We just bought a house that backs onto a neighbour who has a row of deciduous trees all along the back of their lot (50 ft). The previous owner of our house cut off all of the white cedars that had died due to insufficient sunlight. Once the neighbours trees get their leaves, most of the sunlight can't get to our property. We would like to a) remove the cedar stumps and roots, and b) plant an evergreen hedge to hide the neighbour's unsightly yard all year round. Any suggestions? We'd like something that grows at least 10 feet high. Someone suggested Emerald Cedars, but don't they require more sun? The hedge might get 2 hrs sun per day. We're in zone 5 in Ontario. Is this the impossible dream??? Thanks!
Shade Tolerant Hedging material; Ilex aquifolium (holy) maybe an option. Reaches 40' T but if you're edging, that wouldn't be a problem or Laurel nobilis 12-40' tall and wide. Berberis (barberry) B. darwinii also known as Darwin Barberry is most common for hedging, especially if you want to keep deer out as well. 5-10' T and 4-7' W. Photinia X fraseri. 10-15' T and W. Aurea Compacta also known as Everets Golden Hemlock grows 8-10 H Additionally here is a useful link that covers Shade Tolerant Trees and Shrubs. There may be something there that you would find to be just what you are looking for. Although removing cedar stumps and roots can be a rather daunting task, your project is doable so your dream is achievable.
