Shade Tolerant Shrub to Hide A/C

13 years ago

We just had a new air conditioner installed. The first thing you see now when you enter the yard is an air conditioner, almost right in your face.

I'd like to plant a shade, clay soil, somewhat drought, tolerant shrub. Preferably no taller than 4-5 feet and only about 2 feet around. Beyond the shrub will be a path. Plus, of course, I'd like a shrub that is low maintenance, disease resistant.

Is there such a thing? I sure wish hostas would disguise it, but they won't grow tall enough.

I've see pictures on this forum of cute little fences with plants around, but we need to mostly hide the side of it only.

Any ideas?

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Comments (4)

oilpainter
13 years ago
Amend your soil a bit and plant a dogwood. There are some lovely variagated ones. Dogwoods like the shade, grows 5 feet tall and tolerate most soils but prefers friable soil(good well draining soil) so adding some organic matter to your clay would be a good thing. All plants need moisture at least until they get settled in. Shrubs like trees can go longer without moisture but it would be good if you can give it a good soaking once in a while
northspruce
13 years ago
I would vote for a globe cedar, if you're willing to prune it, or get one that actually does grow to a maximum size.

Remember the air conditioner needs airflow so don't get anything that is going to smother it. Also you don't want the plant clogging the a/c up so think about what will fall off of the plant every year.
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I forgot to mention that we are in central Pennsylvania, about an hour directly north of Harrisburg. We have had what seems like a fairly average summer, possibly a little dryer than normal. When we have a dry spell I do go out and water the shrubs. Here are few more pictures taken last night. The original that I posted was from right after the shrubs were planted. Close up of the dying arb. - http://i.imgbox.com/2OyAmbIA.jpg rear of the arbs., note the tree coverage. - http://i.imgbox.com/3TPLIqjB.jpg Two more pictures showing the tree coverage and shrubs. http://i.imgbox.com/tFiUHZgv.jpg http://i.imgbox.com/iXUjxdB0.jpg You will notice only one very browned arb, the two directly next to this one have been replaced in the last 4-6 weeks as they were in the same state. Lowes offered a 1 year warranty so I was credited for the purchased amount. My thought about bugs is that it is unlikely as the three shrubs I have had the problem with are all right next to each other. I could be wrong in this assumption. About applying a mulch, noted and I plan to take care of this immediately. I am happy with the layout of my yard/fence line and I do not require a additional shed as we have a sizable shed/single horse barn already for storage. I did not put fertilizer in the holes when planting. The ground in that area is extremely hard and compacted (compared to just a few feet over). Would it be beneficial to till up all of the ground in the general area down to maybe 12" or so? Will this help with my problem at all? When I replace the dying arb, should I break up the compacted soil (clay) that the root ball comes from the store in? Thank you again for all of your help.
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nutsaboutflowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Good point Northspruce. It's a horizontal A/C, so leaves would easily get into the fan area. I'm also a real fan of evergreens. People seem to really like their dogwoods, so maybe I'll try to get one for a different spot. I like the ones with the fire red leaves in the fall. ( Dogwoods, right?)

This morning I dragged one of those cedars you get at Walmart for $20.00 beside the A/C and it's a perfect size. Can you believe that cedar was bought last year, not even planted, and I think it's going to survive? One of the ones that got planted, is dead. Go figure.

I'll keep my eye out for a globe cedar, as they're hardier if I recall. (?)
northspruce
13 years ago
I've seen better results with globe cedars than pyramids around here. People really need to think about where they put their pyramid cedars (not you NAF, just in general). I'm sure people don't realize how enormous they get, once they've survived a few winters. I could take pictures around town of pyramid cedars twice the height of the houses they're planted in front of! ;o)

Yes dogwoods have a nice fall colour and some also have nice red stems all winter too.

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Shade Tolerant Shrub to Hide A/C

Comments (4)

oilpainter

northspruce

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Shade Tolerant Shrub to Hide A/C

Comments (4)

oilpainter

northspruce

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northspruce

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