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What to use for a fence in Zone 6 (New Jersey)

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Posted by jderosa z6 NJ (My Page) on
Thu, Oct 2, 03 at 10:33

I have some experience clipping shrubs (mostly Taxus and Juniper) into shapes (spirals, pom-poms, even an animal or two), and now I need to grow a fence.

I know that the tradition is to use apples, but I'm afraid that I'll just have too much trouble with disease and squirrels (and I don't need the fruit).

I don't have a preference for flowering/non-flowering, or evergreen/deciduous. I will need something that can be kept fairly narrow (2' at most), and no more than 6' tall.
I was considering Pyracantha or holly, but I am open to suggestions. I am a bit frustrated because most of the really nice juniper varieties that I was considering are not available - they've all been espallied in the nurseries!

Anyone have some good ideas for what plant I could use?

Joe 'I just wish I had taken photos of the animals' DeRosa

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RE: What to use for a fence in Zone 6 (New Jersey)

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Check out the following for a possibility;-

Thujopsis dolabrata 'Nana'
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
Picea glauca 'Conica'
Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'

I know all mentioned plants are dwarf slow growers so I do not think height will be a problem any time soon. Will need once a year pruning back their side shoots to maintain the desired width.


Ankrara's Hobby Corner

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RE: What to use for a fence in Zone 6 (New Jersey)

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You are thinking of espalier. I like that idea, but it does take years to get a mature fence. I've seen vines being trained along a strong wire until they can start become more woody and sturdier. Perhaps wisteria which can later bring blooms to your garden. However wisteria can be aggressive and requires heavy pruning each year. Climbing hydrangea maybe?? Sorry I don't have much to offer - most of these types of planting I've seen have been limited to fruit bearing trees. It is an interesting idea though so I hope you will be successful at it.

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RE: What to use for a fence in Zone 6 (New Jersey)

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  • Posted by BoTann z8 SEof Seattle (My Page) on
    Tue, Feb 17, 04 at 11:15

I used Japanese Holly for a topiary crocagator. It makes a nice narrow hedge too. I used Illex crenata, 'Convexa', but there are other varieties that grow slower and faster. The coldest temps here have been as low as 4 degrees F. with no sign of damage. I lightly prune 3 times a year.

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