Replacing junipers

Advice, please. I've been so happy with these junipers. For about 10 years they were very healthy and robust, and I felt they really "anchored" that side of the house. I had daturas, big fig bush and hardy, dinnerplate size hibiscus on that side, too. They started a down turn about three years ago, and bottom line is we've already cut down one, and the other is history as soon as my dh gets past this tax season (yep, he's an accountant). The master gardener at Lowes said he'd never have a juniper, since they were prone to fungus and some other reasons, too (thanks, I got them from you guys). I don't know if he's against all junipers or just this kind. Anyway, I'm at a loss as to what to plant there. I want evergreen and fast growing and tall, about like the junipers. Any ideas?

How about a Cherry Laurel? Or Loquat tree? Both evergreen.

Well, I have no idea what they look like, but I'll try to find pics tonight. I see you're in Austin. Will these trees do well here. It's hot and dry. Yes, I do water, but I think that was probably part of the problem--not getting enough water to them. The junipers must have pretty shallow roots, as the one tree remaining is leaning way forward from the weight of our BIG snow this year.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Teehee Lowes. They're not maybe the most consistent source of garden info...

Sometimes "fast-growing" and "tolerates hot and dry" don't go together. Could one possibility be a transition plan? Something fast to get the coverage, maybe even a trellised vine, and then something slower for the long term?

A lot of things struggled with the drought last year, so I'm not sure just that would be enough to put you off junipers. One thing you can do, since you're starting over, is work on the soil some more - dig and amend and such. Sometimes that close to the house the dirt is pretty mingled up with odds and ends from construction, and might not really be the soil you're expecting for your area. Maybe even it's worthwhile to get a soil test. (You may not be spending a super lot of money on the new plants, but there's your time to plant them and especially the several years that go by as they're getting established.) You might also want to plan in a little drip irrigation system for that bed.

I'm a big fan of native holly, so I'd probably go with yaupon and possumhaw for the green backdrop, but also some small ornamental tree. Eve's necklace, maybe? Or just your basic redbud. Prune the tree up so that it's above the holly (and also getting you a little shade on that roof in the summer). There are some good adapted hollies, too - Nellie R. Stevens is the one they always recomend down here, but I'm not sure if that's the right one for you. I don't think you have to have something as dense as the juniper, since you're not trying to use as a screen, you've got the solid wall behind it.


It's an interesting opportunity. The big shrub, like you say, anchors that end of the house and shows off the flowers or such in front.

This message was edited Apr 14, 2010 7:55 PM

Thanks for your comments. I think the irrigation system for trees is crucial. They take so much more water than the smaller shrubs and bedding plants. I'm also concerned about them being so close to the foundation. I sure don't want any root interference there. I'll check out your recommendations and consider.

Syb

Syb-

You are a busy gardener! Wax myrtle is the toughest, fastest growing, deer resistant tree I know of. I had them at my home in Austin. They are impervious to pests and disease and attract small birds and butterflies. Now, I have them here in Conroe where the moisture and soil are very different but they do well here, also.

Regular sized and dwarf are both equally good. It can be trimmed into a small tree (interesting trunk) or left as a bush.

It is evergreen but not showy - just very functional. No special care is necessary. The fertilizer you use for your lawn is satisfactory.

Don't work so hard or stay out so long that you get heat stroke. It can sneak up on you and it's no fun!