r/NorCalGardening

Image 1 — Advice needed: Front window privacy, planting near utilities
Image 2 — Advice needed: Front window privacy, planting near utilities
Image 3 — Advice needed: Front window privacy, planting near utilities
▲ 16 r/NorCalGardening+2 crossposts

Advice needed: Front window privacy, planting near utilities

Front yard is ready for a full makeover in Zone 10a. Southern exposure and the size is 19' x 12'. Headlights come from the left and pan the living room, so blocking them is a high priority. Native, drought tolerant, and low-ish maintenance is of course ideal.

The gas line (yellow) runs parallel to the sidewalk and towards the house about 30" right of the front walkway. The water line (white) about 30" to the right of the gas line is concerning because it is super shallow and has me rethinking what plants (ie root systems) I can put in the area.

I had initially thought a Toyon tree on the lefthand side would be nice, but am now rethinking due to the utility lines. Would love to put something ~12' tall in the sight line of that window. In addition, am also considering an arbor with some plants (bougainvillea in a wine barrel?) at the front of the walkway to add a sense of separation from the sidewalk.

Fabric is (probably) temporary to prevent weeds until planting begins. Still need to add a drainage solution near the foundation due to the negative grade.

TL;DR: What can I plant near my gas and water lines that can create privacy for our front window?

u/TDhotpants — 9 days ago

I got a chip drop! Q1 is this mulch too close to the plants or house? Q2 I am planning on planting dymondia (stepping stone photo) in the fall. Should I put the remaining mulch on the dirt there and delay planting the ground cover?

u/Noto_boil — 11 days ago

SF w/ some fog: Sedum as lawn replacement. Thoughts on suitability and esthetics?

Technically, I'm in Pacifica, the foggier north end.

We are looking to rehab our front lawn with something native and low-water/low-maintenance. We have a complicated slope — two fall lines running on a corner lot, fwiw.

Landscaper/gardener recommends sedum. AI (ugh) is suitable to my climate. Curious if a knowledgeable local human would agree.

Even if sedum is a great fit, I can't quite picture an entire front lawn entirely of sedum.

And — Scattered colors? Or all green?

Thanks for any input/inspiration!

reddit.com
u/BKViking — 10 days ago