I just read your article on a living fence and I think this is what I am looking to do.
I have a fence line that is 6 ft tall and wooden, but it does not block the view into the neighbors yard, nor does it do anything for the sound that comes across from his three children. The house is being built now and I am looking to bring extra dirt in to create a burm next to that fence line.
I guess what I need to know now is what type of trees and shrubs do you recommend I use for this project? The property line is about 120 ft and i need whatever i put in to grow fast and be hearty to survive the south Texas heat as well as my 100lb dog that will be using this area as his private toilet I am sure.
Any help you can provide would be great, cause I am brand new to the whole landscaping scene.
Chad
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Hello Chad,
You will want to look at broadleaf evergreen shrubs such as holly, evergreen viburnum, and laurels as well as yews. Many varieties of these plant species will grow in the 6 to 8 foot tall height range (at least). The hedge could be broken up every 30 feet or so with a tree that will grow in the 30 to 35 foot tall range, such as a kwanzan cherry, tall crape myrtle, Chinese pistache, Bradford pear or sweetbay magnolia.
The plants will come closer to withstanding the south Texas heat than your dog. With encouragement and discipline, you can train your dog to go in a specific area of the yard. Cayenne pepper can be sprinkled in areas to keep him out. It works in many cases, but has to be reapplied after rainfall and heavy dew.
I hope this gives you some ideas to build on. Thank you for your inquiry.
Cheryl Jones
