Expert: Jim Hyland - 6/11/2006

Question
Mr Hyland,

  I am a homeowner who's property abuts an industrial park, bank parking lot. I have full trees on my property ( ie. Oak Trees of over 100 feet ). These create a beautiful canipy of nearly full shade
during the late Spring though mid Fall. Unfortunately, the new bank removed most of the underbrush abuting their property, which gives us a clear view of the parked cars. We planted Leyland Cyprus intermixed with Nelly Stevens and Foster Holly trees last year and had them raised about  2-3 feet above the forest floor. About 3-4 of the Cyprus have died and 2 of the Foster Holly. The Nelly Stevens seem to be surviving,but have added little height. We water regularly during drought conditions ( ie. 2 x per week for 2 hours ) and added 1-2 cups of Holly Tone this Spring. Short of sacrificing our Oaks, should we switch to all Nelly Stevens eventually if the others are lost, or is there anything else you can suggest. We live in Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. We need about 8-10 feet of natural fence above the forest floor to block out the parking lot. I periodically place new top soil to cover any exposed roots and recently added wood mulch. What about coffee grounds ?

Answer
Nelly Stevens holly is a excellent choice. It wil get taller than the 8-10 feet but can be pruned to stay this height. Here is a web site that gives information on the care of this tree. As far as the coffee grounds it will not hurt or effect the trees. I would stick to normal fertilizer after a couple of years.



http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pd_647d.html