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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - September 14, 2008
From: Cary, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Evergreen trees for screen in North Carolina
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Recently moved into a new "cluster" development where homes are very close together. Need to plant bushes / trees for privacy and would like fast growing ones that are good in the south. Attempted to plant a long row of Leland Cypress only to see them all die. Have 2 magnolias, but don't seem like that will do what we want them to in a short period of time. What can you recommend. Will most likely need a minimum of 15 - so it needs to look great. Of course we were hoping to recapture some the North by planting fast growing evergreens. Thank you. Patti in Cary, NCANSWER:
Here are a couple of native North Carolina trees that might be just what you are looking for—both are conical-shaped evergreens with thick foliage that can be pruned and shaped into a privacy hedge:Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar), with information about different cultivars/varieties from the University of Connecticut and more information from North Carolina State University.
Thuja occidentalis (arborvitae), with information about different cultivars/varieties from the University of Connecticut and more information from Ohio State University.
More Privacy Screening Questions
Privacy screen for garden and pool in California
October 13, 2008 - I need a fast growing screen for privacy. Here are the issues:1. we have a 3 story apartment building looking right into our backyard. so trees need to be at least 15' tall and dense. 2. we have a po...
view the full question and answer
Water-Wise Privacy Hedge for California
February 22, 2016 - I would like recommendations for a privacy hedge that would grow at least 12 feet tall with non-invasive roots and hopefully water-wise in Los Angeles.
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for shrubs for a screening barrier along a fence line in Austin, TX.
July 24, 2009 - Hi! I am new to Austin and I live in a town home community that backs up to an existing neighborhood. There is no screening on my fenceline, which is only about 30 feet from my back porch! I also ha...
view the full question and answer
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?
view the full question and answer
Combining native shrubs for hedge in Austin
April 15, 2009 - Smarty,
Please tell me what the definitions are for all the various water, soil moisture, drainage and light requirements mean. Are the definitions global? I live in Central East Austin and inten...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |