[n8ster]

They just built a house about 10' from our house and we need to create some privacy. There is a fence in the middle so I have about 5 feet to work with.
The house is raised in the back so whatever we use to create privacy is going to have to be around 12' tall +. To make matters worse it's a fairly low light area.

Does anyone have any creative suggestions on how to fix this? I need something tall, full, but narrow that can work in a low light area. I'm willing to prune the living day lights out of whatever we come up with to make it work.

Also, I'm in Austin Texas.

Thanks for the help!

BTW, I plan on hiring someone to do this so if you know of anyone in the Austin area let me know. I just wanted to get a good idea of options before I get someone out to the house.

[Cochran]

If you plan on hiring someone, I would call around locally and see what ideas landscapers in Austin have. More than likely, they've dealt with similar situations and know which plants work best for your situation. I can tell you what we use in he Coastal Bend area, but even though we're only 180 miles apart, it may not work for you.

Also, just like mechanics, landscapers don't really appreciate the homeowner telling them what to do to alleviate a situation--that's why we have the education and the background and why you pay us to take care of your situation. Your ideas should be heard to get an idea of what you're interested in. If you want it done right, research your prospective landscapers prior to hiring anybody--ask for references and a portfolio of work. Unfortunately because we don't have to be licensed in Texas, it opens the door for anybody to say they're a landscaper.

The Austin area is loaded with good landscapers. Try calling some of the reputable garden centers around there to find out who they recommend. Ask your neighbors who they used. Visit the TNLA website at Texas Nursery & Landscape Association- advocate for growers, landscape contractors, retail nursery & allied green industry businesses and visit the member directory. You should be able to find Austin landscapers through the search parameters.

[jshilan]

What about some variety of bamboo? If it grows in the tropics and in NJ, there must be some variety that grows in Texas. Do your homework though, because there are some very invasive varieties.

You can always get good window treatments or wear dark sunglasses with a 10 Gallon Hat

[dan deutekom]

Since you only have 5' to work with I will throw this idea at you. Since I don't live in Texas I can't make a definitive recommendation about plant material but could you build a post and wire structure that could be covered with a vine? I am sure there are some quick growing interesting vines that would cover quickly giving you the privacy that you require. I was thinking something like Passion Flower or Bignonia

[Honeybee Texas]

Hello, I'm the owner of Honeybee Texas Land Services, based in Kyle, Texas. Here are some thoughts, and I'll preface them with my website (which is still under construction): HoneyBee Land Services - Home

1) Trellises and vines. We can use some evergreen vines, that may not be a showy flower, but will grow thick and hardy and will also act as a sound-buffer.

2) Italian Cypress: Completely upright, columnar, to 30 to 40 feet tall and 3 or 4 feet wide. Moderate rate of growth. Extreme winters may harm them, but they'll probably be protected between the houses.

3) Bamboo is NOT a good idea. It is highly invasive and impossible to get rid of.

I'd like to look at it in order to get the scope of the area, so please feel free to give me a call at 512-228-6623 or email info@honeybeetexas.com.

Richard Tannery