privacy shrubs for winter water logging

4 years ago

I am looking for suitable shrubs( or small tree) for a partially shaded area that stays very soggy throughout winter due to water runs coming from neighbors uphill. I have lost 2 shrubs and vine maple due to the soil condition in winter that has worsened in recent years. The area happens to be along a fence along the west side, it will also help if this shrub can also provide privacy in summer. Based on the research I have done, Red or yellow twig Dogwood and Salix are two possible options. I already have a Salix variety along the fence and for the Dogwoods I am not sure how much privacy they can provide considering they need to be pruned every spring, a chore I would rather avoid. But it looks like I may have to settle for dogwood unless if anyone can suggest any other plant.

Here is the list for wet areas but I am not sure if these plants can take constant water during winter.

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/plants-for-damp-or-wet-areas/

As long as the plant has decent foliage it will work for me but it will be nice if the shrub can grow at least 6 feet but remain less than 12.

Thanks,

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

diggerdee zone 6 CT
4 years ago
Where are you? What zone, what location? That matters in plant selection.

Cephalanthus? (Might be too big). Clethra? Ilex verticillata? Itea is good in wet areas but may not be tall enough. My Henry's Garnets grow about 4.5-5 feet tall. There may be taller varieties. Pagoda dogwood is lovely but your area may be too wet for that.

:)

Dee
joypdx thanked diggerdee zone 6 CT
joypdx
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Forgot to mention the zone is 8B, Oregon. 5 ft would be small, since fence is 6 ft looking west.

Cephalanthus/Buttonbush can be suitable, it may stay less than 12 ft possibly.
Related Professionals
Forrest City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Terre Haute Landscape Contractors · Rock Hill Landscape Contractors · Lawrenceburg Landscape Contractors · Hartford Home Builders · Cedar Rapids Home Builders · Taunton Home Builders · Rome Landscape Contractors · Hannibal Landscape Contractors · Amherst Landscape Contractors · Minneapolis Landscape Contractors · Dayton Home Builders · Logan Home Builders · Sioux City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middletown Architects & Building Designers
joypdx
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
It appears that buttonbush can be poisonous to humans. 🤔 if injested.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
LOTS of plants are toxic to humans if ingested.......probably way more than are not. If that is a serious concern, then that will limit the possibilities.

Dee offers some good suggestions. I'd add Leucothoe to the list as well. May not get as tall as you wish but it is evergreen. Swamp azalea, Rhododendron viscosum, is another possibility.

Also, the dogwoods do not require annual pruning.......or any pruning at all. It is entirely optional.
joypdx thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
PRO
User
4 years ago
Many forum members have their location embedded in the username.

In this case, pdx=Portland, Oregon.
joypdx
Original Author
4 years ago
I have created underground sump for reduce the problem ( visible in OP photo ). It has helped but not a lot. I plan to connect the sump to underground drain. The water run off from houses uphill is causing the issue and the increase in runoff could be due to due to neighbor's leaking down spout from the roof which is not easy to locate.
joypdx
Original Author
4 years ago
Yes but neigbor sold his property. I will wait till winter to show the issue to the new owner.
joypdx
Original Author
4 years ago
I should add that excess water logging has only come in the last 2-3 years. But dampness along the fence in winter was always there probably because the location of this property is at the base of a slope. Our neighbor on other side of the fence have raised beds for veggies , a willow and another unknown tree doing well along the same fence.
joypdx
Original Author
4 years ago
I read that Chionanthus Virginicus will tolerate boggy soil.
joypdx
Original Author
3 years ago
Here is a an update on this thread - waterlogging issue appears almost all gone this year. Our new neighbors up hill may have fixed it, not exactly sure what but I hope to find out.