Native Plants

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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
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November 23, 2007 - Is there some kind of drought resistant bush or thorny plant we can rim our property with to stop all the foot traffic through our yard? We don't care if it's pretty, just something thick and/or th...
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April 15, 2008 - We recently bought an acre of land in Liberty Hill, TX. We have a large planting area in the front that is devoid of any plant life. I would like to turn this into a semi shaded area with some annua...
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Decorative Trees for Scenic Bench in Fairhope IL
June 10, 2012 - I am looking for a recommendation for a pair of small trees (does not grow taller than 18-20 feet) that can provide shade on either side of a stone bench. The site is in full sun, western exposure an...
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Privacy screen in Kansas City, MO
April 04, 2012 - Hello, I am located in Kansas City, MO and am looking for a wall/screen plant. Last year I used a wall of sunflowers and loved them, however I want something more hardy and something I don't have to ...
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October 07, 2009 - We just moved into a new home with a pool in the backyard. We are trying to figure out what to plant along the back fence to allow for a bit of privacy; we have no direct backyard neighbors but there...
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