Question
Hi,
 I have an area I REALLY need help with. It is on my west property line and is, of course, the 1st view as you come into our drive. The property line is lined with old trees. The site has a garden shed on either side of the problem area.(I have pictures that I can email if you would like to see them.) The area is dry, shady, and extreamly rootbound. The soil is only a very few inches deep before you get to all the tree roots. I had a landscaper put several evergreens in to be a visual fence between the 2 properties, but only 1 lived, and that one is not really growing, just living. I would like to try some kind of magic that would be a block between the properties. I like a woodsy look with some yearround color, if at all possible. I am is zone 5.
                                       Thanks,
                                        Maria  

Answer
The dry condition plus invasive surface roots really makes it tough. I'm guessing that the "rootbound" part is because you have Maples nearby.  They have very shallow roots, that fight other plants for available water...its O.K. to "prune" their roots slightly, to make room for the new plants.  You have to water new plants for about 6 weeks or until established, too.

You didn't mention how wide a space it is, so I'll guess it is probably no bigger than about 5 feet, or so.  

I would suggest an open, split-rail fence with some other types of plants that will tolorate shade, like Dogwoods, Barberry, Eleagnus, Hydrangea, Holly or Chinese Juniper.  I would also not plant them in "soldier" fashion (all in a row), but stagger them in triangles of 3s & 5s, so when some fail to thrive, its not as noticable.

There are other plants that tolorate a shady & dry zone 5, but they are perrenials...like Hostas or ferns.

Hope it helps. ~Marc