topic Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line? in Garden

What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

shadielb — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:19:59 GMT

I have a back fence line that I want to grow to cover up my fence. Any suggestions on something easy to grow and maintain and that will grow to fill in along a fence?

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

Lilysmom — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:38:50 GMT

Hi shadielb. There could so many answers to your question. If you are a beginner gardener, you need to know what your growing zone is. Also, it depends what kind of sunlight conditions you get in this area, how wet or dry it is, whether you like flowers or shrubs or some combination of both. You can go for higher maintenance plantings of flowers or use lower maintenance evergreens. It also depends on whether you are trying to block the fence and it matters if you own the fence or it belongs to your neighbor. Maybe a visit to your local garden center would be a good idea. They are generally very helpful and knowledgable about your area. Good luck with your plan.

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

Mindy D — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:48:39 GMT

Where do you live?

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

twocent — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:50:36 GMT

Don't know if you want something this large, but we went with Arborvitaes along our back fence. Not expensive , hardy , and adds nice to the privacy- while hiding the fence. Also they are good for wind- break.

You plant 4' apart and they grow to 15ft at a med . growth rate. You can always plant flowers to add more color along, if you wish.

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

terrier3 — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:53:56 GMT

Hollies will grow REALLY high, or they can be easily pruned.

Forsythia grows fast too and is beautiful in the spring. We have forsythia against a wooden fence we share with neighbors and have hydrangeas and other perennials in from of the forsythia.

If you have sun, David Austen shrub roses are fantastic. They grow to at least 6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide and the aroma is divine.

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 01:16:07 GMT

I think it depends on the look you want, there are lots of options. Some are fast growing and others take a little longer to fill in. You will have to give anything some attention from time to time, trimming to keep the growth controlled the way you want it. My MIL had lilac bushes all along the cyclone fence between her and the neighbor's yard, and it was so beautiful when they were in bloom. The rest of the year it was just full and leafy.

Other options:
Privet Hedge
Arborvitae
Rose of Sharon
Azalea
Rhododendron
Climbing Rose Bushes
Holly
Boxwoods

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

StylishLady — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 01:47:13 GMT

Back north we used ArborVitae as a "living fence" along one line of our property. Down here we planted Eugenia all along most of our our western property line. Purple Bouganvillea existed along most of the northern property line. We have a corner lot, so the east and south are on streets.

The ArborVitae worked very well in CNY with its year round green look. Bouganvillea is good here. The Eugenia grew well and both require clipping every other month during the summer.

Good luck with your selection.

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

JustJazzmom — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 03:51:36 GMT

On 4/28/2014 JeanLouiseFinch said:
I think it depends on the look you want, there are lots of options. Some are fast growing and others take a little longer to fill in. You will have to give anything some attention from time to time, trimming to keep the growth controlled the way you want it. My MIL had lilac bushes all along the cyclone fence between her and the neighbor's yard, and it was so beautiful when they were in bloom. The rest of the year it was just full and leafy.

Other options:
Privet Hedge
Arborvitae
Rose of Sharon
Azalea
Rhododendron
Climbing Rose Bushes
Holly
Boxwoods

Privet requires a lot of pruning to keep it in check. Arborvitae leave enough room between them so they do not crowd together within 3 yrs time. Rose of sharon loses their leaves over the winter. Azalea is not tall enough to cover completely hiding the fence. Some rhodies will get tall enough-- both azalea and rhodies need morning sun and PM shade to thrive well.

Holly can get tall and wide, boxwoods can get fungal diseases or insects like scale and both have to be pruned to maintain their shape and look nice.

Forsythias have a nice yellow bloom in the spring but look green rest of year. Best to prune only slightly instead of into squares or globes. They look nicer when they are natural looking.

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

Mindy D — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 08:20:32 GMT

The plants you pick should depend on where you live. What works in New York, won't work in Florida. What works in Nevada, won't work in Washinton State. Give us a clue and we can give you better suggestions.

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

denisemb — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:28:04 GMT

Another suggestion is to check out Dave's Garden website. They have forums available for different plants and broken down into different regions. The people on the forums were tremendously helpful to me when I moved from MI to FL and had to learn how to garden all over again.

While many forums are free, there is an annual fee (I think it's $20/yr.) to access all forums, but was well worth it to me.

Re: What kind of shrubs or plants can be used for a fence line?

mousiegirl — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 17:50:03 GMT

Tenuifoluims are wonderful. They can grow to 32' high, but can be kept any height by pruning. I put them all over my property to cover the black cyclone fence and afford privacy.