Question
I live in Williamsburg, Va.  I want to plant a container-grown evergreen tree on an aggregate driveway to hide some meters and telephone connections which face the front.  The area receives sun probably 3/4 of the daylight hours.  I had thought of a leland cyprus because it is very full and grows rapidly.  Do you have any advice on that or perhaps another suggestion.  Thank you for your time.  Anne Cary

Answer
Leland Cyprus, is good, also Italian Cyprus, Arborvitae, Dwarf Juniper, Photinia, Nandina, Laurel, and Yew. There are many others that would work as well, it is just a matter of what you want it to look like. If you want flowers, then the shrubs will give some seasonal color. If you just want a small green tree, then the dwarf conifers will be suitable.
In my many design school classes, the point was made that if you don't want the eye to be drawn to something unsightly then don't emphasize it by putting something that stands out, like bright flowers, or variegated leaves, etc. In others words, it is better to have the "cover-up" blend in with the surrounding landscape. Have the container match the tree, and create a hedge, rather then just one tree, so that it becomes a directional boundary.
You will need to maintain it by potting up and pruning down as the plants grow. This will help to get the plants to the size you need, and have it fill out and be thick, not up, and thin.
Have a good, reliable water system, and check it often.
Give it good soil, and a sturdy container. Most of these plants grow quickly, so you will need to be ready to do the work they require.