Hiding unwanted views in the landscape
When the leaves drop off the plants in our landscapes, we sometimes find ourselves seeing things that we consider less than attractive in our neighbors’ yards. When we find ourselves in these situations, we can always turn the negative into a positive situation with plants.
Plants always seem like the best choice. Hopefully, the view you are trying to hide is limited to a small area. If so, a single plant or just a few plants will accomplish our purpose. Since it is nearing winter, we will need to use plants that are evergreen.
The foundation of the home is what is most frequently hidden with evergreen plants. Having evergreens here also keeps the landscape from disappearing in the winter. This is easily accomplished with Boxwoods, Hollies or Cherry Laurel. These are all classified as broadleaf evergreens. Broadleaf evergreens are vulnerable to damage if we have winter temperatures that are colder than average. When they are planted near the house, they will be more protected.
There are many needled evergreen shrubs to choose from coming in many shapes, sizes and colors. These can be used throughout the landscape. When you shop for these, you should have a size range you are looking for. Most of these will need to be planted where they will receive enough sun dependent upon variety.
Evergreens are also used to create a screen from other larger, unsightly views. This could be a structure or a neighbor who does not have the same appreciation for yard maintenance as you. Upright evergreens are needed here. These can be a great alternative to a fence.
When choosing an upright evergreen, you need to know that these can be shrubs as well as large trees. In most cases, you will want one that is classified as a shrub. This is because most of these will grow tall but stay relatively narrow. This is important because they will not take away a lot of space in the yard. With these, you can get heights of 20 feet plus with only giving up about 10 feet of width. For this, you would have several varieties of upright Arborvitaes or Junipers to choose from.
If you have a large yard, you can use evergreen trees. This would include trees in the spruce and pine families. Since they are trees, most varieties will grow at least 30 feet tall or more. When they are growing this tall, they will grow as wide as 20 to 30 feet at the bottom.
For screening, you can also use shrubs that are considered to be semievergreen. These are deciduous plants that hold their leaves through the winter. Then in the spring, as the buds with new leaves open up, the old leaves fall off. There are two popular varieties of Viburnum that fit this description, Alleghany and Pragense.
If you are looking at something that is really ugly, you most likely want something that will grow fast. Both of these Viburnums would fit that description. These Viburnum also produce flowers in the spring, which is an added advantage over the needled evergreens. These plants will also tolerate heavy pruning if you are in a situation where you need to control the size. These plants will also tolerate moderate shade.
If you look around today and find yourself looking at something you want to hide, you may still find some of these plants at your favorite garden center. If you are able to find them, you are probably going to be able to buy them at a great discount since it is the end of the season. If you are unable to find what you need, save this article for when spring returns.