Question
QUESTION: Hello Jim,
   I have a 2-story house in back of me which sees everything I do in my yard. I want to plant a few pines for privacy. Is there a pine I can plant next to the fence where the roots grow straight down instead of roots that might lift up their stone wall? I'm so desperate for privacy here.

Thanks for your time Jim,

Lucinda

ANSWER: The problem with my recommending a tree is i do not know where these are to be planted--different trees grow in different parts of the world. I would suggest you go to a good tree nursery and ask their advice.

Roots will generally grow a little wider than the foliage and some trees do have root problem with lifting walkways and drives etc. The other things to consider are the width of the mature tree (if the width is 30 feet then planting next to a fence will cause the limbs on that side to rub the fence), the rate of growth (if you want a screen soon you will need a faster growing tree) Some that you might consider IF they grow where you live are Italian cypress, Thuja Green Giant.    Tall and narrow conifers like Pyramidal Arborvitaes and Hetz Junipers add height and drama to the landscape. Use these next to a tall, two or more stories, building. In the yard and garden use them as a dramatic accent when you want a sweeping up toward the sky effect. These conifers can also be effective in screening utility poles from view.

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

QUESTION: Hello Jim,
    I apologize I live in Sacramento, Calif. You are right, I need a fast grower that can be planted next to a fence without disturbing the brick wall on my neighbors side (roots).

Lucinda

Answer
I would take a look at the Italian cypress, Cupressus sempervirens. Italian Cypress trees give height to your foundation plantings without taking up a lot of room. They grow almost everywhere?require little water, and can adapt to almost any soil type you may have. They even resist smog and frost damage! Unlike most evergreens, the Italian Cypress does not grow in a pyramidal fashion. These popular new trees grow in a narrow, columnar fashion, practically reaching straight up without ever growing very wide. These fast growers can shoot up to 2-3 ft. a year while giving you dense foliage, soft texture and symmetrical shape.

Mature Height: 40 ft.  
Mature Width:  5 ft.