Backyard tree for privacy - Zone 9b
Catie Hagman
3 years ago
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davidrt28 (zone 7)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoRelated Discussions
Need tree / shrub for privacy in corner of a small backyard in SF
Comments (0)Hi- We have a small backyard and a camellia "tree" in the back corner that provides privacy and a sense of enclosure (we have two-story neighbors directly behind us to each side, with fencing all around). I've determined it probably has some kind of dieback / root rot and will need to be removed, so I'm thinking about possible replacements. Given our location, yard and needs, the specs on what might work are pretty limiting - so turning to this group for some creative ideas. Here's what we need: - Overall objective is privacy, so needs to grow to ~8-10 feet, but can be maintained at max 12 ft height without too much difficulty, as there are overhead power lines. The camellia we had seemed to naturally top out right around 10 ft. - Would like a perennial so that we have privacy year-round - Space isn't huge, so ideally would be something that can be shaped to be narrower at the bottom and branch out at the top (the camellia had been trained into a sort of canopy that was perfect) - Would like to avoid a conifer - wouldn't fit particularly well with the other plants in our yard (FYI: pink jasmine, lavendar, cistus, coleonema, tibouchina, the ubiquitous and invasive calla lilies). So something with evergreen foliage would be better. - Fast-growing - Soil is quite sandy and drains well, but this is still a reasonably damp part of the yard, so we need to avoid something that is really susceptible to rot / can't take regular watering (which the neighboring plants require) - Ideally produces flowers / has some color - We're in San Francisco, which I've seen described as USDA Zone 8 or 10 online, and Sunset Zone 17. But it never freezes, never gets above 85 degrees, days often start and end overcast but are blue sky from 10am-4pm, and we have a chilly fog that blows through our backyard every night during the summer months. Recently very limited rainfall (~15-16"/year). Tree/shrub would be in borderline full sun / partial sun. I'd appreciate any suggestions that you have! Thanks in advance Becky...See MoreTree ideas for small backyard/deck privacy
Comments (25)Cherry Laurels love shade and grow fast once established (evergreen shrubs to small trees) but are poisonous to dogs. I planted a row of them on my north side to block out a purple house on the hill, and will just take my chances that I don't get a stupid dog when I get another dog :) Camellias also love shade and they flower in the fall and winter. They are shrubs but really they are small trees, they do grow slow however. Tulip poplar would grow very quickly to reach for the light, and the leaves would get rather large in the shade. That tree gets big though! Also, a thought: drive around and look for houses in similar conditions... What is growing in those situations?! I “cheat" all the time this way with landscaping. Also, maybe you could befriend the new owner and convince them to grow cross vine or Virginia creeper on the side of their house? Think understory trees too, several people have mentioned some great ones (especially hornbeam/ironwood/musclewood, dogwood, and redbud). I would add serviceberry and beech to that list (although beech eventually gets large. It keeps its leaves in the winter)....See MoreNew build backyard privacy help
Comments (10)Actually arborvitae are a great source for privacy and grow much taller than the average fence height....and it's cheaper. You just have to have some patience to let them grow and fill in the space. While your fence has weathered it doesn't appear to be in bad condition. Cleaning it will take some elbow grease but it's worth doing. Much cheaper than replacing even if you hire someone to clean it for you. You don't have to line your entire lot line with these, just in areas where you need more privacy to protect neighbors fron viewing you. A variety of trees and shrubs keeps things interesting. You have that Texas sun beating down on your home, so be sure to think through the height of the trees and what will offer you sun protection at different times of the day so you can enjoy your nice big yard even in the summer months....See MoreEvergreen suggestion for backyard in Northern CA - Zone 9b
Comments (2)At mojavemaria, Thanks for your advice. I checked the trees you suggested, but they are all Australian native trees, I'm not sure they can withstand the winter temperatures of my area. If I have to risk with an exotic tree I'd go with the Ficus Microcarpa. Anyone else has additonal advice?...See MoreSusan Highland USDA Zone 9b
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoCatie Hagman thanked Susan Highland USDA Zone 9bCatie Hagman
3 years agolgteacher
3 years agoFori
3 years agoSherry8aNorthAL
3 years agoSara Malone Zone 9b
3 years ago
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