Property Line Border: What would you plant?

4 years ago

Hi there,

I'm looking for some ideas on what to plant in this area (outlined in pink) between my home (on the right) and neighbor's driveway (on the left). The large tree in the foreground will be removed before spring, as unfortunately it is another dead ash. So the area I will ultimately be working with is about 15 feet across, by 25 feet long. I'd like to plant something that will be tall enough to provide some privacy in our front yard, but not too tall where they would interfere with the powerlines, which hang at around 16-17 ft above the ground.

I'd like something somewhat tidy as this is the front yard and will share a side with the neighbors. I thought something evergreen would be nice (though i'm not married to the idea) and so my first thought was a row of Nellie Stevens holly, but we have really cold, strong winds that whip down the hill and hit this area, so I worry they might not be cold hardy enough for this particular location. I'd also love something low maintenance that doesn't require pruning, so maybe holly is out...

This area gets full sun and is well-draining, and I'm honestly open to anything, maybe even a mixed hedge of some kind, as long as it doesn't look too messy in winter.

So what do you think? What would be your choice if this was your yard?

Thank you!

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Comments (10)

ViburnumValley central KY Bluegrass z6
4 years ago
I would be looking at how many different viburnums would fit in there...

If you are looking at a simple line of plants, and need them to all be the same, then Viburnum x pragense may just be the ticket. For windy zone 5/6, I'd think that would be the nicest broadleaf evergreen shrub that would give you some seasonality.

You might also consider a densely branched plant, which would provide quite a bit of screening, and allow for a fall color season without retaining evergreen leaves. Another route could be a plant which exhibits marcescence (holds spent leaves through the dormant season) like some Hamamelis sp. (Witch-hazel) and Lindera glauca var. salicifolia (Willow-leaf Spicebush).

If you choose deciduous viburnums, make sure you enable cross-pollination so that you get the exceptional fruit display.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Do you need to keep sight lines clear for people pulling out of the driveways?
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laceyvail 6A, WV
4 years ago
Exactly what viburnum valley said.
Sigrid
4 years ago
If you want evergreens, go with mountain laurel and rhodos.
sah_upstate4 (zone 5b - NY)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Mountain Laurels and Rhododendrons would be a bad choice for a full sun driveway strip exposed to heavy winds and road salt.
john3582
4 years ago
Also how much snow do you get? Shoveling over evergreens with 20 inches of snow is a pain.It might still be okay if it faces south of wesr.
latifolia
4 years ago
Have you gotten a quote for burying the power lines? This would be the time to do it, before you plant the area.
callirhoe123
4 years ago
Can you [post a picture of the whole house and lot?
katemartha (z5/6 nj)
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks all! I'm thinking Viburnum x pragense might be just the ticket, leaving room for snow removal and sightlines etc. We do get a few good snowstorms each year. I've attached a pic of the entire area as well for reference. there's a semi-circular driveway that attaches to the straight driveway area originally pictured.

That's an interesting idea about burying the power lines - I honestly did not even realize that was a possibility! If it's inexpensive that could be an option.
suedonim75
4 years ago
I honestly did not even realize that was a possibility! If it's inexpensive that could be an option.

It's about $500-$750 a foot to bury electrical line to your house. And that's if your electric company is willing to do it. And you'd have to get your neighbors to agree to it to. And it's about $500,00k a mile to bury the line running along the road. Even more if you also have to bury the cable/phone lines.

The only reason I know this is because a business down the road from where I work wanted to have every other business and home agree to buried electrical lines.