suggestions needed for small yard privacy tree/shrub
Yollies
9 years ago
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Iris GW
9 years agoRelated Discussions
I need shrub suggestions for privacy but I want interesting!
Comments (12)'Can anyone suggest any ways to revitalize/prune/fertilize the shrub (privet) that is already there?' The link below is a good general pruning guide from Purdue Univ. Cooperative Extension. They mention privet as a shrub to prune after flowering, but I'd ignore that since you are doing more severe rejuvenation pruning, and losing the flowers for a year is the least of your worries. another one from Iowa State Extension: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1958.pdf And here's a link to both a video and a written description on how to rejuvenate an old privet hedge from 'This Old House.' He mentions adding a shrub fertilizer, but if your town has a waste recycling program that allows you to get compost for minimal cost, I'd go get a bunch of that and top dress right under the hedge (and where you want to plant other stuff) now so that it can start improving your soil. I googled privet rejuvenation pruning, and these were only a few of the links if you want more . . . Google is a wonderful resource if you know the terms you need ;>) If you decide to go for the rejuvenation pruning, you will most likely have a shorter time to get coverage back since the shrubs already have an established root system, while if you totally replant, it will probably be at least three years. If you decide to remove the privet and replant, be sure to either dig in compost or do a lasagna layering to improve the soil, which will really help determine the success of your planting. Those current shrubs have been there quite a while, and if the soil was neglected as the hedge was, it's probably seriously lacking in organic matter which is really the key to productive soils. To get rid of the oaks and other tree saplings in the hedge, cut each to ground level during the growing season, and paint the freshly cut stump with a brush killer, being careful not to get any on the plants you want. Round-up has a short half-life if you want something with low toxicity (compared to other brush killers) but may allow some resprouting and so will need to be repeated. Alternatively, cut all the roots below ground level by removing dirt with a trowel and taking a pruner to each root. A final thought . . . it's easiest to look at your conditions and plant accordingly. So, if you want the hedge on the south side of your yard for privacy, you'll have shade over there, so start researching shade perennials by doing a search for threads with that topic over in the perennials forum (go down to the bottom of the forum) or google the topic. For your veggies, can you plant on the side of the yard farthest from the hedge to get the most sun or can you plant your tomatoes in the front yard in decorative obelisks instead of tomato cages if that will give them more sun? Have fun, and let us know what you've decided and add some new photos as work progresses. Here is a link that might be useful: Purdue Cooperative Extension Pruning guide...See MoreNeed tall shrub or small ornamental tree suggestion please
Comments (7)Hop bush is a great suggestion (Dodonea viscosa and Dodonea viscosa 'purpurea'- the purple tends to come out when chilled - it's also a bit more frost sensitive, but next to a western wall it should be fine). I also love the Fern of the Desert (also called Fern tree, Fern bush, etc. - Lysiloma thornberi). You can also get the soft, lacy look from Guajillo. They are all very drought tolerant. If you want some pretty blooms and a bright green leaf, I would suggest the desert willow, Chilopsis linearis. It has the added benefit of being deciduous, so that same western wall can warm your home in the winter. I went down to Baker's last spring and looked at some of their trees, with the same parameters in mind - a number o the Eucalyptus are small, with yellow or red blooms. I bought a mulga - it has silvery leaves and bright yellow blooms that look just like catepillars. It grows to about 15 feet. Lemon Euc and Forman's Euc are two more you might want to look at. There's tons more, we're lucky to have a large number of smaller trees. Don't forget the Texas Mountain Laurel (both green and silver leaf forms) many of the Acacias are smaller trees, the Screwbean Mesquite has very interesting seed pods, Caesalpinia cacalaco, mexicana & gilliesii are all very pretty, blooming trees. HTH!...See MoreNeed a Tall Narrow Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree-Suggestions?
Comments (6)"Tiny Towers" Italian Cypress are superb for tall and narrow. They don't get gigantic like the big ones do. Spearmint Juniper is also great. Beautiful green color and takes to shearing very easily. "Purple Pony" purple leaf plum is also excellent as a small tree. Only gets about 12' tall. Doesn't get huge like the big ones do... There are also some smaller Cassias that do well as small trees and have nice flowers as well and are only briefly deciduous....See MoreShrub / small tree recommendation for privacy in SF yard?
Comments (4)You could go native and put in a flannelbush (Fremontodendron californicum). Drought tolerant, beautiful flowers, about 10' tall, dense evergreen foliage... I've seen some growing on the east side of the city (potrero). I don't know how one would do in the fog belt but it could be okay. Other thoughts, how about a loquat? They grow well in the city, have nice dense foliage, and can be kept at about that height with a little maintenance. I also have seen a nice hibiscus in the city that might fit your needs....See MoreYollies
9 years agoIris GW
9 years agoYollies
9 years agoIris GW
9 years agoDave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
9 years agoYollies
9 years agoIris GW
9 years agoYollies
9 years agoIris GW
9 years agoeibren
9 years ago
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