We are currently in the process of purchasing a new house. The house backyard butts up against a business that sits behind us. The back fence is a traditional 6' wood fence, however, the yard slopes down near the fence line. You can easily see into our backyard from the business, which is a boat repair shop.
My question is, what can I put on the fence line to help with the privacy? I live in zone 8b (San Antonio TX area). The yard has full sunlight until it begins to set and hits the 2 story house next door, but that is late in the day. I have two options: I can leave the yard alone and have something that can get 6'+, OR I can level the yard out and get something that grows 4'+. My wife and I are open to trees, bushes and shrubs ideas. This will be our first house and yard, so we are super excited to hear thoughts and ideas. I'd love to post pictures afterwards to show y'all what we went with.
I would prefer ideas that cover from the fence line up. I don't want a tree that works for a couple year then outgrows the fence and you can see right under it back into the backyard again. So something that stays the same consistent height.
Thanks ahead of time!

Hi,

I'm not familiar with what grows well in Texas, but I have a few ideas (you will need to validate that they are appropriate for your area).

I am fond of bamboo for screening. Deciduous trees and shrubs are not as effective in winter. I would go with a clumping variety...not a running one, as this can lead to lots of containment issues.

If you decide to go with the 4' option, there are lots of great evergreen shrubs for sun. I am fond of Choisyas. There is the 'usual' one plus some fancy cultivars ('Aztec Pearl' comes to mind). Eleagnus has interesting gray to silver foliage. Both have very fragrant flowers. Pittosporums come in green or variegated and are an interesting shrub.

Please post info on what you decide, and perhaps some photos.

Happy Landscaping!

I also am not sure what grows in Texas but some large bushes always work well. Around here we can do lilacs, or spice bush. They both can get over 10' and are a very round base. Maybe something like witches hazel but that's not very thick you'd be able to see through it a bit.
Edit to add maybe something like service berry they only get about 9'