How to Make a Ficus Hedge

Conduct a soil pH test on the designated planting area to guarantee the success of the ficus hedge. A ficus hedge grown outside its preferred range of 5.5 to 7.5 will have a problem surviving. Purchase a soil testing kit at your local county extension office. Dig a 6-inch hole for collecting soil samples. Mail the samples off to the address provided on the kit. Add lime to acidic soil and sulfur to alkaline soil.

Dig a hole twice the diameter of the tree's root ball and the same depth as planted in the container. Place the tree inside the hole and pack soil tightly around the base. Spread 6 inches of mulch around the base of the plant to lock in moisture.

Allow one growing season before pruning the ficus, so it can establish a strong root system and not experience pruning shock. During the first year of growing, water the hedge once a week. Give the plant 1 inch of water underneath the dripline. The dripline is the area directly underneath the end of the branches.

Fertilize the ficus hedge in the spring with an all purpose slow release fertilizer. You can use a fertilizer with a NPK amount of 8-8-8. Spread underneath the tree and water thoroughly. It is better to use an all purpose fertilizer for ficus hedges because a fertilizer high in nitrogen will cause the hedge to grow too quickly.

Prune back any diseased or winter damaged twigs or branches with a pair of bypass shears, lopping shears or pruning saw. Cut back any discolored leaves or branches. Remove any branches that are growing outside of the designated planting area, rubbing against each other or laying on the ground.

Increase the air flow within the hedge to help prevent fungal infection. Cut off any weak growth or unhealthy branches. Prune off at least one-third of the tree's outer growth, but make sure to cut at different lengths to encourage a natural looking hedge.