Hello,

I wanted to know if an evergreen tree hedge could be planted in between the trees I have in my backyard. My goals it to provide privacy between my home and the townhomes in the back. I have attached pics below. I am in 7b hardiness zone.

American native holly will grow under deciduous trees. I see them in the woods here. Not sure if they'll be tough to get going with existing trees though.
How would rhododendrons do? Anybody?

What are your thoughts about Thuja green giants or Steven Nellie Holly's?

Yaupon Holly if it will grow in your area,
.

No on the thuja. They prefer sun. Holly might make it.

What is everyones thoughts about clearing out all the trees so I can better use the land and putting a hedge of evergreens around property boundaries for privacy?

Hi & welcome! Removing the trees could destabilize that slope. It looks like established tree roots could be an critical part of that equation.

Although you've used the word hedge, the pics make it appear that there is plenty of space to do a much more staggered and natural looking planting with the same effect as a hedge but without the jarring unnaturalness of a straight line. If it was mine to do and live with, I would choose a variety of shrubs and smaller understory trees for more visual interest, wildlife value, and so if one type of shrub gets a pest or disease, it doesn't devastate my entire shrub layer and privacy. Also, trimming shrubs is not my idea of fun so I would never set myself up by creating a situation that will require future trimming.

Doing some sections with fence is an option, either in lieu of, or in addition to shrubbery.

If you remove too much shade, grass will grow, then you'll have to waste your time &/or $ on more mowing.

When considering individual plants, look for pics of mature specimens, and info about mature size. Your choices will probably be smaller plants at a much lower price, that take a few years to start accomplishing your goal, or bigger plants that are much more expensive.

A staggered planting (vs. a straight line) allows for better initial coverage, while allowing room for more growth of each individual plant.

Without knowing what your goals are for using the land, and your personal preferences in what you hope it could look like, I'm not sure how much value you might find in these comments.

I agree with purpleinopp. You don't want to remove the trees because they are holding that slope up. Staggered plantings of understory trees and a mixture of shrubs both evergreen and not would look good in there. It might not hurt to contact your local conservation dept and ask them for ideas on that spot. They would really be able to give you some ideas for what you could plant.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/cons...

Thank you for your detailed reply! Yes, I do not mind doing a staggering the of evergeens. My goal is just to block out the townhomes to rear of my home from sightlights for privacy.

The other reason I was thinking clearing the whole space would be to give more area for kids to play as the trees take of 90% of the backyard but if it will compromise the structural integrity then will not be good idea. I have attached photo below looking from top of hill

Here's a list of shrubs and small trees that grow in your area. Not all are suited for your spot but quite a few are.

https://ncwf.org/habitat/nativ...

Really a judgement call. But I plead to keep the trees. Plus won't it be expensive taking down all the trees?
I'd identify all the material too, is any not worth keeping.

triangler said:
The other reason I was thinking clearing the whole space would be to give more area for kids to play...

Why do people think that kids need open turf for play?
Didn't anyone else grow up in the forest?

Gotta tell you... In the deep south an open area under the harsh sun is not going to have near the appeal of the woodland...

I have my seating areas under the tree canopy... and so will you.

As far as plants to screen the neighbors?
I haven't seen camellias mentioned..,.

There should be yaupon naturally occurring under that tree cover... but it looks like someone went through there and took out all the understory.

I hate it when people do that...

Maybe some blueberries or a close relative that gets larger... Vaccinium arboreum.

not sure how much of that bare ground you're willing to plant... but that looks like plenty of light for wax myrtles... or if you're willing to try deciduous shrubs maybe beauty berry...

I was going to say something similar about kids having a lot more fun with the trees than without. If your kids are real into soccer or some other activities that require vast expanses of open space, that might not be as appealing but as a kid, I was never attracted to do nearly as much out in the hot, burning sun as I was in the cool shade and 3-dimensional atmosphere of "over in the woods." My own kids were the same way. There's nothing interesting about the grass, unless you are actually playing some game that requires it.

So many choices for hanging a hammock or two between your choice of pairs of trees, putting a treehouse, he/she shed, once you "plant" some privacy.

A good layer of trees & shrubs, depending on the setup, can also soften gusts of wind during cold weather.

Is it lot more shady during the summer? As it appears in these winter pics, that's not full shade, more toward mostly sunny. All morning and afternoon, when the rays are sideways, they will get under there. I think just about anything would do well in most of the spots, keeping the more sun-requiring plants toward the outer edges of the area.

Are you familiar with gardening zones?

purpleinopp said: I was going to say something similar about kids having a lot more fun with the trees than without. If your kids are real into soccer or some other activities that require vast expanses of open space, that might not be as appealing but as a kid, I was never attracted to do nearly as much out in the hot, burning sun as I was in the cool shade and 3-dimensional atmosphere of "over in the woods." My own kids were the same way. There's nothing interesting about the grass, unless you are actually playing some game that requires it.

So many choices for hanging a hammock or two between your choice of pairs of trees, putting a treehouse, he/she shed, once you "plant" some privacy.

A good layer of trees & shrubs, depending on the setup, can also soften gusts of wind during cold weather.

Is it lot more shady during the summer? As it appears in these winter pics, that's not full shade, more toward mostly sunny. All morning and afternoon, when the rays are sideways, they will get under there. I think just about anything would do well in most of the spots, keeping the more sun-requiring plants toward the outer edges of the area.

Are you familiar with gardening zones?

Great point about the tree house and keeping shade to play in the hotter months. I have not seen the home in the spring/summer yet as I just bought the home. I will wait until this summer to see how the privacy appears during parts of year when leaves are out.

Also, you are correct that during different parts of day this time of year some sun does get through the trees but will be observant of how much will get through once leaves are out.

I have not heard of gardening zone.

Triangular

You mention in your first post that you're in USDA hardiness zone 7b. That's what she meant.

Do you know what species of trees you have?

When I've moved to a new property or an unfamiliar area, I've made it a habit of not making major landscaping decisions for at least a year so that I can observe a complete cycle of the seasonal changes in sun/shade, perennial growth, weather and climate. Something you think you want to install or change in one season might look very different in another.

Looks like a lovely place to raise kids!

I would love those trees. You might discover that your neighbors rarely even use their yards, privacy may not be a big deal.

Yes absolutely . Limb up the large trees first and start planting them shrubs of your choice in your Your zone… easy peasy… really.. first year keep them watered. Once established they are a nice living fence. I have several in my garden . More info check with a nursery in your area.

Wish the HOA would let me place a wood fence but they only allow metal or stucco because that would be away to maintain my boundary as well.

Plenty of shade loving vines grow on fences as well.

pepper23 said: Plenty of shade loving vines grow on fences as well.

Yes Amanda great idea. There are lovely rose climbers, are easy as fast growing. They are tricky to trim. Several evergreen vines clematis, hydrangea vines and honeysuckle or trumpet or star Jasmine depending on the zone and depending on invasive issues . So many favorite vines.

Would be really nice to alternate different color flowers and vines .
Personally I have Leland cypres, photinia , and Portugal's lural across the from as a fence . Red leaves , dark green leaves to bluegreen leaves. Alternating each type of plant by 5 photinas, 5 Leland's, 5 Portuguese laurels. All but the Leland cypress have beautiful blooms every spring.