Which shrubs make the best backyard "live" fences?
by
Tanya Palmer
+6
My subdivision has strict rules about the types of fences we can install. I think shrubs may be a good alternative but can't decide which type to plant. Need fast growth that is easy to maintain and doesn't get too tall.
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That depends where you live. Your local nursery would be able to give you options.
Holly grows really tall.
Dwarf English Boxwood may be a good choice for you.
You will have to say where you are - or your gardening zone for a decent answer. And if the shrubs would be in shade, partial or full sun - or a totally mixed border. And are you willing to hedge it at least once a year, more often - or not at all.
In my zone 9b, it would be podocarpus. But only if you're willing to keep it hedged - or it will turn into a tree. Otherwise, it's great for flowers and privacy ;-/
One thing to remember.... if it grows fast, it WILL require a lot of cutting back unless you make sure its maximum height is ok with you.
There are plenty of dwarf shrubs and trees that can work for most places. There are some that are available in full size as well as a dwarf variety. Layering is good. Often the tall ones you've put down first (in back) will end up a bit bare at the bottom, so a shorter shrub in front can cover it - and make things more interesting. In any other zone but 9b, I can't help you. Will require some internet searching - and there's plenty of info and pictures to keep you busy deciding!
Arborvitae is a fast growing privacy shrub. They are also evergreen so they provide year round color
I like a natural "fence" that doesn't look so planned and rigid. I just helped my daughter with landscaping to "hide" her neighbor's backyards and houses. We did groupings of 3 arborvitae (two in the back one in the front), then about 5 feet from that we put in a rhododendron (they can grow to be over 8 feet tall), then 3 more arborvitae, then another flowering shrub, and so on and so on. Most are evergreen. In front of this "screen" we added smaller shrubs and perennial flowers. The whole area is mulched.
Her natural "screen" is still in its infancy, but we can already see that it's going to effectively block the neighbors houses without looking like a row of soldiers . . . .
Lorapetalum also make a nice border when not trimmed in boxy shapes. They can grow tall and full to fill in.
Great question! following.