Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_40.gif)
Monday - June 16, 2008
From: Frisco, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Screening plant for pool
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
i am building a pool i have a neighbor whom im trying to shield out of seeing us. i would like to plant an evergreen tree the pool will be used year round. i need an evergreen that wont have an over taking root system.i have about 3 feet to work with. can you help?ANSWER:
Here are several native shrubs/small trees that are evergreen:Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) There are dwarf varieties of these, so be sure you are getting a full size one.
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush)
The following can be a large tree, but can be kept pruned into a shrub-sized evergreen: Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar)
This next one is not really a shrub or tree, but is evergreen and grows to 10 feet and could be a very effective screen in your small area: Sabal minor (dwarf palmetto)
Finally, if you have a fence around your pool, you might consider planting Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle) along it. It is evergreen, has beautiful red blossoms that attract hummingbirds and would soon cover your fence and be an excellent screen.
More Privacy Screening Questions
Screening Suggestions in Brooklyn, NY
March 08, 2013 - My neighbor directly in back of me has shrubs that are growing all over my fence. Also his 9-foot-tall shed facing me is rusted. What can I do to improve my view so that I can enjoy my backyard more?
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing screen for New York
June 04, 2010 - I need a fast growing screen to put along my fence due to undesirable neighbors
who moved next door to my summer place. Small lot: 25'x25' . The side is south and the lot is partially shade w sandy s...
view the full question and answer
A Bounty of Edibles for New Braunfels Texas
October 25, 2013 - I was hoping you could suggest a few plants that would serve several purposes. I live in New Braunfels, TX and would like to incorporate as many drought tolerant plants which would support birds, but...
view the full question and answer
Low privacy hedge in Houston
June 17, 2009 - I am looking for a fast growing, dense (for privacy) shrub/s or plants, that will get at least 3-4+ feet high for a mostly shady area. Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Evergreen pet-safe shrubs for house and screening in McKinney TX
April 15, 2010 - Looking for shrub, preferably evergreen, to plant near the house that can handle wet ground and is pet (dog, cat, horse) safe. The area became boggy after we had an underground water leak that is now ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |