Question
I live in a corner lot and have a backyard exposed to all my neighbors across the street...no privacy whatsoever. I would like to add some trees along my fence line to screen me from these nosy neighbors and the general street traffic. I was thinking about italian cypress but heard they are subject to many diseases. Is this true ? And if it is, can you recommend any other trees that could also be effective screeners ? I live in Stockton, CA which is zone 9.  The backyard gets plenty of sun.

Thank you

Answer
Hi Vic, cypress trees do suffer from a bacterial canker that can cause them to die slowly from the top. However, it has to be said that they are worth taking the risk for. Clip them every year in spring to retain their shape, feed them well, apply a mulch at the base and water well in the first year and they'll be fine. They can be kept at the height you wish by pruning them annually- I have one in my back garden that has been kept at 6ft tall for 6 years.

Otherwise take a look at bay laurel and evergreen oak (Quercus ilex)

Good luck,

Jonathan www.italiangardendesign.eu or www.ecologicagardens.com