In the News - January 2008
Evergreens provide privacy, screen for unsightly views
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - As zero lot lines become more common and lot sizes
continue to shrink, many homeowners are seeking ways to increase privacy, says
Mark Bray, a Benton County agent with the University of Arkansas Cooperative
Extension Service.
U.S. Census data show the median home lot shrank from 10,000 square feet in
1990 to 8,612 square feet in 2006. "For many people with new homes, that means
they’re a lot closer to their neighbor’s house," Bray said. Plus, homes that may
have some privacy during the warmer months are exposed when deciduous trees drop
their leaves.
Bray offers a simple answer: "Evergreen trees and shrubs make excellent
screens and are a valuable addition to the landscape."
In addition to blocking a neighbor’s view of your yard, evergreen screens may
also be used as outdoor walls to create privacy around a deck or hide an
unsightly storage building.
Evergreen screens also absorb unwanted road noise and provide a wind breaks
against winter winds.
"When selecting a screening plant, consider the desired size, how much
maintenance the plant requires and whether you wish to achieve a formal or
natural appearance," Bray said. "Plant the evergreens at a distance apart from
each other to achieve the desired screening affect. Screens along a fence should
be planted in a staggered pattern with taller plants toward the back to achieve
a less formal appearance."
Two of the most commonly planted options for evergreen screens, Leyland
cypress and redtip photinia, are not making the cut anymore due to fungal
disease problems. However, there are a variety of alternatives to choose from
that will grow in our area. Broadleaf evergreens include American holly, Nelle
Stevens holly, Burford Chinese holly, Foster holly, Elaeagnus and Chinese
photinia.
Needle evergreens suitable for screens include Eastern arborvitae, Oriental
arborvitae, Arizona cypress, Japanese yew, Eastern red cedar and Atlantic white
cedar.
For more information about any of the plants mentioned above or help
selecting the appropriate screening plant for your location, contact your county
extension office, or visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
January 4, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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