one rule of though here is that fast growing trees are usually week trees. Root systems are in first 17 inches of the soil and go twice to three times longer than the drip line of the tree.

Eastern Arbor Vitae have soft dark green foliage and are so named 'Vitae' as the tree of life as they reportedly live well over 100 years. They are low maintenance and can be sculpted. Plant a line of them side by side and you can literally create a green wall. And if you want, you can shape that wall in any number of ways, including putting in square windows ... ha ha. The denseness of the foliage does not appeal to some folks as they figure it can be a haven for spiders. But spray every now and then and you'll conquer the arachnids. And besides, you'll have them no matter what you plant. Bamboo is another plant that is good for privacy screening.

If you want a deeper green than English laurel, Pacific wax myrtle may not be the right plant. Foliage is a bright, grassy green from a distance, as the leaf reverse is a lighter color than the top. Once established, this is a rapidly growing shrub, on par with the growth rate of the laurels. Spread is variable, but if left unpruned could be 8-10', perhaps wider. This shrub is quite amenable to pruning and it can be hedged if necessary although looks infintely better if allowed to assume its natural, somewhat loose habit. It is not overly expensive, although larger sizes initially can jack up the price if you are impatient. Availability can be sketchy - this is a very popular shrub for this area for a variety of reasons and demand typically seems to exceed supply.

nativetexas, you are most welcome. It can either be grown as a hedge/screen from soil line upward or the multi-trunked plant can be pruned at the base to display bare trunks. Pruning up a few feet would allow for under plantings, which could add additional interest. Of course, you could also get the same effect by planting in a bed in front of the Sweet Olive. To give you some perspective, I believe we planted Sweet Olive in 2009 with plants about 36-40 inches high. Today those plants are 12-14 feet in height, growing in dappled shade. I don't know how well Sweet Olive might do with your soil and knowing how spread out San Antonio is, soil conditions probably vary, depending on the specific area. Thought the following might at least provide a bit of information from someone in your general area who grows Sweet Olive. Best of luck with your research and new plantings, whatever they might be. ... Mary The following comments about Sweet Olive were written and posted on another garden site by a San Antonio gardener. "Great as an understory planting under tall oak trees! Mine are about 18 feet tall and require little supplemental water. The fragrance in late winter, early spring and about the first of October is almost enchanting! In 20 years, I have never had to do a thing to these small trees - no pruning, no leaf rake up, no spraying for insect infestations and no fertilization. The deep green foliage is very attractive and the almost delicate appearance contrasts nicely with the oak. They should be used more, but they are difficult to find at garden centers. Neighbors and passersby always ask from where the delightful smell is emitting. I tell them and they never have heard of the "sweet olive".