Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Friday - April 02, 2010

From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Evergreen tree to provide block for treehouse in Central Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I live close to Austin TX and need an evergreen tree to block neighbor's newly constructed, metal roof tree house. It looms over our garden and yard - can you suggest a nice evergreen tree for hot morning sun with afternoon partial shade? Our soil is rocky and alkaline. Thanks.

ANSWER:

Here evergreen trees native to the Austin/Georgetown area.  All of these grow to at least 25 feet high.

Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) and here is more information

Quercus fusiformis (plateau oak)

Ilex vomitoria (yaupon)

Condalia hookeri (Brazilian bluewood) and here is more information

Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel)

Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry)

Here are some smaller native evergreen trees/shrubs that could also work. These all grow to around 12 feet high.

Garrya ovata (eggleaf silktassel)

Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) There are dwarf varieties of wax myrtle so, if you purchase one from a nursery, you need to check carefully to avoid getting one of these.

Rhus virens (evergreen sumac)

Here are photos of the above from our Image Gallery:


Juniperus virginiana

Quercus fusiformis

Ilex vomitoria

Condalia hookeri

Sophora secundiflora

Prunus caroliniana

Garrya ovata

Morella cerifera

Rhus virens

 

 
 

More Trees Questions

Non-native Japanese maple for East Northport NY
August 20, 2013 - I live in NY and I am looking to plant a Japanese maple in front of my house. It would be in front of a window so I'm thinking should I get a dwarf? Or a semi dwarf? I know I want a red color but un...
view the full question and answer

Patio Privacy Screen Suggestions for Central Texas
March 17, 2013 - I have just built a patio and want to plant some small trees, bushes or shrubs to form a visual barrier (rather than to erect a fence)to the neighbors yard.
view the full question and answer

Looking for fruit and nut trees to plant in San Augustine, TX
April 05, 2011 - I am setting up residence in San Augustine, Texas on approximately 9 acres of land. We wanted to plant a few of each type of fruit and nut trees that would prosper in the area (for wildlife and for o...
view the full question and answer

Need suggestion for a replacement tree in Dallas, TX.
January 23, 2013 - We are going to have a 25' tall tree removed and ground out because every year squirrels chew the branches and make huge piles on the deck and into the pool. This continues for a good month 1.5. Hen...
view the full question and answer

Native trees that will thrive in Amarillo, TX
April 04, 2010 - I need help in finding native Texas trees that will do well in Amarillo's low water and extreme temps.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.