Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Mr. Smarty Plants has received several questions recently regarding plant barriers, but 700' is the longest so far. I am going to refer you to a previously answered question from Bainbridge, GA which will give you an idea of the sorts of plants you may want to use for your barrier. Better yet, I will also tell how you can make up your own list of plants.

On our Recommended Species page select the state of Georgia from the map or from the pull-down menu and you will get a list of 201 "commercially available native plant species suitable for planned landscapes in Georgia."  You can use the "NARROW YOUR SEARCH" option to limit the list to trees by choosing "Tree" from the Habit (general appearance) option.  This will narrow the list to 63 tree species that will do well in Georgia. If you choose "Shrubs" in the "NARROW YOUR SEARCH" option, you will get a list of 60 shrubs. Each plant name on the list is accompanied by one or more thumbnail images. Clicking on the plant name will take you to its NATIVE PLANT DATABASE page where you can then look at the "Plant Characteristics" and "Growing Conditions" to see what best suits your site.  Look also under "Benefit" if you are looking for colorful fall foliage or use by birds and other wildlife. Clicking on  USDA in the Additional Resources  box toward the bottom of the page will take you to a USDA Plant Profile page which contains a distribution map to see if the plants that interest you will grow in Harris County. I did this and came up with a plant named Possum Haw Ilex decidua (possumhaw) . I find it hard to say the word possum and not smile. Another choice would be Wax myrtle Morella cerifera (wax myrtle)  It is a fast growing evergreen that would fit your situation.

Ilex decidua

Ilex decidua

Morella cerifera

Morella cerifera