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 - August 20, 2008
From: Rosemary Beach, FL
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Tree for screening along road
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What would you recommend for a linear tree lined street that needs to act as a buffer to hide less desirable backyards of ugly houses. The road is on lake travis near austin, texas. was hoping for a dense tree about 30' tall or so. thanksANSWER:
Probably you want an evergreen so this limits us a bit. However, here are a couple of trees that should do the job:Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel)
Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar)
If you would consider deciduous trees, here are some suggestions:
Quercus muehlenbergii (chinkapin oak)
Rhus lanceolata (prairie sumac)
Cotinus obovatus (American smoketree)
If you would consider slightly shorter trees, here are more suggestions:
Viburnum rufidulum (rusty blackhaw)
Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn)
More Privacy Screening Questions
Replacement evergreens under power line in Wisconsin
April 11, 2013 - I have to replace evergreen trees in a privacy screen due to borer damage. The screen is below power lines so the replacements cannot be tall. I would like use bird and pollinator friendly replaceme...
view the full question and answer
Privacy Trees for Pleasanton, CA
April 30, 2014 - I was looking for some fast growing trees for my backyard that backs up to Valley Ave in Pleasanton, Ca. The city just cut down 4 Redwoods behind me and there is so much noise from the traffic now
Ca...
view the full question and answer
Sources for Ilex shrubs from Boca Raton FL
April 29, 2013 - Where can I find Ilex plants in the Boca Raton, FL area?
I would like to use them for hedges.
view the full question and answer
Barrier Planting in Boston
January 29, 2013 - I live in the Boston area and a school is being built right behind my property. The school kindly left me a 100' barrier that includes some 40' high pines, a couple of tall oaks and some spindly po...
view the full question and answer
Privacy Screening of House Next Door in NC
June 26, 2013 - Hello, I live in the house my parents bought in 1971 in Winston-Salem, NC. The house beside me is an eyesore and for sale at a very low price. I am afraid the condition of the house and yard next door...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |