| I am looking for an evergreen hedge that can withstand very cold, windy winters and hot, dry summers. I prefer a hedge without berries since I want the birds to stay away and many are poisonous for my pets. I live in Zone 4 and want to put a privacy hedge in that will be at least 5 ft. high and quite dense. Many of the "evergreen hedges" that I have looked at turn a different color. I prefer one that will actually stay "green." I have looked at a privet and Chinese elm hedges, but am not quite sure if they can withstand the elements since our home is in a very open area. |
| There are a few evergreen trees that can be pruned to remain bushy, and provide year 'round privacy. Consider Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson cypress) Prunus laurocerasus (English laurel) Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' (pyramidal arborvitae), or Tsuga canadensis (Canada hemlock). If you'd rather have broadleaf evergreens, Buxus (boxwood), Euonymus or Ligustrum (privets) should work well in your gardening region. Male holly shrubs will not produce berries, and make attractive hedges, as well. |
