Blocking new construction with bamboo

Several new houses are being built behind our home. Unfortunately one was sited almost directly opposite our backyard and deck and is built as close to the property line as the ordinances allow. It feels like we are totally exposed especially when the shell of the house indicated that many windows were to be placed on two levels. There are 5 windows and a sliding glass door on the lower level and 8 windows on the second floor! I can't believe there are so many windows on the back of the house. Usually there are very few.

In any case the birches planted along the property line 2 and 3 years ago will be our first line of defense. Unfortunately there aren't very fast growing evergreens so we'll just make it up with density of planting. I've already planted 2 zelkovas, a cedrus, several other evergreens, a bald cypress, redbud and a couple of magnolias. But we still have holes and most aren't tall enough yet to block out the second floor windows so I bought some bamboos which will hopefully be evergreen or at least keep their leaves and be tall enough to provide screening.

the bamboos (I love that word) in the photo are: GIANT YELLOW STRIPE Bamboo Phyllostachys aureasulcata........30'............2"........ - 20 F
GIANT HARDY BLACK BAMBOO PLANT Phyllostachys nigra punctata......60'.....4".....-5 F RED TEMPLE Bamboo Plant Semiarundanaria fastuosa: Max Height: 25 feet Max width: 2" Def. temp. - 5 F All ordered through E-bay from the BambooBuddy vendor. The bamboos were very reasonalbly priced compared to many others and arrived in good condition in about 10 days.

I also ordered another variety from a different vendor and haven't received it yet, one with orange-yellow canes. I hope these will survive the winter. They are all running bamboo as there are only a few clumping bamboo that are cold hardy and most aren't tall enough. I will attempt to keep them contained by planting in large tubs sunk in the soil...I hope it works...wish us luck.




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