Privacy GONE :( - Looking For Trees To Hide The View

[Nifty-Chicken]

Well, it happened... the developer behind us started building the four houses in the lot behind us.

They are HUGE 2-story houses... with one looking directly down into our yard and into our main living area

So, we're scrambling to find fast-growing non-deciduous trees to hopefully give us a bit of privacy.

We've been doing a TON of research, working with local landscape designers, master gardeners, etc. that are familiar with our area (USDA Hardiness Zone 9b).

Here are all the trees we've been considering (alpha order):

• Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana)
• Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilior)
• Indian Laurel Fig (Ficus microcarpa ‘Nitida’)
• Lemonwood / Tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides)
• Pacific Wax Myrtle (Myrica californica, also known as Morella californica)
• Ray Hartman Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’)

If the Fern Pine grew faster, that would be my 1st choice, but we're pretty sure we've decided that Lemonwood / Tarata.

We're choosing Lemonwood because its fast, upright, and naturally dense growth creates a lush, evergreen privacy wall that blocks second-story views within just a few years, all while handling clay soil and requiring minimal maintenance.

We are thinking we'll go with 24‑inch box trees because they clear our 7‑ft fence right away but avoid the transplant shock you get with giant trees. From what I can tell, the research and real-world experience show that smaller trees actually establish faster and grow better post-planting, while bigger boxes tend to slow growth and cost more (plants and machinery to get them).

So, we went to the local nursery today to look at them. They had the 25 gallon ones in-stock... probably 7' tall!

Sooo, what do y'all think? Any other ideas, suggestions, or experiences with this species?

 

[FrostRanger]

Another idea might be bamboo. Just make sure that you keep it in such a way that it can't spread too much

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Another idea might be bamboo. Just make sure that you keep it in such a way that it can't spread too much

The GF isn't a fan of bamboo

... that said, while the main trees are growing-in, I might be able to talk her into some temporary potted / raised planter-bed bamboo closer to the house for some privacy in the interim.

 

[KingD]

I do landscaping for a job and my preferred choice in the UK (which is where I'm from) is Laurel because it's fast growing and dense and can cope pretty well during dry spells, but I couldn't say for America.
I'll be following this to learn more!!

 

[Debbie292d]

Well, it happened... the developer behind us started building the four houses in the lot behind us.

They are HUGE 2-story houses... with one looking directly down into our yard and into our main living area

So, we're scrambling to find fast-growing non-deciduous trees to hopefully give us a bit of privacy.

We've been doing a TON of research, working with local landscape designers, master gardeners, etc. that are familiar with our area (USDA Hardiness Zone 9b).

Here are all the trees we've been considering (alpha order):

• Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana)
• Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilior)
• Indian Laurel Fig (Ficus microcarpa ‘Nitida’)
• Lemonwood / Tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides)
• Pacific Wax Myrtle (Myrica californica, also known as Morella californica)
• Ray Hartman Ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’)

If the Fern Pine grew faster, that would be my 1st choice, but we're pretty sure we've decided that Lemonwood / Tarata.

We're choosing Lemonwood because its fast, upright, and naturally dense growth creates a lush, evergreen privacy wall that blocks second-story views within just a few years, all while handling clay soil and requiring minimal maintenance.

We are thinking we'll go with 24‑inch box trees because they clear our 7‑ft fence right away but avoid the transplant shock you get with giant trees. From what I can tell, the research and real-world experience show that smaller trees actually establish faster and grow better post-planting, while bigger boxes tend to slow growth and cost more (plants and machinery to get them).

So, we went to the local nursery today to look at them. They had the 25 gallon ones in-stock... probably 7' tall!

Sooo, what do y'all think? Any other ideas, suggestions, or experiences with this species?

I am so sorry, Rob.

Poplars are a fast-growing tree (5-8 feet per year). Folks plant them up here, putting those between the other trees, and then in 20 years or so, when the other trees are a good height, cut the poplars down.

 

[nuthatched]

I am so sorry, Rob.

Poplars are a fast-growing tree (5-8 feet per year). Folks plant them up here, putting those between the other trees, and then in 20 years or so, when the other trees are a good height, cut the poplars down.

Those loose their leaves in winter, but they're pretty.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I am so sorry, Rob.

Poplars are a fast-growing tree (5-8 feet per year). Folks plant them up here, putting those between the other trees, and then in 20 years or so, when the other trees are a good height, cut the poplars down.

No on those. My Mom's land is infested with those and most of them are no good. They grow fast, but are a weak tree. They fall very easily and will rot from the middle (while still standing), making them a dangerous tree both standing, and when being cut down. They are pretty, but because they rot, often I'll see them with dead tops or branches. The sapsuckers often move into them as well.

If you wasn't looking for an evergreen, I was going to suggest some of those willows off of Amazon. You can buy several for cheap and their intention is to be a fence tree. On evergreens though, here in Maine, I see a lot of people use cedar for privacy. One thing though, I don't know how well either of these trees would do if it's very dry where you live.

 

[Debbie292d]

No on those. My Mom's land is infested with those and most of them are no good. They grow fast, but are a weak tree. They fall very easily and will rot from the middle (while still standing), making them a dangerous tree both standing, and when being cut down. They are pretty, but because they rot, often I'll see them with dead tops or branches. The sapsuckers often move into them as well.

If you wasn't looking for an evergreen, I was going to suggest some of those willows off of Amazon. You can buy several for cheap and their intention is to be a fence tree. On evergreens though, here in Maine, I see a lot of people use cedar for privacy. One thing though, I don't know how well either of these trees would do if it's very dry where you live.

Maybe there are different types, but yes, they are not a long-term tree, thus why I said they cut them down in about 20 years. They're pretty but still they gotta go eventually. Sooner if possible.

 

[alinas2010]

What about building an extremely tall pergola right there that is enclosed on that side with lattice and vine covering the lattice? You could elevate it on a deck to add height even. Idk if it’d be tall enough or cost effective, but just an idea.