Question
Hi Jim,
  One more question. I have 9 feet from my concrete patio to my back fence. On the other side of this fence is a 2-story house that see's everything we do. I want to plant trees there for privacy from their windows. I asked you in a prior post about thugas, you said they should be planted 5 feet from the fence and that would take up too much of the small lawn between the patio and the fence. Do you have any suggestions on what kind of tree I can plant there that grows fast and will finally give me some privacy?

Lucinda

Answer
You might take a look at Italian cypress. The symmetry is what garden enthusiasts either like or dislike about the Italian cypress, Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'. It is too refined for most informal gardens, but excellent for formal landscapes. (I think they can add a bit of class to informality.) The strictly vertical form is ideal for bold symmetrical groups or rows that occupy minimal space. Strategically located, evenly spaced Italian cypress may be planted behind gardens and along walkways and driveways. Unless planted very closely together, they do not provide much shade. Pairs are common, but single trees are rarely seen and always seem to be lonely. Although they do not get very wide, they can grow up to 60 feet tall. The evergreen foliage is dense and deep green. Like all cypress, they tolerate drought when established.

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.

When they reach the height you want, just cut the top.

These fast growers can shoot up to 2-3 ft. a year while giving you dense foliage, soft texture and symmetrical shape.

They grow to heights of about 40 feet and widths of 3-5 feet. For a complete screen hedge would will have to plant them about 3-5 feet apart.

They are growing at the Hearst castle so they grow well in Calif. Ask your local nursery about these and other evergreen plants that have height and not very wide.