As summer winds down and cooler days inch closer, August is the perfect time for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky homeowners to plant long-lasting, low-maintenance shrubs. The soil is still warm, giving roots a head start before winter sets in. And by getting a jump on your landscaping now, you’ll enjoy a more vibrant, structured yard come spring — without scrambling to catch up when the growing season starts.
If your landscape needs more color, privacy, or structure, Straight Line Landscaping is here to help you choose and install the best bushes for long-term beauty and less work.
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Why August Is a Great Time to Plant Shrubs in Cincinnati
Planting in August might not be top of mind, but it’s one of the smartest times of year to introduce new bushes into your yard — especially in USDA Hardiness Zone 6, which includes most of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Here’s why:
- Warm soil + cooler temps = ideal root establishment.
- Less transplant shock compared to planting in peak summer heat.
- Better rain frequency in late summer eases your watering needs.
- Shrubs planted now will be strong and established by spring.
It’s a win-win: your new plants settle in comfortably, and you gain gorgeous curb appeal faster.
Top Low-Maintenance Bushes for Cincinnati Landscapes
Here are some of the best-performing, low-maintenance shrubs we recommend planting this August for lasting beauty:
1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
- Evergreen, dense, and easy to shape.
- Thrives in full to partial sun.
- Perfect for borders, privacy hedges, and formal landscaping.
- Low maintenance with simple annual trimming.
2. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla & paniculata)
- Known for large, eye-catching blooms in pink, blue, or white.
- Blooms from summer into fall.
- Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
- Color can change based on soil pH — a favorite for garden enthusiasts.
3. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Native to North America and highly adaptable.
- Offers deep burgundy or golden foliage with peeling bark for winter interest.
- Thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant.
- Attracts pollinators and resists disease — a true workhorse.
4. Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
- Flowers in clusters throughout summer.
- Compact, mounded form ideal for edging or mid-bed accents.
- Comes in various colors with minimal upkeep needed.
5. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
- Adds brilliant red berries in winter.
- Perfect for seasonal color and wildlife habitat.
- Ideal for wet soils or rain gardens.
Where to Plant Bushes for Maximum Beauty and Privacy
Smart placement matters as much as the plant itself. Here’s where these shrubs shine:
- Along property lines: Create natural privacy hedges using Boxwood, Ninebark, or Winterberry.
- In foundation beds: Add structure and contrast to your home’s base with Spirea or Boxwood.
- Near patios and walkways: Use Hydrangeas or compact Spirea for vibrant pops of color.
- By front entrances: Frame your entryway with symmetrical Boxwoods or a flowering Hydrangea centerpiece.
- In problem spots: Ninebark and Winterberry are tough enough for slopes, rain-prone areas, and poor soils.
At Straight Line Landscaping, we help you choose shrubs that not only look great — but are right for your yard’s light, drainage, and spacing needs.
How Straight Line Landscaping Installs the Right Bushes for Your Property
Every yard is different. That’s why our expert team begins with an on-site consultation to assess:
- Soil condition and drainage
- Sun exposure throughout the day
- Slope, elevation, and potential erosion issues
- Nearby plants and root competition
- Desired maintenance level and style (formal, naturalistic, pollinator-friendly, etc.)
Once we understand your space and goals, we’ll recommend a custom mix of shrubs tailored to your yard. Then, we’ll handle the full installation — prepping beds, ensuring proper spacing, planting at the right depth, mulching, and watering.
We’ll even walk you through how to care for your new plants (or provide regular maintenance if you’d rather leave that to us!).
Plan Now, Reap Rewards Next Spring
One of the biggest benefits of planting shrubs in August? You’re setting yourself up for gorgeous growth next year.
- Roots grow strong before winter, so your bushes wake up ready to flourish in spring.
- You get earlier blooms and better color next season.
- Your landscaping will look intentional, not rushed, come April.
- You can spread out your landscaping budget instead of cramming it all into one season.
Ready to Add Structure and Beauty to Your Landscape?
Let’s get your yard in shape now so you can enjoy less maintenance and more beauty next year.
Call Straight Line Landscaping today at (513) 702-1543 to schedule your shrub consultation.
Check out our latest projects on Facebook and get inspired.
Whether you’re looking for privacy, curb appeal, or just less weeding, we’ll help you pick the perfect bushes — and plant them the right way. Let’s build your dream landscape, one bush at a time.