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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Friday - November 21, 2008
From: West Hartford, CT
Region: Northeast
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Native trees for privacy screen in Connecticut
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking to replace a row of white pine trees with something else along the border between our yard and neighbor's yard. We only get afternoon sun and we need something that will grow to around six feet pretty quickly. We live in CT. The white pines get way too big and eventually lost the needles at the bottom and so you lose the privacy. What would you recommend we consider to replace the white pines for privacy? Thanks so much. GinnyANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants assumes that you want another evergreen to replace those pines. Most of the evergreens native to Connecticut grow relatively tall, but luckily there are shorter varieties available for most of them. Here are three recommendations:Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar), 40-75 feet. Here is information about several shorter varieties.
Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar), 30-90 feet. Information about shorter varieties.
Thuja occidentalis (arborvitae), 40 to 60 feet. Information about shorter varieties.
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