Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 30, 2014
From: Pleasanton, CA
Region: California
Topic: Privacy Screening, Trees
Title: Privacy Trees for Pleasanton, CA
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I was looking for some fast growing trees for my backyard that backs up to Valley Ave in Pleasanton, Ca. The city just cut down 4 Redwoods behind me and there is so much noise from the traffic now Can you help with some suggestions?ANSWER:
It seems a number of folks from Northern CA have asked quite similar questions of Mr Smarty Plants. The set of following recommendations cover several similar situations.
Fast-growing privacy shrub for Northern California home
Fast-growing tree for privacy in Berkeley, CA
Privacy shrubs and trees that are safe for horses in California
Fast-growing, evergreen, non-invasive root tree for El Dorado CA
Evergreen tree for California screen
Trees for pool area in San Ramon, California
Evergreen shrubs for privacy in Merced County California
Evergreen for privacy screen in Northern California
There is some good discussion and many things to consider in these various messages, but Mr. Smarty Plants recognizes this buries the specific recommendations. When I read through these messages, the following trees and shrubs appeared suitable to your part of Alameda County.
Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber (Smooth mountain mahogany) - -moderate growth rate
Morella californica (California wax myrtle) - - no comments as to speed
Calocedrus decurrens (Incense cedar) - - fast growth early then slows
Umbellularia californica (California laurel) - begins growth slowly but once established grows rapidly to 40 feet
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf cherry) - grows rapidly to 40 feet
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) – fast growing shrub
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Blueblossom) - - fast growing shrub
Several more shrubs have been suggested, you'll find several more [If you want more to consider] in the above question/answer pairs.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Installing limestone walkway around trees from Pflugerville TX
June 28, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants:I wish to install a limestone walkway in my front yard, however, there are some roots(~ 1.25 inch) in the designated area. Will this hurt or kill the tree if I cut these away? T...
view the full question and answer
Decline of indoor lemon cypress
June 25, 2008 - I received a lemon cypress as a gift. I have kept it indoors in bright light and tried to keep it moist. When I received the plant the foliage was soft and now it has become brittle and dry even tho...
view the full question and answer
Danger of lichens damaging trees
September 26, 2007 - My mom lives east of Buda, Texas where she has planted many different kinds of trees, which are all over 10 years old. Now, they all have a moss or lichen growing on the bark of the trees. She is worr...
view the full question and answer
Source for trees from Burnet TX
August 19, 2012 - I am desperately searching the central Texas area for Pistacia Mexicana male and female trees to buy. I would like about four, maybe more. I live in the Killeen-Lampasas area and have been to seve...
view the full question and answer
Mediterranean Pines indigenous to Verde Valley AZ
January 01, 2012 - Are the tall, thin Mediterranean/Pencil Pines growing in the Verde Valley in Arizona indigenous to the area? They are so plentiful, but are not identified as an indigenous evergreen. If not, how did...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |