Question
Hi,
I live in NE PA (zone 5A). I'm trying to screen our west property line from the neighbor's house. I have 4 large maple trees within a 50 ft. line, so the soil is very dry and very rootbound. I don't have the money to get the property surveyed, so a hard fence is not an option. I tried 2 evergreen trees, but instead of growing to the desired 15 ft, they are stunted at 4 ft. I was hoping to keep the area very "woodsy" looking with shrubs, and perinnals. Sugggestions????

Answer
Hi Maria! Regarding trees I would use maybe a salix alba (white willow) or a Populus alba (white poplar) and then chop their canopies off to about 8 to 10ft. This will stimulate the tree to make a large canopy but lower than it's desired height. It' isn't cruel, the plant actually enjoys the stimulation and will live for years.

Alternatively, erect two (or more) large and strong poles and run several taught, steel wires between them. Trees can then be grown against this and trained into what we gardeners call 'fan' or 'espalier'. This will create an elegant visual block, withoutrobbing you off space (regarding width). Climbing plants can clearly be used to do the same job, plants like Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Virginia creeper), Ivy or even some roses ('Albertine') for example.

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