I feel for you. I used to have a starfruit in my front yard in North Port that was constantly getting robbed from people walking by on the sidewalk. One day I caught two men in a pickup truck stealing 10 bags of mulch I had sitting on my driveway. Nothing is safe anymore. Even here, people have come into my courtyard, which has a large gate and 6' high concrete block walls, and stolen plants.

If you're not concerned about getting fruit, I'd suggest one of the larger arborvitaes. They are extremely dense and get very large, so plant them well away from any fences. Also, a lot of people use areca palms, but they can take awhile to get large enough to be a real screen. Realize, of course, that a very tall mango is going to be visible above these trees, so they may not stop anyone. If you hadn't gotten rid of your bananas, those would have been perfect. Hindsight is 20/20.

In the meantime, put signs all along your property line or fence that say "No trespassing. Violators will be prosecuted" alongside a sign that says "This yard is under video surveillance." Put some fake cameras around everywhere, but be sure they're the ones with batteries and red lights that show they're "active." That will keep most of them out.

A large dog is the best solution.

I like the idea of planting something evil and thorny.

Natal plum is thorny and evil and does well in your zone.

Don Jose, I see that you got your sense of humor back, good for you!:)

I like the copperleaf and the many colors

https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/copper-plant.html

Hey guys, thanks for the good sounding tips, - I will give them all a careful look-see,.....except the dog one ! :o)

Don't mean to exaggerate this malady, 99 % of these " curious folks " stroll back there betw April and July,...which happens to be my mango season. Have more fruits than I can eat but just like to give the overflow away to people I know !

A follow up photo will be posted here whenever the new guy is planted !

I think roses would be nice. I have a couple in mind that would fit the bill. They are old garden roses and are easy care, not like hybrid teas that people think of when people say roses. Both of these are pretty disease resistant and do not a lot of fuss.

Both have the teeth (thorns) of that watch dog someone suggested... and if you don't watch it when you walk by- they will bite : )

Prosperity - thorny - nice scent - size can be maintained Height of 3' to 10' Width of 4' to 5' - blooms white with pink tint

pictures can be seen https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.5005&tab=36

Louis-Phillipe (not to be confused with Louis Phillip) - VERY thorny - strong scent - Height of 3' to 5' Width of 4' , but in my experience here in South Florida plant is more 8 to 10 feet - blooms crimson with purple shading

pictures can be seen https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.2044&tab=36&qn=1&qc=0

Ooh - I forgot about natal plums! The flower have a lovely scent as well, and the fruit is edible, though generally quite insipid. They become quite dense too.

A "beware of dog" sign may be effective, cameras are a good idea too. Those two items where all it took to get my neighbor to quit his "shananigans."

Podocarpus would be my recommendation.

Silverthorn (eleagnus) is a fast-grower and very dense if you can find it. Lowes used to carry it but I haven't seen it there in a long time.

So many wonderful options.

Since you like to grow edibles what about a guava? The strawberry guavas I had made a fantastic screen and the bark was beautiful to boot. There is always bayberry. Attractive foliage, attractive fruits, thorns. It's got it all. Plus people that chose to try that out might get a bit of a pucker. LOL

You have loads of great choices that others have suggested as well. Can't wait to see what you decide on!

Unfortunately, guava is considered an invasive plant in S Florida.

which happens to be my mango season. Have more fruits than I can eat but just like to give the overflow away to people I know !

I'm about 45 minutes north of you. ;)

My first thought was areca palm. Mine went from a nothing to over 8' tall and bushy within the first year but I'm liking the ideas with thorns.

Well, it's taken awhile,...but as my Mom commonly quoted Ben Franklin's jewel,..." Remember Joey, nothing ventured, nothing gained ! " Still out of breath,..no more lame jokes about " when's it going to warm up around here ? "

Now the view shows my solution in place. I, after mulling over the suggested possibilities, started out by checking 'em out one by one, starting with Silvia's Copperleaf's. As soon as I saw my first one, I was sold ! So I lost it a bit and bought four ( 4 ) Louisiana Red Copperleaf plants from Oak Farms Nursery nearby. They are spectacular looking IMHO, and very reasonable.

A few pics showing the job as it progressed.

The Glenn mango tree is just to the left of the metal fence, clearly visible from the street

The shrubs that did the trick.

I know,...gonna take a while ! LOL

So although the Glenn mango tree is still visible, it will gradually fade from view as the two plants grow taller. They are only 2' + tall now, but the street out front is easily another 1.5' lower. So even though the mango tree is visible, as these two shrubs grow to their max height of 10 ' ( both nursery gals said that'd be their eventual height in 3, 4 yrs ), the mango tree will be not nearly as noticeable as it is now.

My only concern is that these shrubs may be so attractive that the " drifters " may stroll back just to look at them !!! :o)

Yesterday I was going to dig a 3rd big hole and plant 3 of the new guys in " the alley ", but as I gathered my tools around noon, the heat kinda got to me, must have been 100 in the shade, and the " feels like " temp way over that !!! But I wanted the job done, so decided to just plant two of the Louisiana Red Copperleafs in the clay pots and then, wait till this morning to plant the last two into the two big holes already there in "the alley ".

Even tho it's a bit less hot than yesterday, I had no problem working up a sweat !

Thanks Silvia and all you other guys, I do appreciate all the well-intended advise !

Nice work! Those plants will put on a show for you all year. :-)

Hi Joe

I am so glad that you liked them and already got them! They are very pretty and easy to take care of, easy to trim, look good all year round and have very colorful leaves.

Since nobody is getting any younger,:) it is better to simplify and have only what we need.

It is too hot to work outdoors for me so I am doing summer cleaning indoors, books, clothes and other items that I no longer need. After that I will do items in the kitchen, it is going to be one long and hot summer....

Silvia

They are beautiful!