Question
QUESTION: I would love to have a cypress hedge but I only have 4 feet width.  It appears that a cypress
would not work with that limitation.  What alternatives are there for a similar look?  Thank you
your help

Ronelle

ANSWER: The Blue Point Juniper would be good also the Italian cypress is a good choice. Here is a web link to both of these trees so you can compare them. http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/ItalianCypress.htm

http://www.monrovia.com/learn/plant_catalog/detail.php?id=1423

The juniper is a little wider in spread than the Italian cypress and the cypress is a little taller in height. Either will be ok.  


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How much space should I allow for the width of the juniper and Italian cypress. I love both of these plants and this will be a tough choice for me.

Thanks
Ronelle

ANSWER: The main difference between the two is the height
The blue point juniper has a spread at maturity of about 4-5 feet and a Height: 10-14 ft
The spread is a total meaning the branches grow out from the trunk about 2-2 1/2 feet.

The Italian cypress has a spread of about 3-5 feet and a height of 40 or you can prune it to any height. Both would work in the space you have.

The side branches of both could be pruned back if needed but I think they will be ok left to grow naturally.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in San Diego and am interested in planting a row of crepe myrtles along my driveway.  I would like for them to get 20 feet'ish tall.  After researching the web, I am thinking about purchasing 6 Lipan crepe myrtle trees.  I am looking for anyone who has personal experience with this variety.  It appears that Lipan has a medium lavendar blossom and blooms for about 100 days.  It is reported to have high resistence to mildew.  Any help or advice that you could give me is appreciated.  

Ronelle

Answer
It should work find there. This Crape Myrtle variety is a great mid sized selection - not too big, not too small. Has nice attractive foliage, with lavender colored blooms from late June through mid August. One of the most distinguishing features of Lipan, is the white exfoliating bark that appears as the tree matures.





Height: 10-12 ft


Spread: 6-8 ft


Growth Rate: Moderate to fast


Hardiness Zones: 7-10


Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial light shade


Soil Preference: Average to slightly moist %26 fertile - well drained

Since they have a spread of 6-8 feet plant them more than 5 feet from the driveway or you could have problems with the limbs hitting the autos.