We finally tore out 55-60' of jasmine that didn't make it post-freeze along our rear fence line.

We have homes being built behind us and were looking for something that can grow 20' or higher, spread out with privacy coverage, etc. Anyone plan full-to-ground plants and have comments?

Thanks!

We had 3 japanese blueberry trees (~15-20') along our back fence which provided a nice screen (spaced 8-10' apart). BUT they have no signs of life after the freeze. Still holding out hope, but appear to be gone.

I also have dwarf japanese blueberry; same issue - appear to be gone.

Nice shrubs, but I will likely replace with something more tolerant. Not sure.

Cherry Laurel
Japanese Yew

I thought about the Japanese yew, but read their parts are extremely toxic to dogs. We have a dog, and I've never seen him try to eat anything, but I just don't know long term.

The cherry laurel was also a strong contender, but again, I read they had some pretty

"All parts of the cherry laurel, including leaves, bark and stems, are toxic to humans. This plant produces hydrocyanic acid, or prussic acid, which can cause serious illness or death within hours of ingestion"

These are low likely scenarios, but I don't think I want to risk it with a 10 month old and a dog who can be dumb at any given point...

Based on my experience a cannot recommend Japanese blueberry trees for the Houston area. Lost 22x trees in the freeze that were planted as a privacy hedge. I am still holding out for another month hoping some might come back. Doesn't look good at all.

Dang.....ended up buying 5 and they are being planted Monday.

We've seen some around town that had some brown/burnt leaves, but still survived.

I'll cross my fingers for you! ...and us!

My two big Japanese BB took a dive but are making a comeback. Started low but moving up the trunk. They grew quickly when thriving so i think I will see how they do.

Had 4 15 footers. All died in the freeze, trunks split apart, were dead through the roots. Based on what I've heard through my landscape architect, almost every Japanese blueberry tree in Houston died or would start over from the roots.

Does anyone have an update on trees coming back? My tree took a hit during the December freeze and I have some green sprouts at the trunk, but wondering how long until fully recovered.

Mine died but for other reasons...like tenant not using our watering timer.

Though I suspect they would have been severely damaged from the ice storm

The jasmine is going strong though. I said "tore out" but we just cut it down to the ground. It keeps coming back strong

Ours came back after the 2021 freeze but took about a year. Lost it again after the Fall freeze (Houston) and it's sprouting again at the bottom but I'm a bit tired of it at this point.

My 4 that were all year plus being planted and were all 8-10 Ft tall are dead. No sprouts and all limbs snap off with ease. Love the look of them but won't be using them again as these are the second round of 4 that couldn't handle the freeze two years in a row. Will be putting in Red Maples instead this go round.

For the size you are looking for, I would strongly consider Eaglestone Holly trees. I have them 11 of them planted along back fence to provide swimming pool privacy and they have shown no signs of freeze damage whatsoever.

I'm buying 2 Eagleston Hollys Saturday for that reason! How far apart are they planted?

Mine are planted probably 7-8 feet apart and I have 2 rows of them. The back row has around 6 and the row closer to the house has 5 that are spaced in the gaps of the back row if that makes sense. That grow fast though and so I didn't really need to plant that many but they definitely provide privacy from the neighbors behind us.

When you ge them they will be shaped in a cone similar to a Christmas tree but with a longer trunk. I initially maintained that same shape but they got so big so fast that they no longer have that some shape. I've considered having someone come trim them back to that cone shape because it is pretty but just haven't gotten around to doing it and not sure it's a project I really want to tackle given the height of the trees.

Yes, can definitely picture your trees. Since they do grow so fast, think we're okay getting smaller gallon size? We don't necessarily need the height yet…neighbors to our side has tall piney trees- but they're barely green anymore so they'll come down eventually. I want to get ahead of it before we feel naked with those down.