Native Plants
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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.
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Sunday - October 12, 2008
From: Crockett, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Native evergreens for privacy in Crockett, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I need advice on what tall evergreens I can plant along a fence line for privacy. I need trees that will be at minimum 8 to 10 feet tall at maturity, are aesthetically pleasing and provide privacy.ANSWER:
We are going to suggest native plants for your privacy fence, because that's what we do at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Read our How-To Article on Using Native Plants to find out how much better for the environment it is to do so, and also that plants native to the area in which they are being grown will need less water, fertilizer and maintenance, because they are already adapted to the conditions there.
Although you mentioned trees, we are going to suggest shrubs. Most trees will get much taller than the height you are looking for, and most shrubs will tend to be denser for privacy and grow to about the right height.If you cannot find the one you select at a regular commercial nursery, go to our Native Plant Suppliers section, type your town and state in the "Enter Search Location" box and you will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed suppliers and landscape consultants in your general area. We would recommend that you do your planting in the Fall or late Winter, while the plants are semi-dormant. Here is a list of suggestions for your purpose; follow the link to the individual webpage on each plant for information.
More Privacy Screening Questions
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Shade tolerant evergreens for privacy shield in Louisville KY
March 10, 2014 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Our property is adjacent to the highway for ~ 200ft. I'm looking for partial-to-full shade tolerant evergreens that will grow to be relatively tall. Our soil is clay and g...
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February 08, 2010 - What are the best type of bushes/trees to plant in a low-lying area which is very wet--has sitting water after rainfall and drains slowly that is fast growing and serve as a good privacy border near f...
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Large shrub or tree for front door in Houston
January 16, 2013 - I am in search of a shrub or tree to plant next to my front door. I want a showy medium sized shrub or tree (8 to 12 ft), decorative, and a privacy screen since my front door faces my next door neig...
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March 20, 2013 - We have pretty much "dead" red-tipped photinia bushes and old pine trees that have seen better days, on a steep hillside. We need to remove and replace with a more natural setting, with some terraci...
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