Hedges & Screens
Although ubiquitous in the landscape,
hedges and screens provide shelter and privacy in many settings.
Here is a depiction of windshelter provided by a line of shrubs or trees. A double barrier is even more effective.
Hedges in Action
Here are some windbreaks and hedges in New Zealand. They have the same climate as we do here on the Central Coast. At Ben Joy Nursery we carry each of the varieties shown in the picture to the right. Great for privacy, wind, crop, or animal protection there is a type suited for any size lot or farm. From six feet to fifty feet tall a natural screen costs less per foot than fencing, and will last decades with little or no maintenance. The landowner's choice for centuries and still working today. So if you or your spouse have ever complained about the wind, the neighbor's mess, or your landscape plants have that windblown look, explore the benefits of a natural screen. Call or email your questions, we will happily discuss your needs.
Monterey Cypress is great as a clipped hedge or as stand alone trees. Below are photos of a home in San Luis Obispo that have both.
For privacy or windbreak, its hard to beat this native selection.
Monterey Cypress trees 5 gallon $12 each.
or
10 for $100
Monterey Cypress Tree Hedge
A great example of Monterey Cypress Tree Hedge & Monterey Cypress Trees unclipped. Great privacy screen and windbreak.
Monterey Cypress trees clipped in to a hedge
Monterey Cypress Tree
Pacific Wax Myrtle
Pacific Wax Myrtle is an evergreen shrub or tree to 15 feet, and is native to the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington. Pacific Wax Myrtle grows in full sun in coastal areas, and does best in afternoon shade in inland areas. Foliage is happiest when rinsed off every so often during dry season. This shiny, fragrant-leaved evergreen is cold tolerant to 25 degrees Fahrenheit in containers, and 20 degrees F in the ground, and needs summer water in inland areas, as it grows in moist spots naturally ( In many towns, the water from a bird bath will be enough to keep it growing well). An excellent hedge or screen along the coast as it is very tolerant of wind. Myrica californica tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils. By adding nitrogen to the soil by way of its roots, in combination with nitrogen -fixing bacteria (nitrogen fixation), this myrtle species builds soil health. Myrica californica is a great transition plant between that loud, obnoxious neighbor next door with the overwatered garden, and you. Pacific Wax Myrtle transfers nitrogen and water and other nutrients to various other plants in the garden, and reduces the need for additional fertilizer and irrigation. Myrica californica can also be sheared for a more formal-looking hedge, if desired.
Pacific Wax Myrtle AKA Myrica californica 5 gallon $12 each.
or
10 for $100
Pacific Wax Myrtle or also know as Myrica californica
Myrica californica makes a great screen between you and your neighbor. Great privacy!