Hey everyone! I'm looking for some tips on how to deal with my neighbor's junkyard that's really ruining my peaceful garden vibe. My hedge used to be a great barrier between my yard and their clutter of six broken-down cars and overall mess. Unfortunately, the hedge is aging, with some sections thinning out, and I'm debating whether to try to revive it or just replace it altogether. I want something that's private, low-maintenance, and even a bit tropical since I'm in California (Zone 9b). Have any of you faced a similar situation? What did you do? I'm open to ideas like reinforcing the hedge or maybe installing a fence with plants. I'd love to see pictures or hear about your experiences!
2 Answers
Have you considered planting azaleas? They can grow up to six feet tall and provide a nice, colorful cover. I've had my share of hassles with a messy neighbor, and trust me, azaleas could help block the view while keeping your yard looking good!
It sounds like you might just need to prune it back a bit. If you can check closely, see if there are just a few dead branches. From what you've described, it seems like there's still some new growth at the bottom. I've had success with similar hedges by trimming off the dead parts and giving it some time to fill back in, but I totally get the concern about looking at the mess in the meantime.
Yeah, that's the tricky part! If you cut back the dead stuff now, you might have to deal with the view for a little while, but hopefully, it’ll grow back nicely!