My Lot and Native Barrier-Shrub/Hedge Question

19 years ago

Hi Folks,

Here's a picture of my 1.3 acre cul-de-sac lot, as it looked a month or so ago. I'm new here in the forums, and I look forward to hearing your ideas about just what I should do with the lot.

I definitely want to keep it in a natural state: my neighbors have cleared much of the land around their oaks, and have made it park-like. I am not interested in that approach, particularly in the back of the lot.

One of the first things I'd like to do (I should be closing on the house in March '05) involves placing some sort of shrub around my lot, in lieu of a fence. I'd like it to be dense enough so that it's difficult, if not impossible, for a human to penetrate it, perhaps 6-8' tall. I don't want to have to baby it and tend to it constantly: A fellow at an OKC Nursery suggested Greenbriar, but I know nothing about it....

I suppose that it doesn't have to be complety impenatrable by humanity... I'd like to enhance the privacy of the lot, both in the sense of securing it against folks walking through it in back, and shielding the neighboring houses from view while looking out from the house. Perhaps securing it against tresspass is the toughest part of that: I suppose I could plant some cedars on the border of the property if I just wanted to block adjacent lots from view...

Anyway, I appreciate any ideas/suggestions that you might have.

Image link: {{!gwi}}

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Comments (6)

HFK123
Original Author
19 years ago
Hmm, link didn't embed... Here is the direct link:

http://members.cox.net/hfk/oklahoma_gardening.jpg
rjj1
19 years ago
Nice place!

Talk to as many "nurserymen" as you can on this along with studying whatÂs posted here. My concern about your situation is a desire for a multi-tasker. You might end up making so many compromises to get that one plant that will do both, it wonÂt do both to your satisfaction. Look at all the options for a good muti-tasker. Then look at the options for a good screen planting. Then look at the options for a security shrub. Make a decision based on what really important to you and what will fit that role.

This may be oversimplified but if you want security, get a dog. I would much prefer a good screen tree like Cupressocyparis leylandii or Leyland Cypress.

Craig Evans, our local extension agent, writes this about L. C.

Use: Ornamental and screen
Mature width: 15-25Â
Hardiness Zone: 6-10
General Shape: Open pyramidal form
Mature Height: 30-60Â
Growth Rate: Rapid
Needles: Scale-like, most common cultivar is rich green
Cultural Notes: Full-sun, prefers better soils although tolerant of poorer sites with drainage; extremes in ph and salty sites; purchase as a 1-5 gallon container rather than B & B.
Pests; No major; tip-burn in the winter with extreme changes, gets a few bagworms
Best Traits; incredible growth rate; dense foliage; beautiful form; good color year-round
Negative features; tip-burn, but this is easily removed by hand while wearing a pair of leather gloves

randy

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1075643}}
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rjj1
19 years ago
Another forgotten thought:

You might plant a security screen on the border, then come in about ten feet and plant your screen.

randy
HFK123
Original Author
19 years ago
Randy,

You're right, finding one plant that will suffice for both purposes might be difficult. I think I'd be happy with a 'screen' rather than a 'security shrub' (thanks for helping with the terminology).

The Leland Cypress is an excellent idea. It's a beautiful tree, but very much taller than I need a screen to be. I'm concerned that it might overwhelm the surrounding Oaks. Other than it's heigth, it looks perfect for my purposes. I suppose that I could keep them pruned, but that might be quite a lot of seasonal work. Or perhaps not, I'm not experienced enough to comment, really.

Is there a way to keep it's size down that wouldn't involve lots of time and work (or paying a gardening servce a hefty annual fee)?

One thing about them I definitely find appealing: no leaves to rake!

Thanks Randy.
rjj1
19 years ago
Frank,

Keep in mind each different piece of property has itÂs own micro-climate. What might get 20Â tall here may only get 15Â there. Land elevation or slope, wind protection or lack of, soil make-up and ph, water quality and frequency of water, surrounding growth, and other factors will play a role in size.

Craig may have been citing trees that are extremely old, or trees grown under near perfect environments under supervision at the university from someone with a doctorate in plant science or some other big worded title I canÂt spell. The state spends a lot of money field-testing different species trying to find the best plant for specific purposes for use here in Oklahoma.

Ask some nurserymen who have direct knowledge of this species or others like it. Ask where theyÂre planted, how long have they been there, and what they look like. Drive out and check them yourself. This is a major decision with a long-term effect on your environment and happiness.

IÂve had to help friends a few times that just took the word of others and didnÂt do the leg work to verify. ItÂs a total pain to remove and redo.

I donÂt want to make it sound hard, itÂs not. I really want to express how fun the research part can be when you take the time and do it right the first time

randy
HFK123
Original Author
19 years ago
Randy,

Thanks, I can see it's worth doing some legwork: I'd hate to undermine the natural beauty of the place, let alone spend a bunch of $ for nothing.

I'm also thinking of Forsythia

( http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?id=169 )

and Aroowood Viburnum

( http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?id=171 )

Thanks,

Frank

My Lot and Native Barrier-Shrub/Hedge Question

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