Bay is eventually a 35' tree. That doesn't happen fast, but the tree's DNA wants it to happen, so long term there will always be a conflict between what the tree's DNA wants and what you want. Long term, a plant that wants to be closer to the mature size you desire--it's a good idea. If you are not expecting instant results, consider Camellias--they make a long-lived, dense screen in time, with the bonus of beautiful winter flowers, and root systems that will do no harm to the block wall, or your yard, or any pipes in the area. If their roots are shaded, they have quite low water requirements, once established. Camellias are under story small trees in their natural habitat, growing in dryish soil beneath larger trees. Nuccios in Altandena could give you suggestions as to which varieties would do best for you. Other shade-lovers to consider perhaps Fatsia japonica, Schefflera arboricola, Acuba japonica. Keep in mind that in always-shady areas, soil retains moisture a lot better than in sunny areas, so don't be quite as concerned about water needs in those areas as in all-day hot sun. It could also be mentioned that one day your neighbor may cut down everything in his/her yard, leaving your hedge exposed to sun. It happens. Doesn't hurt to plan for the unexpected!

I don't know for sure about the sun issue since that's not a problem where I live ;-) Since Bay is a Mediterranean native I shouldn't think strong sun would trouble it. However, Bay grows very well here and I am wondering if you are prepared for regular maintenance if you want a hedge. These things make pretty big trees unless kept clipped.

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".

There were at least 3 duplicate posts....2 are still present although the first one with the identification was several days ago now. And if you Google images of bay laurel, you will find plenty of of images of leaves with undulating margins that appear to be serrated....I even have a few dried bay leaves in my spice drawer that are undulated/serrated. Ditto with the berries...calling them 'pointed' may be a stretch but a slight protuberance is clearly seen on many images.