What type of bush can I plant as a privacy fence?
Question:My husband and I have a fenced-in backyard (1/4 acre fenced) with the "metal" fence, and we have 3 dogs and our neighbor also has a dog, it's a big fight everytime they are all outside at the same time. We would also like some privacy so we were thinking about planting bushed along the sides of the fence so we wouldn't have the dog fight problem and also not be seen by the neighbors. We live in Lakeland FL, and we were thinking of some bushes that could reach about 6 ft high or more (of course we'll need to trim them), but bushes that are very thick, if you know what I mean. Not letting the neighbor peek through the hole in the bushes. What kind of bushes would you suggest?
Answers:
I recommend the Russian Olive or Eleagnus. It grows 8 - 10 feet tall by 8 - 10 feet wide. It is a solid evergreen bush that actually has a silvery cast to it. It is considered a vigorous grower, making it a great bush for privacy.
http://www.panacheexteriordesign.com/ima...
Another great plant that makes an excellent screen is the Leyland Cypress. They are thick evergreen trees that can grow up to 3' per year once established. They can reach a height of 10-15 feet by 8-10' wide.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ktina/38583...
Privet hedge is an excellent recommendation, but be wary because it loses some of its leaves over the winter making it less than ideal for privacy. Also be aware that red tip photenias are VERY suseptible for an airborn fungus that is nearly impossible to get rid of. Boxwoods make excellent thick borders as well, but are extremely slow growers.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Privet hedges and boxwood hedges are a good choice. Or you could choose a cedar or spruce variety. Check with a local nursery and see what they recommend for your area.
You need something that grows fast.
Maybe Variegated Privet (Ligustrum sinensis 'Variegata')
It is an Evergreen shrub with luxuriant, variegated foliage and creamy-white flowers in spring. It performs best in full sun.
It has a vertical growth to about 12' with a 5-7' spread. A fast grower. It makes a wonderful hedge.
Tips: Appreciates well-drained soil. Can tolerate heavy pruning. Hardy Zone 7-10
Another consideration might be Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri) It is an upright, evergreen shrub. Young leaves are bright red changing to rich green as they age. White flowers attract birds in the spring. It performs best in full sun and grows to 10-12' tall and 6-8' wide.
It makes an excellent hedge.
It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. Moderate drought tolerance. Prune to maintain shape and desired size.
Hardy in Zones 7-9.
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