Most of us are spending more time outdoors now that Spring (Summer?) is here. In addition to hiking, ball games, and picnics, many people enjoy the great outdoors with backyard barbeques. Spend time in your own yard is one of the best parts of homeownership. However, you might find yourself wondering if you need a little privacy from neighbors and passing cars. Fencing is one option, but some types of fences can be difficult to maintain, or they might be very expensive to construct. An alternative might be shrubs or trees to protect your privacy.
When thinking about using a living privacy screen, you need to figure out the reason for shielding your view. It could be a neighbor with a messy yard or you might want a secluded spot for your hot tub. Once you determine your reason for privacy then you can make an educated choice when buying your plants. For example, a privet shrub will grow densely and form a boundary that’s formal in appearance. If you decide to go with evergreens, they can reach higher in height than a legal fence. If you have a space issue, shrubs which are smaller and trees which you prune to the desired heights are also an option.
A mixture of shrubs, trees, and plants will give you the most attractive living fence. You can, in addition, put up a trellis or latticework for plants that will grow up and cover it. This is an excellent choice for an open porch or a garden area with benches.
Another thing to consider when selecting your choices is what kind of maintenance you’re willing to perform. Some evergreens and hedges need to be shaped and pruned often. Other shrubs and perennial plants won’t need as much work to keep them looking nice. Consider what you’re willing to care for in trimming and pruning before you plant your living fence.
Denver is rated 5b to 6a by the
USDA Hardiness Zone and has alkaline soil in some parts. Both of these facts need to be considered before planting anything in your yard. Just because a plant says on its label then that it will grow in Zone 5 doesn’t mean that it will if planted in alkaline soil. So, when checking out plants, shrubs, and trees online or at a gardening center, you need to read the label for pH levels as well.
Below are some plants, shrubs, and trees which will grow in Denver in Zone 5b to 6a and alkaline soil:
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| Alleghany viburnum |
Alleghany viburnum: This shrub, with its large leathery leaves, will grow 8-10 feet tall and wide. The leaves stay on throughout the winter until new growth pushes through in the spring. The dense shrub will shield unwanted views nicely. It is versatile, as it grows in sun to part shade.
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| Apache Plume |
Apache Plume: This shrub grows to 4-6 feet tall and wide, is xeric, and requires very little care once it likes where it’s planted. The plumes have a purple tint for added color. It mixes well with other shrubs, trees, and plants and grows in sun to part shade.
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| Fernbush |
Fernbush: This shrub will grow 3-5 feet tall and wide and has aromatic leaves. It’s xeric, and bees love it. The shrub will grow in part shade or sun, and in sand or clay.
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| Pampas Grass |
Hardy Pampa Grass: This ornamental grass will grow 8-10 feet high and 4-6 feet wide. It likes sun, is drought tolerant, fast growing, easy to care for, and deer resistant. It will attract butterflies and birds.
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| Cotoneaster |
Hedge Cotoneaster: This shrub is also known as the Peking Cotoneaster and grows 6-8 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. The foliage is dark green with small pink spring flowers, followed by black fruit. It makes a high screen and will grow in alkaline soil, partial sun, and full sun.
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| Skyrocket ® Oak |
Skyrocket® Oak: This oak grows in a uniformly narrow shape with a height of 40-45 feet and width of 12-15 feet. It grows in alkaline soil. Use this oak as a windbreak, or a natural fence when planted close together.
These are just a few of the many selections that there are to grow a privacy screen. With all the plants, trees and shrubs available; you are sure to find the perfect one for you.
