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.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Friday - February 01, 2013

From: Buda, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Need small, fast growing trees for privacy screen in Buda, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

Please recommend some small, but fast growing, flowering trees to plant along a western fence for privacy

ANSWER:

For your situation, I am going to suggest that you consider evergreen shrubs which will provide the screening you desire more quickly than most trees.

Mr. Smarty Plants has received numerous questions about plants for privacy screening over the years, and this one from Buda seems tailor made for you.

This answer for a question from Magnolia, TX has plant suggestions and also explains how to use our Native Plants Database which will help you select other plants.

This answer for an Austin question may also prove helpful.