Native Plants
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Smarty Plants Question Topics
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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| Need trees to screen view of parking garage in Houston, TX. December 29, 2011 We live in Houston, TX with a beautiful lot except a 4 story parking garage has been built behind us. How can we screen this and the lights out of site. It looks terrible from the second story espec... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Fast-growing non-invasive shrub for privacy fence in Sugar Land TX December 06, 2011 I live in South Texas in Sugar Land. I was going to plant oleanders in my backyard along the fence as a privacy hedge, about 20 feet from my house. However, I was told they were a bad choice becaus... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Evergreen Vine for San Antonio Trellis November 23, 2011 I have a new trellis at the end of my patio on which I want to grow an evergreen vine. The area is fairly shady. I had settled on Carolina Jasmine, but read that it is very toxic which is worrisome ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Trees with non-invasive roots or tops in Newhall CA November 07, 2011 We would like to plant a tree with noninvasive roots near our garden wall and concrete driveway in a grassy area in the front yard facing west. This spot is very sunny in the afternoon with automatic ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shrubs that non-toxic to horses but that they won't eat October 29, 2011 I am looking for a low maintenance, low water, green shrub that horses won't eat and will not be toxic to them. I want to hide my neighbors corral and keep down dust on my side. The horses have "l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Evergreen privacy hedge resistant to verticillium wilt September 27, 2011 I am looking for an evergreen, fast-growing privacy hedge (over 6') that is resistant to verticillium wilt and has low water requirements. I live in Monrovia, CA and have to replace hopseed bushes w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need suggestions for plants for a privacy screen for a pecan orchard in Chappell Hill, TX. September 21, 2011 Mr. Smarty Plants, My family has just begun converting our land in Chappell Hill, TX (Washington County) into a pecan orchard. We had to clear a lot of the overgrowth around the edge of the proper... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Eight Foot Screen for Austin, TX September 01, 2011 I'm looking for a fast-growing shrub to "extend" the height of my fence and provide privacy in my yard in Austin. My lot is pretty much full sun and very dry, mostly clay soil. 8' is my goal. Than... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Tall screening tree for Santa Barbara, California August 20, 2011 Hi, we live in Santa Barbara, California. We are looking for a tree between 20-30 feet high to block the neighbors two-story house yet the area we have to plant is 3 feet from the fence to the drivewa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need suggestions for plants for a privacy screen in Long Beach, NY. August 10, 2011 I have recently added 1500sq.ft. to my backyard. My backyard faces a busy road. I would like to place native trees and bushes along the fence for added privacy, shade and to protect my house from the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need a shrub to conceal a privacy fence in Knightdale, NC. August 03, 2011 Could you recommend a medium-sized shrub/bush (max height of 6-7 feet) to plant along a privacy fence (purpose is to conceal the fence from the street view per HOA)? I live in Zone 8. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Impenetrable privacy hedge in Wimberly, TX. July 26, 2011 I live near Wimberly, TX. I'd like to grow an impenetrable privacy hedge about 200' long and at least 10' tall and 10' deep (or more) using native plants. I'd like it to be evergreen, drought t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Alternate native plants for bamboo as a privacy screen in Austin, TX. July 26, 2011 Can you recommend a bamboo that I can plant, acting as a privacy screen, reaching at least 10'-12'? We are looking for a bamboo that does not spread, and can take the afternoon sun. It will be pla... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Windbreak for Eastern Kansas July 17, 2011 I need to plant a fast growing windbreak near my lateral lines for a septic tank. We obviously can't have anything that would interfere with the laterals but I desperately need a North wind break. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrubs for privacy in wet area in Ohio July 13, 2011 I am looking for flowering shrubs for Ohio that reach 8-10 feet and can handle wet feet. I am trying to avoid building a wall for privacy and would like to use flowering shrubs instead. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need suggestions for cold resistant, hardy hedge plant in Jonathan, NC. June 28, 2011 I'm looking for a Full sun, cold resistant, hardy, non-invasive plant to be used for a property line hedge for North Carolina. Preferably NOT slow growing. What can you suggest? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need suggestions for plants for a privacy screen in Arlington, VA. June 22, 2011 I am looking for a tall-growing tree/shrub to act as a privacy screen with neighbors on two existing borders, including, e.g., blocking out the neighbors tall swing set gym, deck, and other activity, ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Privacy hedge that can be trimmed June 06, 2011 Please help us find a screening plant or tree (preferably native and evergreen with flowering and/or berries) which is non-invasive, not a vine, at least six feet tall if not taller, which can be easi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need native plants for wind block and screening along a fence row in Commerce, TX June 04, 2011 I'm looking for a small tree or lg shrub for wind block & screening along a fence row. The soil is black clay with a mostly full sun exposure. Landscaper suggested Elaeagnus but I want a nat... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Privacy Screen options for Seymour CT June 03, 2011 Hi Mr. Smarty Pants: Looking for a quick growing privacy hedge for a home in Seymour CT. Thank you very much, I appreciate your help. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Evergreens for privacy screen in WI May 29, 2011 We'd like to add privacy to our backyard with evergreen trees. The problem with this area is it very wet and the ground is soft and mushy until the dry summer conditions. We've rocklined the the a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| A nice-looking, fast-growing privacy hedge for Oregon May 27, 2011 Would you please suggest a fast growing option to create a privacy hedge? I need to get my husband off the boxwoods he is touting.. The ideal solution would grow to 8 feet high, look interesting all y... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need plant suggestions for a 700' long privacy screen in Wimberley, TX. May 27, 2011 I live in Wimberley. Tx Dot has ruined 700' of my side yard's (& back yard's) privacy by clearing all the plants/trees that had grown up in their right of way adjacent to our property. They're als... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shrubs for a screen in DC May 05, 2011 Live in Washington DC vicinity (zones: 7-8). Looking for hardy shrubs to screen a 47 foot long picket fence and provide barrier to neighbor. It is western exposure with sun light. Ideally evergreen, d... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Hedgerow to block sounds and scenes of traffic May 01, 2011 What would make the best year round hedgerow to block the sight and sounds of traffic 60 feet from my house? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a windbreak on a slope in OH April 20, 2011 Have property at the top of a valley with a steep drop off. Would like to know native to NE Ohio ground covers, grasses perennials, and not too tall trees for windbreak that will prevent erosion. The ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need suggestions for plants to form a privacy hedge in Granbury, TX. April 14, 2011 We live on a rocky hill in Hood County, Tx. and need suggestions for evergreen anything that will provide privacy. Red Cedars were added in October 2010 and it looks as if half of those are dying. He... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need suggestions for plants to form a privacy hedge in Austin, TX. April 14, 2011 I live on a corner lot with the backyard facing a busy street. My lot is 4 feet lower than street level. I am looking for a privacy screen to plant along this North facing side. I have a canopy of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need suggestions for plants to form a privacy hedge in Charleston, WV. April 05, 2011 Mr. Smarty Pants, I live in zone 6 and an looking for an evergreen privacy type hedge that grows no taller than 10'-12'. I am not interested in any boxwood type of hedge. The evergreens would be ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need Fast-Growing Screening Shrub for Arlington, TX March 16, 2011 What fast growing shrub/tree could be planted along side a fence to provide additional privacy? We have a pool in our backyard and the view behind our house is less than enjoyable. We would like to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Screening trees for PA March 13, 2011 We are looking to plant some privacy trees in back of our home. Since our neighbor is directly behind us but we don't want to plant something distasteful to our neighbor. Do you have a recommendation... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need a fast growing shrub to quickly create a 6' privacy screen in Magnolia, TX. February 28, 2011 Can you please recommend a fast-growing shrub to quickly create a 6' plus-tall privacy screen in an area with mottled shade along a north/south oriented wrought-iron fence? This is under a canopy of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Screen for utility box in Seabrook TX February 21, 2011 Utility box cover: Thinking of using star jasmine on a three sided fence/trellis. Each side 3 ft sq. I can send a picture. Not sure best fence style to use or way to plant. Suggestions? Need cove... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Looking for shrubs to replace Photinia as a privacy screen in Arlington, VA. February 08, 2011 Suggestions to replace diseased red tipped photinia. Looking for hardy privacy screen type of evergreen, not too deep with height of approx. 10-12' Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Looking for plants for a privacy hedge, besides Ficus nitida, in Norco CA. February 02, 2011 I am looking to plant a hedge for privacy along my property line. We have horses so I need to make sure that what I plant is not toxic. Would Ficus nitida 'Little Gem' be a good choice? I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning cherry laurel in January in Austin January 07, 2011 Do trust I checked Q&A first. Can Cherry Laurel shrubs be pruned earlier than late winter in Austin? I foolishly planted 12 native Cherry Laurel standards on our suburban property line 5 years ago. I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need plants for privacy screening in a campground in Wade, NC. December 14, 2010 Landscaping a campground tent area, need evergreen to grow to ground, narrow in width but will reach height for privacy. There is a wooded tree line along wall that produces shade during summer. Any... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Neat and tidy, poolside in Austin Texas. December 01, 2010 I have a small section between our pool and fence (approx 3 feet wide). I would like to plant something native that obscures the fence but does not create a mess for the pool. The area gets sun most... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Evergreen Hedge for Austin November 28, 2010 Hello, We live in Austin and have a yard that is almost fully shaded. We have a few burford holly bushes there, but would like to add some evergreen interest. We would love a tall hedge (around 8 ft... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Large evergreens for screen in Seattle November 20, 2010 Our building would like large evergreens to help with freeway noise (it's right across the street with a large green belt around it.) Which Northwest Evergreens would work best? We need tall and wide... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Evergreen shrub with dense base for screen in Austin November 11, 2010 I just bought a house in Austin and am looking for an evergreen shrub to use as a thick hedge between my elevated yard and a bus stop. The only shrubs I can come up with tend to get thin toward the b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Year-round privacy screen of evergreen plants. November 02, 2010 We need a year-round privacy screen of evergreen plants. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrubs with fragrant flowers for screening in NY October 27, 2010 I'm trying to find a bush or shrub to screen my backyard and block noise. I want something I can plant along the fence that would get between 6 and 8 ft tall. Something neat, and if possible with fra... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Large shrubs for privacy screen in VA October 12, 2010 Tonight my husband and I took down two large shrubs about 15' tall and spread across our yard to provide mostly privacy from the road and traffic noise. My question is this, since it's the front of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need evergreen privacy screen for Austin, Texas October 11, 2010 I need an evergreen privacy screen. I live in southern Travis County and have a 450 ft property line that has a view to about 10 -12 neighbors back yards. I need something that won't be nibbled by ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| FAST GROWING PRIVACY PLANTS IN EL PASO, TEXAS October 11, 2010 Hello, First, I am totally ignorant of plants,trees planting,etc. However, I just moved to El Paso, Tx and find every home is surrounded by these hideous rock walls, which aren't nearly tall enough t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Hedge options for Sag Harbor, New York. October 11, 2010 Hello, My fiance and I live in Sag Harbor, NY on the East End of Long Island. We would like to plant a hedge across our yard to separate the front and back and have privacy. Here is a picture o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Evergreen tree for California screen September 28, 2010 Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I need a tree for screen and privacy. Our neighbors are building a second story. We will loose our privacy and our patio will be like a fish bowl. I will plant it about 2 fee... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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