Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - November 25, 2014

From: Tucson, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Seven foot privacy fence in Tucson
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

I am looking for a privacy hedge for a home in Tucson, Arizona that will be in full sun. Needs to be at least seven foot tall and low water and maintenance. Any suggestions.

ANSWER:

If you want a dense foliage in a tree that will continue to grow to more that 40 feet, consider Hesperocyparis arizonica (Arizona cypress).  If you prefer a smaller (but not quite so dense) plant, Arctostaphylos patula (Greenleaf manzanita)Arctostaphylos pungens (Pointleaf manzanita)Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber (Smooth mountain mahogany), or Artemisia tridentata (Big sagebrush) should be considered.

You should be able to find many of these plants at your local plant nurseries.

 

 

From the Image Gallery


Arizona cypress
Hesperocyparis arizonica

Greenleaf manzanita
Arctostaphylos patula

Pointleaf manzanita
Arctostaphylos pungens

Big sagebrush
Artemisia tridentata

Whitethorn acacia
Vachellia constricta

More Shrubs Questions

Buffaloberry from Grandma
June 25, 2008 - I have a "BUFFALO BERRY" that my Grandma brought back from South Dakota.It is approx.8yrs.old.All was well until this spring.It was budding out when we had a very hard freeze and got 3" of snow.Now...
view the full question and answer

Sources for Ilex shrubs from Boca Raton FL
April 29, 2013 - Where can I find Ilex plants in the Boca Raton, FL area? I would like to use them for hedges.
view the full question and answer

Privacy Screening Plant for New York Narrow Site
April 20, 2013 - I need privacy screening on the side of my house in Mount Kisco, New York located 40 miles north of New York City. The area gets plenty of sun but is somewhat narrow. What evergreen bushes or trees ...
view the full question and answer

Native Substitute for Boxwood in Llano, TX
March 28, 2011 - I love boxwood because it's evergreen & provides a great backdrop to my flowers w/o taking over the bed. However, I'm trying to stick with native plants, so can you provide a native alternative to b...
view the full question and answer

Shrubs to grow in a narrow area no taller than 3 ft. in Cadiz, KY.
May 27, 2011 - I need to plant shrubs in a narrow area between my house and sidewalk. I have a low porch so I want the shrub to grow no taller than 3 ft. What do you recommend? It is in full sun.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.