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.
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Friday - January 25, 2008
From: San Marcos, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Fast-growing evergreen shrub/tree as a screening fence
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Our commercially-zoned property is adjacent to a residential area. The city planning and zoning board has said okay to a vegetation boundary instead of a fence for blocking headlights. The requirements are that it reach at least 6 feet tall and be completely opaque within 2 years and it needs to be 5 feet across. We would like something that is evergreen and fast growing, but not invasive. Something that produces berries or flowers would be nice as well. Do you have any suggestions?ANSWER:
There are a couple of relatively fast-growing evergreens that come to Mr. Smarty Plants' mind first:Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) and Morella cerifera (wax myrtle)
There are several other evergreens that aren't quite as fast-growing, but would also serve your purpose:
Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar)
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel)
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry)
More Privacy Screening Questions
Evergreen large shrub/small tree for screen in Houston
May 26, 2010 - I live on the west side of Houston Tx. I need an evergreen large shrub or shorter tree between myself and a busy neighborhood road. There is a power line above this so we would like something that e...
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Evergreen sumacs for privacy along fence
August 02, 2014 - I would like to plant enough Evergreen Sumacs along our fence for privacy for the length of our backyard which is 60 ft. Fifteen feet on the left and right ends are shaded with the right side being d...
view the full question and answer
Native evergreen trees or shrubs for privacy screen in South Carolina
April 02, 2008 - RE: Wednesday - April 02, 2008
From: Johnston, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Native Trees
Title: Native evergreen trees or shrubs for privacy screen in South Carolina
Author: Barbara Medford
Qu...
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Shrubs and trees to protect beehives in Godley TX
April 06, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Is there a (relatively) fast growing native small tree or large shrub (NOT cedar) that tolerates Johnson County clay, full sun, sometimes damp and sometimes dry soil with no...
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Native trees for privacy screen in New Jersey
April 01, 2008 - Looking for a tree (preferably an evergreen) for a privacy hedge in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Would like a very fast growing tree that is deer resistant. Also the privacy hedge will be planted along a...
view the full question and answer
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