I see so many bad hedging choices made here in Los Angeles, so when our new neighbors wanted to plant a hedge, I found this article on non-traditions and perhaps better choices. — Douglas
Ficus Nitida and Ficus Benjamina are not the solution.
Whenever a client asks about installing a hedge they’re usually thinking of planting a row using Ficus Nitida (Retusa) or Benjamina. They have been Southern California’s “go to” trees for privacy hedges for decades, but there are a number of reasons to pass them by. They can be very invasive and their roots grow close to the surface, damaging sidewalks. While they grow fast, they need frequent trimming and are not drought-toelerant. They require a substantial amount of water to establish and a moderate amount once established.
What follows is information on seven excellent hedges provided by the North Park Nursery. If you’re thinking about adding a hedge and are concerned about how it will behave and how much water it will consume, here is valuable information about the best plant material for the job.
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