Question
Hey.
I am looking for a type of plant that is fairly low maintenance, makes a nice barrier, and grows relatively fast.  I want to put up a  row of something against the back of my fence so that we can have some privacy from the neighbors.  I thought about pompass grass or some type of bamboo.  Do you have any suggestions?  I live in NE Alabama, so we don't have a very harsh climate.  Something that didn't die in the winter would also be preferable.  Thanks in advance,
Taryn

Answer
Taryn,

What came to mind first is an Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) hedge.
"Emerald Green" is a commonly used and really nice variety...slower, dense
growth, good color year-round.

The problem is that anything fast growing quickly becomes high maintenance, and you'll regret planting it.  Slow growing equals low maintenance, but you'll have to be patient for it to provide the privacy you need.

You can rush the privacy of slower growing plants by buying bigger ones to start with, but then you're not cheap anymore.

I almost never plant bamboo near a border.  Containing it can be a problem over time.  If you do get bamboo, make sure you get a variety that is "clumping" and not "running", or your neighbor will think of you as a nuisance (or worse).

Here's a site that gives good bamboo descriptions and suggestions:  http://www.bamboodirect.com/bamboo/info/world.html

I don't know how big your place is, but pampas grass can get really big around.  That can become a problem near a property border, too.

Hope this helps,
Mark in Portland