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trees/shrubs vs structure for screening view

We have a new neighbor with an RV that shows over the top of the 6’ privacy fence. Most of our yard is screened by larger trees and shrubs but this corner is pretty open. We have clay soil in coastal temperate California (garden zone 9b).

-This spot is very hot full sun - though if a plant is close enough to the fence the roots will receive later afternoon shade from the fence drainage is decent for clay

  • view to screen is the zone between 6’ and 9’
  • there is known verticillium wilt in the soil
  • yard is somewhat small so prefer either a canopy higher up or a narrower solution (not a thick bush)
  • I have allergies to tree pollens like cedar and juniper so avoiding conifers

A) Have considered building a tall lattice trellis in the corner with 2 panels joined at 90 degrees and use a triangular brace to strengthen it, grow an attractive vine on it. I’m just not sure if this will actually draw the eye more rather than blending with the yard.

B) have considered a single medium size standard evergreen broadleaf tree such as marina strawberry tree, a few icee blue podocarpus, or other possibilities. Have lost a pacific wax Myrtle in that area after a wet winter, too. What’s thriving in our yard native squirrel-planted live oaks (this spot is I think too small for one) and manzanita etc.

tree or shrubs
10’ trellis structure

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