Native plant for height along a fence - Ask Extension
We cleared out some old Honeysuckle and now have a completely unobstructed view of our back neighbor. We have a fairly shady spot along a fence (some ...
Knowledgebase
Native plant for height along a fence #868496
Asked May 15, 2024, 8:56 AM EDT
We cleared out some old Honeysuckle and now have a completely unobstructed view of our back neighbor. We have a fairly shady spot along a fence (some partial sun) and wanted to plant a hearty either ideally a native or not super invasive non-native back there that would be relatively easy to maintain and get to at least a height of 8-10 feet it possible. Open to a fast growing option or one we could purchase more fully grown to plant. Open to really any kind of plant - grass, shrub, tree, etc. Appreciate any advice and have attached a picture of the back area for context. Haven't had the soil formally tested but our arborist reports that all the soil tested around the area has been excellent in their experience.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello and thanks for letting me help you with your question. I could have written it, because I have done the exact same thing in my yard this year. We have woods on 2 sides of our home. I did not have to deal with seeing the neighbors as we have a forever wild 50 ft patch between them and us on the right side of our house. therefore, I was able to use some shorter shrubs, which you may be able to utilize in front of your screening.
You also have some Virginia Creeper coming on your fence on the Right side of your picture. Looks like it is coming from your neighbor’s side. You may want to get rid of it. Any product with glyphosate would work—remember to follow the label, it is the law. You could also try hand pulling or digging out if you do not like chemicals.
Giant Arborvitae (Thuja plicata) Would make a good fencing screen for you if you have enough light. You said you had some sun, but not how much. This will do well if it gets at least 4 hours a day. Stonehenge Yew could sub for this. It takes full sun
Camilla and dogwood will both give you height in part shade. Red twig dogwood will tolerate shade and it gives you winter interest as well. The new growth is red during the winter.
Inkberry Holly will do part shade and gets to 6 ft.
Viburnum are good choices. Some do more shade than others.
Rhododendron would also give you height and spring color.
The links below have all of these mentioned. The fourth link down is all natives. When you go to the garden center of your choice, make sure you tell them that you are interested in natives. Their plants are usually better than the big box stores, but if those have a name brand of what you want, they are cheaper.
If you want a soil test, the OSU extension offices sells them and will help you to understand the report when you get it back.
Hope this helps and good luck!
https://www.greatgardenplants.com/products/green-giant-arborvitae?variant=<personal data hidden>343&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=<personal data hidden>&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgJyyBhCGARIsAK8LVLMSHW6lyGMzdqlz8y_CV0_O5bLmY_tnm3xWs3Mo6FEsAO_EoXwRN7MaAs8YEALw_wcB
https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/search?hardiness_zone=6b&duration=Shrub&light_requirement=Part%20Shade&available_online=&status=1&page=32&plant_sorts=1
https://www.gardenia.net/guide/beautiful-native-shrubs-for-shade
https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/search?keywords=Korean+spice+viburnum+&hardiness_zone=6b&duration=Shrub&available_online=0
https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/search?hardiness_zone=6b&duration=Shrub&light_requirement=Part+Shade+to+Shade&available_online=0
