Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - June 09, 2007
From: Buda, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Fast growing, tall evergreens for privacy in Buda, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I need to plant fast growing tall evergreens along a western 6 ft privacy fence. The function is privacy, and sound deadening. Our western privacy fence is along a 2 way noisy highway. Please advise as to which trees would do well in Buda Texas. Thanks.ANSWER:
Here are suggestions for native evergreens that should do well as a privacy hedge. The first three are fast growing:Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas cenizo) makes an excellent hedge and produces beautiful pink/purple blossoms year round in response to rain.
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) has leaves that produce a pleasant scent when crushed. Its berries attract birds and other wildlife.
Rhus virens (evergreen sumac) is not a true evergreen since it loses its leaves in the spring, but it replaces them immediately. It also has berries used by wildlife.
These next ones are slower growing but otherwise meet your criteria.
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) has striking red berries that attract wildlife.
Sophora secundiflora (mountain laurel) is not fast growing, but has beautiful, sweet smelling flowers and would florm a dense barrier.
Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer's silktassel) is an interesting evergreen shrub, but may be hard to find in nurseries.
Finally, one other suggestion for a fast-growing, dense fence would be the much-maligned Juniperus ashei (Ashe's juniper or cedar) tree. Its advantages are that it is fast growing and can form a dense cover. Its disadvantages are that its pollen causes allergies (cedar fever) and it is considered invasive. If you plant all female trees, you shouldn't have a concern about the pollen. It is considered invasive because it tends to take over pastures forming dense thickets, but used as hedge in your yard you could control its spread.
More Privacy Screening Questions
Privacy Hedge Suggestions for Tampa, Florida
May 15, 2014 - My back wall is made of stone and is about 6' high. We are very close to a busy road. I need a plant that will reach about 7-8 feet high or a hedge to reduce some of the noise. What plant/hedge would...
view the full question and answer
Large evergreens for screen in Seattle
November 20, 2010 - Our building would like large evergreens to help with freeway noise (it's right across the street with a large green belt around it.) Which Northwest Evergreens would work best? We need tall and wide...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on bio-security
June 11, 2005 - Hello,
My friend and I are summer interns at the Bryan Mound Strategic Petroleum Reserve Site in Freeport, Texas. Our jobs as the interns is to find a plant that is friendly to the animals around our...
view the full question and answer
Looking for tree to absorb sound from neighbor's pool
August 09, 2012 - Our neighbors have put in a new pool with a harmonic pitch sound which resonates in my home. We have tried rubber mats and foam on the fence. Nothing is working. My pool guy suggested trees as the ...
view the full question and answer
Privacy hedge, thick, fast-growing in Georgetown TX
August 31, 2010 - I want to plant a privacy hedge in Austin Texas Edwards escarpment so it's rocky soil. Looking for something thick, fast growing and can be kept to 7'. It's along a wrought iron fence and ranges fr...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |