Native Plants
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Saturday - March 14, 2009
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Shrub to screen backyard and block noise
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I'm trying to find a shrub to screen my backyard and block noise. I want something I can plant along the 60ft of my back fence that would get between 8 and 10 ft tall. I would like something that attracts birds and/or butterflies, but I don't want anything that drops a lot of berries or other mess. The yard is covered by several big oak trees, so these would be in partial shade. Any suggestions?ANSWER:
My guess is that you would like an evergreen and all of the following are evergreens that are found in or near Bexar County.Condalia hookeri (Brazilian bluewood) a small evergreen tree. Here is more information from Texas A&M Horticulture, more photos and still more info and photos.
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle). There are dwarf varieties of this shrub for sale. You should be certain that you are getting ones that aren't the dwarf variety.
Ebenopsis ebano (Texas ebony). You may or may not have enough sun for this one to do well, but it does make a very effective hedge. Here is more information and still more from University of Arizona.
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) has red fruits that attract birds and are not messy.
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) has beautiful spring blossoms.
You could also use Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar). It is a tree, but can be pruned to form a hedge.
More Privacy Screening Questions
Need suggestions for a privacy screen besides Murray Cypress.
October 18, 2011 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live in NE TX, about an hour east of Dallas on I-20. I hear interstate traffic behind my house, and have a busy street on its left side, and a school adjoining in back. I thi...
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Additional screening under yaupons in Georgetown TX
November 09, 2011 - We live on a corner and have a berm along the south side of our yard which blocks our backyard from the street. It was planted with uprights yaupons. With the drought, deer have eaten the bottom por...
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Replacement for Amber Jubilee Ninebark in California
November 22, 2014 - AMBER JUBILEE bush separating my neighbor and me, is spreading its roots into our water pipes. Want to rip out. What plants are root friendly and also give you privacy?
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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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Screening Suggestions in Brooklyn, NY
March 08, 2013 - My neighbor directly in back of me has shrubs that are growing all over my fence. Also his 9-foot-tall shed facing me is rusted. What can I do to improve my view so that I can enjoy my backyard more?
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