Question
I am trying to find a plant/shrub that will provide a natural privacy fence(6-10 ft)
with out using evergreen.  I am looking for something that will require as little
maintenance as possible, grow quickly and survive and Ohio winter.  I have
heard bamboo is difficult to control, any ideas?

Answer
If I understand you want a deciduous shrub that will grow 6 to 10 feet and require little maintenance. First any hedge/natural fence requires pruning or it will become larger that you probably want. No shrub grows 6 to 10feet tall and stays only 3 to 4 feet wide and neat. Most shrubs if left alone want to be 10 by 10. There are at least 20 shrubs that would qualify for this in your area. I suggest you visit your local nursery and discuss this with a nurseryman. Then you can decide which one is best for you.
Most bamboo is a bad idea for your area. Most are very difficult to keep in a restricted area, even "clump" bamboos are not always safe.


Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
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