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
Thursday - March 18, 2010
From: Conroe, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Screen for highway noise in Conroe, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 120' of fence line which backs up to a busy highway, and now there are plans to widen it to four lanes. Is there a native tree or shrub which could help dampen the noise and block out the view of the traffic?ANSWER:
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:
More Privacy Screening Questions
Hedgerow plants non-toxic to horses
April 07, 2012 - What would be a good, fast growing, hedgerow plant that is NON-POISONOUS TO HORSES? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Trees for privacy screen
August 08, 2012 - Hello, We'd like to plant a privacy screen to hide our view of an adjacent apartment complex. Ideally the trees or other plantings might be a native species, and preferably they would eventually rea...
view the full question and answer
Privacy shield for Long Island, NY
May 13, 2009 - I live in Long Island New York (Smithtown), Zone 6, I think. My yard has mostly shade and I would like to plant something for privacy along my back fence because my neighbors house is close and their...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen hedge for NY
February 26, 2012 - I am looking for a native evergreen shrub that could be used as a hedge or privacy screen on the Rockaway peninsula in Queens county. It is a beach community with sand soil ( except where it has been...
view the full question and answer
Screening plant for wall in Florida
February 26, 2010 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants,
I live near Tampa, FL and I want to put a line of privacy plants/hedges along a brick wall. The wall is 6' high with openings in the top 3' of the wall. The length of the w...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |