One word "OLEANDER". Oleander loves Houston's soil and weather.

Plant it soon to get it established by summer and forget about it.

Standard varities get up to 20'. improves varities "dwarf salmon" get only
4'to 5'.

I planted one gallon Oleander last April that is now 4'to 6' tall. Trim tops
to promote

filling in. Oleander will bloom through the summer, and is evergreen.

Josephs nursery in Pearland is a good nursery at wholesale prices.

Go to Maas nursery in Seabrook to get ideas, great place just a bit pricey.
I always ge something.

But go to joseophs in Pearland for bulk purchases.

Good luck.

Matt

"SJE" wrote in message
...
I am soon moving into a new home in Houston, TX. Behind my 6ft wood
fence, there will soon be a 2 lane road and maybe some mild
commericial development. I am looking to plant a privacy hedge.

- Want it to be *dense* so it will block all sight and maybe dampen
noise.
- Plan to make it 8-10ft, but want it to be able to get taller if
later decide its warranted.
- Will be along a back wood fence, with a resevoir behind me. No
neighbor to worry about.
- Would like it to grow at a reasonable to quick pace.
- Want it evergreen. Houston has hot, humid summers and mild winters
(freezes occasionally, no snow).
- Needs to be hardy. I do not have a green thumb. I will keep it
watered and such, but I want something I don't have to baby along for
it to survive.
- Will be planted into clay...which is pretty much what all ground
soil is in Houston.

Does arborvitae grow well in Houston? Or any other dense cedar? Any
other suggestions? Thanks!