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 - March 31, 2010
From: Salado, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Transplants, Privacy Screening
Title: Evergreen screen for newly constructed metal building
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Neighbor built a 12' tall metal building right by my gate. I want to screen it with fast-growing evergreen natives. I have lots of ashe juniper on my property, but none where I need it now! Can AJ be transplanted? How? Or what other solution? Waxmyrtle? EG Sumac? Help! Thanks!ANSWER:
With most people struggling to get rid of (or at least keep in check) Juniperus ashei (Ashe's juniper) you would think it would be easy to transplant. It isn't—at least not as a reasonably large-sized shrub. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to transplant. You might get away with transplanting some very small plants if you carefully get all the roots; but, you can pretty well write off transplanting larger ones. You might do well with nursery trees that were grown in containers, however. You can check our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries in your area that might carry junipers. Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) also grows in the area and isn't considered as invasive as Ashe's juniper and more likely to be found in a nursery setting.
Both Rhus virens (evergreen sumac) and Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) are good choices. There are dwarf cultivars of wax myrtle so check carefully when you buy. Here are some other evergreen possibilities:
Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer's silktassel) and here is more information
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry)
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush)
You might also consider putting up a latticework or wire fence and growing evergreen vines on it, such as:
Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle)
Gelsemium sempervirens (evening trumpetflower)
Bignonia capreolata (crossvine)
All of the plants above have rapid to moderate growth.
You can find many of these plants for sale (no junipers, however) at our Spring Plant Sale.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery:
More Privacy Screening Questions
Dog-safe Privacy Screen for Ocala, FL
June 25, 2015 - Am desperately searching for fast growing privacy that would be non toxic to dogs in Ocala, Florida (zone 9 I think). Wanted Leland cypress but due to toxicity it won't work.
view the full question and answer
Native evergreens for privacy in Crockett, TX
October 12, 2008 - I need advice on what tall evergreens I can plant along a fence line for privacy. I need trees that will be at minimum 8 to 10 feet tall at maturity, are aesthetically pleasing and provide privacy.
...
view the full question and answer
Native plants under trees for privacy barrier in Fairview, TX
April 29, 2009 - I am looking for suggestions on what to plant for a Privacy Barrier. The area in question is a shaded area under a tree line of about 200+ feet long. I am hoping for year round coverage. The canopy...
view the full question and answer
Trees for privacy screen in California
May 31, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smartypants,
We are first-time home-buyers of a cute little house and a relatively large lot in Pacific Grove, CA. Unfortunately the neighbors to the north have built a second story with a nic...
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing screen for New York
June 04, 2010 - I need a fast growing screen to put along my fence due to undesirable neighbors
who moved next door to my summer place. Small lot: 25'x25' . The side is south and the lot is partially shade w sandy s...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |