Behind our house is a hill that was planted with pine trees (20-25 years ago) to screen and give privacy from the road, and houses across that street. The trees are quit big and there are no longer "low" or "screening branches". Two trees were taken down by the township because they were dead.
Today I bought some small Dwarf Alberta Spruce trees that will grow to 3-4' high. I want to fill in the holes where the trees were cut down. There are roots close to the surface. Do you think these dwarf Alberta Spruce trees will survive?
What do I need to know about the acid in the soil? Should I add extra dirt?
I have a black thumb, help?
Also, I got some Juncus tall grass. Will It do OK in full sun? I want to screen a big utility box in my front yard.
Thank you,
Maureen

to NGA

I have two concerns:

1. Who owns the hill? I don't think you can add to city landscaping.

2. I doubt you could dig a hole sufficient to plant anything amoung the pines.

The Juncus grass will do well in full sun but they are usually considered bog plants. It might be better to plant the Alberta Spruce to hide the utility box (as long as its on your own property).

Another thought, those Dwarf Alberta Spruce grow agonizingly slowly. It may take 10 years for them to get big enough to screen anything. Mugo Pine might be a better choice, since it stays low and shrubby but it grows faster and wider. Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo 'Rock Island Compact')

If you could tell us where in the country/world you are, we'll be able to recommend other plants that might serve you better for the screening purpose. Fill it in on your profile, and then your location comes up in all your posts in the upper right corner.