Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - March 10, 2010
From: Morgantown, WV
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Trees
Title: Trees for barrier fence near swimming pool in West Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Near swimming pool, barrier fence needs to replace pine trees. Prefer blooming perennial at least 12' high,low sun exposure, minimal pruning.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants suggests the following small trees/large shrubs for your barrier fence. All are West Virginia natives and will grow in shade (less than 2 hours of sun per day) and/or partial shade (2 to 6 hours of sun per day):
Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel), an evergreen
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle), evergreen
Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba rosebay), evergreen
Rhododendron maximum (great laurel), evergreen
Magnolia virginiana (sweetbay), semi-evergreen to evergreen
Cornus alternifolia (alternateleaf dogwood)
Viburnum prunifolium (blackhaw)
Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian serviceberry)
Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud)
Chionanthus virginicus (white fringetree)
Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)
Prunus americana (American plum)
Sorbus americana (American mountain ash)
Viburnum rufidulum (rusty blackhaw)
You can see other possibilities by checking out the West Virginia Recommended list. You can NARROW YOUR SEARCH by selecting "Trees" or "Shrubs" from the GENERAL APPEARANCE category.
Here are photos of the above from our Image Gallery:
More Trees Questions
Desert Willow Roots from Lubbock, TX
September 18, 2014 - I have a very, very happy Desert Willow that has grown larger than we expected and is probably too close to the house. Do I need to worry about a cracked foundation or pipe problems? Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Fertilizing Newly Planted Trees
February 07, 2016 - Back in November, I planted 20 trees on rocky, caliche slopes around my house outside of Utopia, Texas. The trees were 45 gallon Monterrey Oaks and Texas Redbuds. I have also installed a drip irriga...
view the full question and answer
Should a mustang grape be left near live oak in Austin?
July 17, 2009 - I recently removed a huge mass of jasmine from a clump of live oaks. Inside I found a very large (12' long) exposed root of a mustang grape. I'd like to trim it back to the original clump and reta...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting a redbud in Boerne TX
August 29, 2012 - Hi there, My question is when is it safe to transplant a native tree? I have a redbud tree come up in m flower bed I want to try to transplant it instead of cutting it out. It is very young - maybe 4-...
view the full question and answer
Why are branches falling from my pecan trees?
November 02, 2010 - I have tree branches falling that appear to have been cut, not broken,off the tree. Seen most on the pecan trees but had a young red bud die with what appears a clean cut of the trunk approx. 2 feet ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |