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We had a similar problem but it wasn't just junk. Bamboo in raised beds growing 12' tall (15' above ground level due to the beds) in front of the privacy fence completely blocked it out. There are a bunch of varieties that make for a very dense hedge and don't run too fast. I will say though it's not the lowest maintenance hedge, but it's very fast growing and does an excellent job of blocking 100% of the view. It took 1 year to get established and after the second summer it had filled in the area completely to a height of over 12'.
Bamboo is a scourge. I wouldn't use it. Every week, I see a house in Portland completely overrun with bamboo. I know some varieties don't go crazy, but if you want a quick growing hedge, I imagine bamboo that works for this is the sort that takes over.
Bamboo is a scourge. I wouldn't use it. Every week, I see a house in Portland completely overrun with bamboo. I know some varieties don't go crazy, but if you want a quick growing hedge, I imagine bamboo that works for this is the sort that takes over.
Hence why it's in raised beds. Easy to keep it contained.
We had a similar problem but it wasn't just junk. Bamboo in raised beds growing 12' tall (15' above ground level due to the beds) in front of the privacy fence completely blocked it out. There are a bunch of varieties that make for a very dense hedge and don't run too fast. I will say though it's not the lowest maintenance hedge, but it's very fast growing and does an excellent job of blocking 100% of the view. It took 1 year to get established and after the second summer it had filled in the area completely to a height of over 12'.
I've been thinking of doing bamboo too. I wondered if I could get the same result without raised beds if I did a trench and a liner to control the roots. Love to see some photos!
Another vote for bamboo, but very carefully contained. We're moving soon and might want more privacy, so I've been thinking up a few options for bamboo containment, all raised off ground:
-a few of those metal horse troughs
-a custom box made out of angled aluminum and cement board
-a custom steel box, like you see at newer shipping centers, etc
We have bamboo now and its great for privacy, but it was planted by the neighbors decades ago and spreads everywhere. We had a contractor come out and dig a 2 foot deep trench and install 24" aluminum flashing around the ENTIRE yard to stop the spreading. They did not recommend the mylar plastic you can buy at HD or online.
If you plant, you need to think longterm - like 50 years and either read up or speak to a professional about containment and species. My 2 cents if you choose bamboo for privacy.
Bamboo growth depends greatly on climate. Here in N.NE it might survive and spread, but never grow tall enough to make a good privacy barrier, and dies back to the ground every winter.
Location: New Albany, Indiana (Greater Louisville)
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My rear neighbors are pretty hillbilly, lots of trash, a pit bull dog tied to a tree, and they periodically have large bon fires. Thankfully I'm upwind. I think they are a lot of the reason my house was so cheap. Seriously considering putting up a privacy fence to boast resale value.
Thanks for the pic....that looks really nice! That would work perfectly for my yard too.
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