Shrubs trees in particular can take a full year or so to establish. This keeps weeds down and makes your back much happier. Remove any weeds that do emerge. They rob planting moisture and nutrients and also provide a harbor for pest, insects and disease. Mahonia grows to a height between 4 and 12 feet with varying foliage textures.
Some shrubs have showy berries.
Fertilizer can be applied either in liquid or controlled release encapsulated form. The liquid form may be leached from the soil with frequent watering or rains. The preferred form is the encapsulated form will provide nutrient needs for up to four months. This form can be applied at planting time and worked into the top two inches of the soil, then covered with mulch. Select the appropriate fertilizers specific for azaleas and other evergreen shrubs as well as those for deciduous trees, vines or ground covers.