This living screen of Ficus retusis ssp nitida is only about 18 inches (~50 cm) wide, but at least 15 feet (5 m) tall:
Here's another example of a tall, narrow screening hedge. It is highly successful in terms of screening--you can't see through it at any point. Someone wanted their privacy from the neighbors above, and they got it. No maintenance--probably not. This screen appears to be sheared regularly. The uniformity and density of the screen is appealing.
It consists of about 100 Ficus retusis ssp nitida or Ficus benjamina--I have not been able to tell them apart lately--planted closely together. The base shows how closely:
The success of the screening must be attributed to care in both planting and maintenance. This hedge is planted at the top of a very steep slope. The root system of the hedge is supported by a small retaining wall, to allow for extra root space. There is a drip system for watering the hedge that is functional and maintained. Regular shearing encourages and maintains dense foliage.
These homeowners were serious about having a screen, and they made the effort to do it right. My sole reservation about this effective screen is that it screams, "I'm a privacy screen! I'm a privacy screen!"
Tall and dense:
Again, we see that maintenance matters.
Here's another example of a tall, narrow screening hedge. It is highly successful in terms of screening--you can't see through it at any point. Someone wanted their privacy from the neighbors above, and they got it. No maintenance--probably not. This screen appears to be sheared regularly. The uniformity and density of the screen is appealing.
It consists of about 100 Ficus retusis ssp nitida or Ficus benjamina--I have not been able to tell them apart lately--planted closely together. The base shows how closely:
The success of the screening must be attributed to care in both planting and maintenance. This hedge is planted at the top of a very steep slope. The root system of the hedge is supported by a small retaining wall, to allow for extra root space. There is a drip system for watering the hedge that is functional and maintained. Regular shearing encourages and maintains dense foliage.
These homeowners were serious about having a screen, and they made the effort to do it right. My sole reservation about this effective screen is that it screams, "I'm a privacy screen! I'm a privacy screen!"
Tall and dense:
Again, we see that maintenance matters.
What a great solution!
ReplyDeleteI assume the property owner planting that hedge had to work closely with the municipality or CalTrans to implement and maintain it, as it looks to be in or against the right-of-way?
DD, this is a very quiet street in an unincorporated area, so they probably just have an extra guy watching for traffic when they trim, if that.
ReplyDelete