QUESTION: "I own a little Cape Cod built in the 1940's. It sits on a
40 x 120 lot, which doesn't leave much space between the neighbors' houses. I'd like to have a privacy screen on the one side of the house, but there is only about 8 feet between the homes. My property line is only four feet from the wall of my house. I need the screen because the neighbor's kitchen window over their sink looks directly into my bedroom window. I always keep the blinds drawn now but it is so stuffy during nice weather and I'd like to have the option of opening the window."I've considered a fence (expensive), a trellis w/a vine (not sure what kind), or a tree or bush of some type (scary - too close to house). Is there any plant that the roots wouldn't push against the foundation if I plant it that close to my house? It is a westerly- facing wall that gets all the afternoon sun... the peony bushes that are there now love it. Thanks for any guidance you can supply." - Sue
ANSWER: In a tight space such as the one you describe, I believe your idea about a trellis and vine would be the best solution. Something that would stay green most of the year would be English Ivy. The trellis need not be too large or too expensive if you only need privacy for one or two windows and it is unlikely to be offensive to the neighbors.
QUESTION: "I recently saw your article about "Oak trees targeted by voracious caterpillars," and the same scenario happened to me two years ago. One of my oaks, around 10-15 years old, seems not to have recovered and I didn't see any leaves coming back this year or last. How do I know if it is really dead? It just looks like it now...with no leaves.
"Now another oak, close to the first one, is also missing its leaves on one third of its branches. Does that mean that it is on his way to die? I checked the trees and didn't see either fungus or ants or caterpillars. Let me know what you think I should do at that point as I would like not to lose those great oaks on my land." - Beatrice Moreland
ANSWER: This is a serious condition that is beginning to affect oaks in many areas of the country. It is not just the caterpillars and we need to treat the cause and not just the symptoms. The cause in many areas is lack of good nutrition and water. Drought causes stress to our trees. Lack of organic material in the first 10 inches of soil where the plants get their nutrients is a problem. The most important thing that needs to be done is to improve the soil and make sure the trees have adequate water. When they are healthy the insects are less likely to attack. Insects are like anything else in that they attack unhealthy or weakened plants rather than the healthy ones.
QUESTION: "I have a peony that was given to me about 5 years ago. It grows each year but has never bloomed. I moved it to a new home this year in the fall and fertilized it when I replanted it but it still won't bloom. Can I do anything to force it?" - C. Hall
ANSWER: This is something I do with wisteria. Try putting one tablespoon of Epsom salts in one gallon of water and pour around the base of the plant. It may not work this year since most have already bloomed. However, this fall after the plant goes dormant and then right before it come out in spring, try the treatment. Do not fertilize anymore since that promotes top growth but does not help it to bloom.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to snipped-for-privacy@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, or to subscribe to Steve's free e-mailed newsletter, visit