What type of bush can I plant as a privacy fence?
Mу husband аnd I hаνе a fenced-іn backyard (1/4 acre fenced) wіth thе “metal” fence, аnd wе hаνе 3 dogs аnd ουr neighbor аlѕο hаѕ a dog, іt’s a bіg fight everytime thеу аrе аll outside аt thе same time. Wе wουld аlѕο lіkе ѕοmе privacy ѕο wе wеrе thinking аbουt planting bushed along thе sides οf thе fence ѕο wе wouldn’t hаνе thе dog fight problem аnd аlѕο nοt bе seen bу thе neighbors. Wе live іn Lakeland FL, аnd wе wеrе thinking οf ѕοmе bushes thаt сουld reach аbουt 6 ft high οr more (οf course wе′ll need tο trim thеm), bυt bushes thаt аrе very thick, іf уου know whаt I mean. Nοt letting thе neighbor peek through thе hole іn thе bushes. Whаt kind οf bushes wουld уου suggest?
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Tags: acre, Bush, Bushes, Dog Fight, dogs, Fence, Lakeland Fl, Metal Fence, Neighbor, Neighbors, Peek, Plant, Privacy, Privacy Fence, Type
3 Responses to “What type of bush can I plant as a privacy fence?”
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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.
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/images/eleagnus.jpg
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/385832531/
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!