Thanks to everyones answers to my question on choosing a shrub,you are a caring bunch.
magga

Protecting your shrubs roots shouldn't really be necessary, Magga.
The roots will be nicely buried beneath several inches of soil and will be fending for themselves now !
I don't protect my shrubs roots, even the shrubs that i planted last week.

I see you've just asked the same question in a different post !

if you have any that have grown near the serfice then they know what there doing.if you have planted them this way then you havnt planted them deep enough.if it makes you feal better a mulch of bark chippings will do the job and help keep moisture in for next spring/summer