skip to main content

Landscape Design Shrubs Design Dilemma

Plants for end of hedge near serviceberry?

11 months ago

last modified: 11 months ago

Any ideas about what could finish off a hedge along the side property line of our backyard? It would be next to 3 Prague viburnums, and filling the ~5ft understory space of a serviceberry tree, about 15 feet long (will extend the bed another 7 feet beyond the serviceberry). Full sun facing south, and some deer issues.

Possibilities: hydrangeas, weigelas, grasses, lilac, etc??

Thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 months ago
we need your location in every post.. zone is not enough info.. big city name

how far apart will you be planting these ...

im not sure i would group them in 3s linearly.. if thats a word ..

i would switch them off for a more tapestry look of greenery in the decades to come..

if the goal is to hid that deck.. and these plants will get tall enough for that.. i worry you are overplanting them too close together.. hoping to speed up the accomplishment of the goal..

if you want to hide that deck faster .. come out into the lawn.. and plant something like a redbud... dont limit yourself ot the property line.. it sure doesnt look like you have some tiny yard that requires only planting on the property line..

maybe some pix standing out back .... and shooting toward the house will help us understand whats going on ...

ken
schroej6 thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
schroej6
Original Author
11 months ago
It’s cincinnati- sorry I forgot to say that.Zone 6. We wanted a hedge along the property line since our children play in the backyard daily, and if they cross the line our neighbor comes out and scolds them to stay on our side of the line. That’s why we need a visual line of hedges (fence is not an option). We chose taller options for privacy, and plan to trim / hedge them carefully. Planted close to the property line as our house is only 7 feet from our side property line. Cant go all the way back as that is actually HOA greenspace behind our house. The viburnums are each 6 feet apart.

Thinking we’ll probably add 3 wine & roses weigela to the end of the hedge alongside the seeviceberry to finish it off. Thanks for your input!
Related Discussions
Help with Small Ornamental Tree to Plant Near House!
Q
Comments (10)
Do you prefer evergreen, like a Holly (such as Oakleaf Holly) or deciduous (like a Bloodgood Japanese Maple)? About how close is 'next' to your house? A lot of trees need to be planted a good deal further away than folks originally plan, so you might want a 'Fireglow' Japanese Maple instead of a Bloodgood, for example. Do you like narrow/columnar trees like a Skyrocket Juniper or Emerald Green Arborvitae, or a somewhat broader-based pyramidal tree (such as Boulevard False Cypress), or do you like the rounded crowns seen with some mature maple trees like sugar maple? By 'ornamental' do you mean flowers in Spring (e.g.: redbud, dogwood), colorful foliage (e.g.: Thundercloud purple plum, I believe, or some Japanese Maples such as Fireglow or Crimson Queen) or perhaps even peeling bark (e.g.: Paperbark Maple)? I know you mentioned 'that flowers,' but be mindful many plants that are highly ornamental when they flower do so briefly, and aren't nearly so impressive most of the year. Richard.
...See More
Best Plant For Security/ Screen Hedge in Full Sun
Q
Comments (43)
Do not worry about Oleanders toxicity. my aunt has been a veterinarian in PHX for 30 years and has never seen or heard of a case of oleander poisoning. We decided against Oleanders because of the proximity to the pool, they are very messy. We instead planted a Japanese Privet hedge, total of 65 5-gal spaced 3 ft. The only main drawback is the water consumption during their first summer. Each received 5 gallons of water 5x/week. Heavy water schedule on a reliable drip is an absolute must in their first summer. Otherwise they will fry. Even with consistent deep watering, about 20% did not survive. Another tip that will greatly enhance survival and thrive is proper soil amendment. Privets do not like high PH soil (too much salt) which is very prevalent in AZ soil. Prior to planting, treat the soil w a sulfur product. this will loosen the soil and allow for maximum nutrition uptake. Ensure to continually treat the plants w products that will lower PH levels. Many synthetic fertilizers will increase PH, so look for a local organic compound meant for trees and shrubs. Our hedge has grown 4 ft in 2 years. and will grow faster now that they're established. Good luck!
...See More
Suggestions for tall growing shrub/tree as a hedge to near by win
Q
Comments (31)
Hi Ritholtz - Leylands are beautiful trees. If you want to trim them that short, they may be more prone to disease over time. It's better to find a plant that you can prune a bit closer to it's mature height. Maybe other can weigh in on this? Neil Sperry says never to "top" a tree. Because I read recently that Neil Sperry (or Howard Garrett) no longer recommends Leyland Cypress for Texas, I marked it off of my consideration list (arborvitae's are prone to a lot of insects?). Because of that, I am focusing more on junipers. You can google evergreen plant nursery for dimensions, "mature" rate, etc... If you are interested, I would do some further research. Last night I was looking at some videos of Wax Myrtle on youtube. I recommend checking the videos and google "wax myrtle trees" images. Yes, they do need to be pruned and trained as a tree (some people want them to grow more as a shrub). They take really well to pruning so it is possible to make them look like a nice tree. I found some really nice ones. Right now, I'm looking at the Majestic Beauty Indian Hawthorne; It grows to the right dimensions, is evergreen, drought tolerant. I would have to find a larger size since it is only moderate growing... Here's what I'm doing - a combination of spartan juniper, Nellie Steven's Holly, Blue Point Juniper, Majestic Beauty Indian Hawthorne, and Cleveland Pear (hardier version of the Bradford Pear - a bit larger and still very dense). I know some people hate the pears but I think they are "well-groomed" and provide good density. Cleveland is less prone to blowing over in an ice storm. Also, according to Neil Sperry, they have a moderate lifespan (25-50 years) and fast growing. In all these trees, I'm taking into consideration - hardiness, drought resistance, density (for privacy) and beauty. I've been reading Neil Sperry's gardening book to help narrow down choices; I recommend it! Hope you can find some answers!
...See More
Privacy Hedge near pool w NO: invasive roots, dropping leaves,flowers.
Q
Comments (5)
A few weeks ago there was a good thread on this very subject. A lot of goo d suggestions there. Take a look and see if it helps you. http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1794778/what-tree-to-plant-against-pool-no-palms?n=30 Also in the Western Garden Book, there's a section in the front with a list of plants suitable for around the pool. If you don't have this book, I'd highly suggest it. However, don't buy the latest edition. For some reason they though it was a good idea to not cross reference plants by common names in that edition, which is a stupid idea. Instead get the 2001 edition. It's available on Amazon as a used book. http://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Western-Garden-Flexibind-Flexi/dp/0376039132?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
...See More
laceyvail 6A, WV
11 months ago
A true shrub border with shrubs planted at proper distance and allowed to assume natural shapes will be more effective and less work than a hedge that requires constant trimming. Also, not all shrubs are appropriate for a trimmed hedge. Have you researched the ones you're using?
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
11 months ago
Have you planted directly on, or close to, the property line? Your choices will grow broad and need adequate growing room on the neighbours' side. Or, if you are going to make a hedge, you will need space to get to both sides of the hedge to cut it.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
11 months ago
You good fences make good neighbors and for the life of me I do not understand the issue of fencing in any neighborhood . Pretty sure the HOA nazis can come up with a fence that looks the same for everyone. As for what you are doing I garee the trees and plants are too close together for mature size.

Related Stories

TREES Great Design Plant: Downy Serviceberry

By Becky Harris

Plant this sculptural tree in fall or spring for year-round interest and graceful beauty

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Why You Should Consider Adding a Hedge to Your Yard

By Victoria Harrison

Discover how planted boundaries and screens can provide beauty, privacy and wildlife benefits to your outdoor space

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Amelanchier Signals Spring With Airy White Blooms

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

With roughly 20 species of serviceberry native to the U.S., bees can feed on the early-season blooms while birds enjoy the summer berries

PLANTING IDEAS 9 Inspiring Gardens Gain Privacy and Screening With Plants

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Boost your privacy outdoors and screen adjacent buildings with planting ideas from these diverse gardens

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Coastal Sweet Pepperbush Perfumes Gardens All Year

By Paintbox Garden

Bottlebrush blooms, gorgeous fall color and delightful fragrance give this U.S. native shrub 4-season appeal

GARDENING GUIDES 9 Low-Growing Hedges That Make Good Neighbors

Define garden areas or borders without blocking the view, with these evergreen shrubs that take kindly to trimming

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Taxus x Media ‘Hicksii’

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Need a strong, silent type in your garden? Hicks yew may be your perfect match

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Deer-Resistant Elegant Evergreen Shrubs to Plant This Fall

Who knew that such beautiful shrubs could be deer-resistant?

GARDENING GUIDES When and How to Plant a Tree, and Why You Should

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Trees add beauty while benefiting the environment. Learn the right way to plant one

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Ceanothus Pleases With Nectar and Fragrant Blooms

West Coast natives: The blue flowers of drought-tolerant ceanothus draw the eye and help support local wildlife too

Sponsored

WhislerHome Improvement

9 Reviews

Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals

More Discussions

Landscaping Possibilities?

22

House numbers for curb appeal - ideas, please!

33

House Update Ideas

5

Front yard landscape help needed - Chicago (Zone 6)

12

Can these be saved?

7