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_32.gif)
Friday - May 31, 2013
From: Pacific Grove, CA
Region: California
Topic: Privacy Screening, Trees
Title: Trees for privacy screen in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi Mr. Smartypants, We are first-time home-buyers of a cute little house and a relatively large lot in Pacific Grove, CA. Unfortunately the neighbors to the north have built a second story with a nice view..our yard. We would like to plant some natives that would provide a screen while not taking up too much of our yard or presenting a potential hazard from falling later (thinking specifically of shallow-rooted redwoods) or being too un-neighborly by blocking most of their sunlight. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much!ANSWER:
Below are some suggestions of native evergreen trees and shrubs of various heights that are known to grow in Monterey County. You could, perhaps, mix and match them to create an interesting screen between your yard and your neighbor's house.
Arctostaphylos glauca (Bigberry manzanita) Here is more from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Blue blossom) More information from Bay Natives in San Francisco and from Theodore Payne Foundation.
Garrya elliptica (Wavyleaf silktassel) Here are photos and more information from San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) Here are more photos and information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Juniperus californica (California juniper) Here is more information from Theodore Payne Foundation and photos from CalPhotos, University of California-Berkeley.
Lithocarpus densiflorus (Tan oak) Here is more information from Oregon State University College of Forestry and photos from CalPhotos, University of California-Berkeley.
Morella californica (California wax myrtle) Here are photos and more information from Great Plant Picks and San Marcos Growers near Santa Barbara.
Pinus muricata (Bishop pine) Here is more information from Theodore Payne Foundation and Las Pilitas Nursery.
Pinus sabiniana (California foothill pine) Here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery and Theodore Payne Foundation.
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf cherry) Here are more information and photos from Las Piliatas Nursery and Theodore Payne Foundation.
The University of California has a Californnia Tree Failure Report Program webpage to check for trees to avoid planting.
Below are photos of a few of these plants listed above.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Member of Taxus genus native to southern Illinois from Granite City IL
July 12, 2013 - Is there a native Southern Illinois similar to Taxus baccata? I live in Granite City IL and am looking for a native plant/scrub that stays green year round about 2-3 feet tall to it helps insulate the...
view the full question and answer
Huisaches in pots from Houston TX
May 20, 2012 - I have special (and probably weird) affinity to huisaches (acacia farnesiana). As a child I used to admire the three that elegantly guarded our backyard looking almost like fingers reaching for the s...
view the full question and answer
Loss of bloom on Fremontodendron californicum in California
June 11, 2009 - The flowers on my Flannel Bush all died at once I have noticed a sappy substance at the base of the trunk. There are still some flowers on bush but most are dead. It has been blooming since Feb. Is ...
view the full question and answer
Pruning Texas Mountain Laurel
September 04, 2014 - I've had a Texas mountain laurel for 4 years that's being trained into a tree. I think it was a 3-year old tree when I purchased it. Unfortunately, it has suffered from overwatering, and the two mai...
view the full question and answer
Problems with live oak in Carrollton TX
April 03, 2011 - This past winter was very hard on all the trees in our area in Texas, but added to our stress was the loss of three large Bradford pears just prior to the winter (23yrs old and over 50ft spans of limb...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |