Screen behind basketball goal

11 years ago

Hello. We just moved into a new house. I'd like to put 5 bushes behind the basketball goal for both privacy and to keep the ball from going into the neighbors yard. I can't decide what I should plant. Here is what I do/don't want:

I live In zone 7b.

Need something that is about 8-10ft tall.

Want an evergreen.

Can't be prickly since it's so close to bball goal.

I'm not a huge fan of Leyland Cypress, but not completely against it if it's my best option.

Preferably no more than about 6 feet wide.

Appreciate your help!!

Featured Answer

tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱

11 years ago

A word on nomenclature. Basketball has, well, baskets or hoops. Soccer has goals. Is the hoop 10 feet high plus the backboard? If so, is 8 feet tall going to be high enough for those wild, out of control shots like I tried when I was growing up? Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Wintergreen' would be my suggestion (pending your location) as by the time they outgrow the area you wont need them anymore.

tj

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Comments (6)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
11 years ago
I'm not quite clear. Are you are looking for a living screen 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide? Or a screen 10 feet tall and 5 x 6 feet wide?

Leylands would need constant topping to stay at 10 feet - are you OK with regular hedge maintenance? Or are you looking for something which will top out at 10 feet and not require constant clipping?
bcurrey
Original Author
11 years ago
The propery line is about 10 ft behind the basketball goal, so I don't want it to be too wide.

I'd prefer something that tops out at about 8ft and requires trimming no more than one or twice per year. Thanks!
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
nothing really stops growing at some magical height..

and anything that gets 5 feet wide.. is NOT going to stop at 8 to 10 feet high ... without intense maintenance ...

and .... unless you have a large budget ... and buy large instant gratification plants... nothing is really going to grow to the size you want ... before the kids give up Bball ...

if you want this problem solved this season ... an 8 foot fence ...is probably the fastest.. easiest solution ...

it really is imperative.. to tell us where you are.. if you want legit plant suggestions ...

ken
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
11 years ago
Yes, I was thinking maybe a fence/trellis combo and some climbers rather than shrubs. Even if the ideal plant were found and instantly achieved the perfect dimensions the ball would constantly be getting stuck in the bushes and the kids would be climbing in to get it out breaking off branches as they did so. Don't ask how I know that plants and balls - basket, cricket, soccer, rugby, ping pong - don't mix.
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
11 years ago
Anything dense and that tall will be 'vigorous' and require pruning at least 2 or 3 times a season. Or something very slow growing, which will take years to attain the size you need.

For plants, perhaps a slower growing holly (there are spineless varieties), but purchase a large size from the get-go. These will likely run over $250 each.