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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.

rate this answer

Wednesday - April 30, 2014
From: Pleasanton, CA
Region: California
Topic: Privacy Screening, Trees
Title: Privacy Trees for Pleasanton, CA
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I was looking for some fast growing trees for my backyard that backs up to Valley Ave in Pleasanton, Ca. The city just cut down 4 Redwoods behind me and there is so much noise from the traffic now Can you help with some suggestions?ANSWER:
It seems a number of folks from Northern CA have asked quite similar questions of Mr Smarty Plants. The set of following recommendations cover several similar situations.
Fast-growing privacy shrub for Northern California home
Fast-growing tree for privacy in Berkeley, CA
Privacy shrubs and trees that are safe for horses in California
Fast-growing, evergreen, non-invasive root tree for El Dorado CA
Evergreen tree for California screen
Trees for pool area in San Ramon, California
Evergreen shrubs for privacy in Merced County California
Evergreen for privacy screen in Northern California
There is some good discussion and many things to consider in these various messages, but Mr. Smarty Plants recognizes this buries the specific recommendations. When I read through these messages, the following trees and shrubs appeared suitable to your part of Alameda County.
Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber (Smooth mountain mahogany) - -moderate growth rate
Morella californica (California wax myrtle) - - no comments as to speed
Calocedrus decurrens (Incense cedar) - - fast growth early then slows
Umbellularia californica (California laurel) - begins growth slowly but once established grows rapidly to 40 feet
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf cherry) - grows rapidly to 40 feet
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) – fast growing shrub
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Blueblossom) - - fast growing shrub
Several more shrubs have been suggested, you'll find several more [If you want more to consider] in the above question/answer pairs.
From the Image Gallery
More Privacy Screening Questions
Native, flowering plants for privacy fence in Hamilton Co., TX
October 31, 2006 - Looking for a native plant or climbing vine to grow on a high (8') game fence to create privacy and hide what's behind the wire. It will be planted near Hico, Texas. Would love the added benefit o...
view the full question and answer
Tall trees for privacy screen in St. Augustine FL
March 24, 2013 - Please let me know what kind of evergreen tall trees I can plant for privacy in my back yard in the st. Augustine, Florida area. Thanks for your assistance.
view the full question and answer
Hedge plant for Maui.
February 17, 2009 - Question: I live in Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii and would like to put a "living fence" around my yard for some privacy. Ideally, I want something that is going to grow fast and about 8+ feet tall for a h...
view the full question and answer
Replacement for waxleaf privet
December 15, 2014 - i just removed some waxleaf privet due to reading about the invasive and allergy problem to it. Is indian hawthorn blueberry muffin any better? what shrub do you recommend? I want it to grow about 6-1...
view the full question and answer
Plants for privacy in Round Lake IL
April 14, 2010 - I recently purchased a house in northern Illinois that overlooks a busy walking path. The yard is 80 feet wide and currently has a 4 foot chain link fence, but I would like to add something for priva...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |