Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Conroe, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Screen for highway noise in Conroe, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
It sounds like you need a tree/shrub that is evergreen and relatively dense. Here are some suggested trees that are evergreen and grow in Montgomery County or adjacent counties:
Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) grows slowly up to 50 feet but can be pruned to form a hedge.
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry) fast growing up to 36 feet.
Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) fast growing up to 50 feet.
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) slow growth rate to 25 feet.
Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia) moderate growth rate to 40 feet.
Ilex opaca (American holly) slow growth rate to 40 feet.
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) moderate growth rate to 10 feet.
Here are photos of the above plants from our Image Gallery:
Large shrub or tree for front door in Houston
January 16, 2013 - I am in search of a shrub or tree to plant next to my front door. I want a showy medium sized shrub or tree (8 to 12 ft), decorative, and a privacy screen since my front door faces my next door neig...
view the full question and answer
Privacy screen for wet area in Florida
February 08, 2010 - What are the best type of bushes/trees to plant in a low-lying area which is very wet--has sitting water after rainfall and drains slowly that is fast growing and serve as a good privacy border near f...
view the full question and answer
Vines to Cover Brush Pile in Maryland
April 29, 2013 - We have a large brush pile on our property that we'd intended to burn, but it is big enough now that it would require the help of the fire department! I'm thinking I'd like to cover it with native ...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen shrub for screen in Bellville, Texas
October 03, 2009 - Would you please recommend a dense evergreen for a living screen in Bellville, TX (Austin County) that will receive full sun? Fast growing and a minimum height of 8' are preferred.
view the full question and answer
Folsom CA Wall-cover
April 13, 2012 - I live in Folsom, CA and I have an ugly cinder block wall that I want to cover, I want something that is low maintenance and that is going to grow and spread into my grass. The only one i can really t...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |