Wildlife Friendly Privacy Hedge Ideas
sultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
2 years ago
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish) thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5Related Discussions
Neighborly etiquette question for privacy hedges and shrubs
Comments (25)It all boils down to what the municipal code in your city dictates you are allowed to do along with what you believe is "neighborly" but here's another opinion for all those who might look at this thread while searching for similar answers: If you live in a packed residential area like I do (and if moving is not feasible) with neighbors windows looking directly into your own windows then you will probably appreciate some privacy shrubs for screening. I strongly believe that good fences make good neighbors and I would be extremely grateful if my neighbor would stop obsessively pruning all their plants to the height of their fence line so that I wouldn't have to constantly hear or see them every time I look out my window or try to use my yard. We had to plant shrubs along the wall we share with them even though they have more room to do so than we do. Unfortunately, they severely cut back our exquisite NON-MESSY ornamental evergreen shrubs which have hung slightly (less than 6 inches) over the fence in their front yard which gave them privacy simply on the principle of maintaining their property line (they have nothing planted below/along the fence line or any other justification for doing so). Not many of us appreciate the feeling that we are being "watched" and I certainly think that even the property line fanatics who have posted above also appreciate privacy to some extent. I would be more than happy to lightly prune back my neighbors shrubs if they were to grow over too far onto my side but then again I think that would be a great "problem" to have. If your neighbors are reasonable people try talking to them. Perhaps they would appreciate the privacy shrub installation as well. Sometimes communicating with nasty neighbors is unfruitful but its worth a shot in the beginning. Also, a word on large trees: We have several protected endangered oaks on our property including an enormous one that is over 300 years old. The trees were here long before any of the houses in my area were built. Around 15 years ago, developers thought it might be a good idea to erect a massive house on a tiny lot 10 feet away from the property line and right under the trees massive canopy. The old house that was knocked down was large enough (2,500 sqft) and was set back an appropriate distance from the trees. The new house is a monstrosity and home to neighbors who hate all trees and love lawn. Needless to say this has resulted in significant problems over the years with the new neighbors who are unhappy that the biggest tree is close to them. Luckily, where I live (California) neighbors cannot just cut your tree/shrub to their property line if doing so injures or kills the tree. Cities should do a better job at preventing these issues by ensuring massive houses are not built on tiny lots or fix zoning of properties to ensure that old large specimen trees aren't being cleared to make way for concrete yards and McMansions which have destroyed the character of the city and do nothing to help the current housing crisis....See Moreprivacy hedge in a wet area
Comments (4)I might solely choose 'Monlo'/'Diablo' "Ninebark" (Physocarpus opulifolius) for your zone. No pests ever on this extremely hardy shrub. Thick deciduous form with a profusion of white lace-cap flowers in early summer (June in my climate), and the bark has interest as well. Decent fall color, fruit adorned by birds and wildlife. Here's a great site: Dax Here is a link that might be useful: Selecting Shrubs For Your Home - Wet Sites...See MoreFountain Grass as a Privacy Hedge
Comments (10)Hiya Mary and all, Your new books sound great--let us know what you think of them. I've got several MI books too (love "Agaves, Yuccas and Related Plants") but not the one you mention. I've really, really been enjoying 'Palm Springs-Style Gardens' which is by a woman who lives in and gardens in, Palm Springs, so almost all that she discusses and photographs is relevant for us here too. She totally "gets" that distinction between what grows in Los Angeles and what doesn't once you cross east of Banning, CA. Anyway, your new books sound fun. And definitely let us know what you select for your privacy. I like Mexican flame vine, but it sure can get zapped by cool weather. I'm a big fan of hopseed (Dodonea) as it really does grow quickly, is immune to our weather (since it's native) and doesn't need much water when established. Fun post/discussion and replies. Thanks! Grant Here is a link that might be useful: Palm Springs Style Gardens (book)...See Morefast privacy hedge
Comments (6)spade ilene's link has a great picture! I like the idea of ordering to help those with disabilities... but if you need a lot of them it appears that the "handling fee and shipping" would add up... would have to do that math: cheap gurney with shipping, or the free site with shipping and handling per ever two chokecherries... If you only needed two the "free site" would be good, if you needed a privacy hedge I think Gurney's might be better because I got 20 for a total of $34.85 with shipping... as far as then naturalizing = I always consider that a plus, since I am trying to do edible landscape for a wildlife habitat on five acres... I mow where I want to go. And again, its like the Mimosa (Silk Tree) = some of us adore them and can never have too many, some abhor them as weeds. Our likes are just different, so it creates different perceptions. It it helps wildlife and I can live with it, its ok with me. Ilene MANY THANKS for the link to the disability sit, very nice, I will try to support them in some way in the future... and the chokecherry picture was terrific. I am confused that they say 8-10 feet and my research says 25-30, but hey - who cares if its over 6 feet and bushy! Hope everyone's plants did well through the snow and today's sunshine brings lots of joy to your garden and you heart....See MoreJay 6a Chicago
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish) thanked Jay 6a Chicagofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
2 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish) thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UKsultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
2 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
2 years agoJay 6a Chicago
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish) thanked Jay 6a Chicagosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
2 years agosultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
2 years ago
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK