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

[Nifty]

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?

 

[CrealCritter]

Looks like you picked a good tree (pittosporum eugenioides), being a broadleaf evergreen. I found mentions pests such as the pittosporum flower weevil (aneuma rubricale), aphids, and blister scale (psyilids), which can be managed with insecticides if become problematic. There was no mention of fungal pathogens susceptibility that I could find.

You being in 9a have a lot of options for privacy tree varieties I'm unfamiliar with. Good call on consulting with a local landscaper, it's what I would have had to do myself.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

 

[murphysranch]

Oh, I like your choice. Sure wish we could grow Podocarpus up here. I miss them so much!!

 

[Nifty]

Update... and total pivot. LOL!

I decided I like the look and features of the Podocarpus Gracilior more than the Lemonwood. It grows slightly slower than the Lemonwood, but I'm willing to compromise on that to have a long-term, better-looking line of trees.

... now to determine how close to put them to each other. The GF and the landscape-designer she's working with are trying to convince me to spacing them 9' on center... but I think that's too far apart.

All the research I've done has said 3 to 4 ft for the level of privacy I'm looking for. I think I'm going to compromise at 5 ft spacing. That will end up being about 10 trees.

A couple videos showing the Podocarpus Gracilior. First one is long and guy is kinda funny:

 

[Mini Horses]

Listening to video, I think 5-6' on center will give good coverage. Plus at 6', one less tree...$. Buy taller.

 

[murphysranch]

I love podocarpus. I was able to trim, hedge and keep them alive in San Jose for years and years! In fact the one at my first home there from 1989, is still going strong.

 

[CrealCritter]

Update... and total pivot. LOL!

I decided I like the look and features of the Podocarpus Gracilior more than the Lemonwood. It grows slightly slower than the Lemonwood, but I'm willing to compromise on that to have a long-term, better-looking line of trees.

... now to determine how close to put them to each other. The GF and the landscape-designer she's working with are trying to convince me to spacing them 9' on center... but I think that's too far apart.

All the research I've done has said 3 to 4 ft for the level of privacy I'm looking for. I think I'm going to compromise at 5 ft spacing. That will end up being about 10 trees.

A couple videos showing the Podocarpus Gracilior. First one is long and guy is kinda funny:

Long leaf Podocarpus Gracilior is a beautiful looking tall shrub. I quickly reseached it and found it's said to be a evergreen, deer resistant and unaffected by pests and diseases. It sounded like it was very care free.

You may want to also reseach with a decent AI seach engine, "Long leaf Podocarpus Gracilior human health benefits".

Jesus is Lord and Christ

 

[Nifty]

Thanks! We're pretty happy with the choice! I really like the "soft" look of the leaves

We're going with 24" boxed trees that are about 7' tall. Our landscape designer originally wanted to space them 10' apart because my GF said she wanted a more "tree-like" look. I wanted more of a "hedge on stilts" look, but deferred to the GF and designer.

I gave in at first, but after a bunch of research I realized that I wanted more privacy and wanted it faster.

I'm letting the GF make all the choices about landscaping in the back and front yards... but this was an area I needed to have a bit more of a "voice". So, after a TON of research, I've requested that we put the trees 5' apart. While this will require more maintenance & pruning as the trees get older/bigger, I'll have more privacy... and have it sooner.

Very roughly looking like this:

 

[Mini Horses]

That's quite pleasant looking . I like the clean fence & color from low height flowers.

 

[CrealCritter]

Thanks! We're pretty happy with the choice! I really like the "soft" look of the leaves

We're going with 24" boxed trees that are about 7' tall. Our landscape designer originally wanted to space them 10' apart because my GF said she wanted a more "tree-like" look. I wanted more of a "hedge on stilts" look, but deferred to the GF and designer.

I gave in at first, but after a bunch of research I realized that I wanted more privacy and wanted it faster.

I'm letting the GF make all the choices about landscaping in the back and front yards... but this was an area I needed to have a bit more of a "voice". So, after a TON of research, I've requested that we put the trees 5' apart. While this will require more maintenance & pruning as the trees get older/bigger, I'll have more privacy... and have it sooner.

Very roughly looking like this:
View attachment 30776

Should work out well for you all and be mostly care free.

Jesus is Lord and Christ