties
Useful for evergreen structure, privacy, and seasonal interest. Selection should depend on sun, exposure, and mature size.
Inkberry holly
A native evergreen shrub option that may work for lower screens, foundation plantings, and natural-looking landscapes.
Privet
A fast-growing hedge option that requires regular pruning and may not provide the same year-round screening as an evergreen.
Skip laurel
A broadleaf evergreen screening option, but suitability must be evaluated carefully for Cape Cod winter exposure, salt, and site conditions.
Rhododendrons
Useful for broad evergreen foundation plantings and partial-shade screening where soil conditions are suitable.
Panicle hydrangeas
Useful for flowering seasonal screening, garden borders, and foundation plantings, but not for year-round privacy.
Ornamental grasses
Useful for seasonal screening, texture, and movement. Most are not a year-round privacy solution.
Native and coastal-tolerant shrubs
Final selections should be based on the actual site, exposure, drainage, and desired appearance.
Important: This is an initial guide, not a recommendation for every property. Plant suitability depends on your actual site, exposure, drainage, and goals. We don't state that any plant is right for every Cape Cod property — we confirm exact varieties and spacing during an onsite evaluation before installation.
Choosing Plants for Cape Cod Conditions
Cape Cod's conditions shape which plants establish well. Here's how we think about the most common local challenges.
Sandy soil
Cape Cod soil can drain quickly and may contain limited organic matter. New plantings may require compost, loam, or another appropriate soil amendment based on site conditions.
Salt and wind
Coastal wind and salt exposure can dry foliage and damage plants. Plant choice and placement should account for how exposed the property is.
Deer
No plant should be presented as completely deer-proof. Some plants are less attractive to deer, but protection may still be required.
Winter damage
Evergreens can experience winter burn, drying, and damage from wind, salt, or heavy snow. Correct placement, fall watering, and appropriate protection may help.
Drainage
Adding compost is not automatically the correct solution for every site. The soil and drainage should be evaluated before amendments are selected.
Soil Preparation and Planting Process
Our planting process follows a consistent sequence, adjusted to each property.
Evaluate sunlight, drainage, exposure, and available planting space.
Discuss privacy, appearance, maintenance, and budget goals.
Select plants based on the property and mature size.
Mark the layout and confirm spacing.
Prepare planting holes and surrounding soil appropriately.
Add compost, loam, or other amendments only when beneficial.
Install plants at the proper depth.
Backfill, water, and mulch correctly.
Stake trees only when site conditions require it.
Clean the work area and provide watering instructions.
A few common mistakes we help you avoid: planting too deeply, over-mulching, and piling mulch against trunks — all of which can harm plants.
When Is the Best Time to Plant on Cape Cod?
Spring is suitable for many trees and shrubs because plants have time to establish before winter, but watering becomes especially important as summer approaches.
Early fall is often an excellent planting period because soil remains warm while temperatures become cooler.
Summer planting may be possible when adequate watering and monitoring are available.
Late-season planting decisions should consider the plant variety, soil conditions, irrigation availability, and upcoming weather.
Frozen, saturated, or otherwise unsuitable soil conditions may require postponing installation.
There's no single best season for every plant — the right timing depends on the variety, soil, irrigation, and upcoming weather.
What Does a Planting Project Cost?
We don't publish one fixed price per plant, because every project is different. Pricing depends on the factors below:
Preliminary planning ranges
Note: These are preliminary planning ranges, not guaranteed quotes. Plant size, quantity, site access, and preparation requirements can significantly affect the final price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Experience on Cape Cod
In & Out Landscaping works across the Upper Cape and understands the conditions that shape planting success here: sandy, fast-draining soil; changing coastal weather; seasonal and vacation properties that may sit unattended for stretches; and salt and wind exposure that varies from one street to the next. We serve homeowners in Mashpee, Falmouth, Sandwich, and Bourne, and surrounding communities.
See Our Planting Work
Real project photos will appear here once uploaded. The boxes below mark where each image belongs.
Areas We Serve
We provide planting and privacy-screening installation for homeowners across the Upper Cape, including:
Ready to Improve Your Property with the Right Plants?
Schedule a free onsite evaluation for privacy screening, foundation planting, tree installation, or a complete garden-bed project. We'll look at the site, talk through your goals, and give you straightforward recommendations — no pressure.
