What do I plant along the fence?

[jc50292]

I clean and maintain offices for a doctor. I also responsible for the mowing and landscaping. One of our offices has approximately 200 yards of fenceline that the doctor wants some sort of visual barrier up along it. What can I plant that will be low maintenance or no maintenance. I've thought about bamboo but I've never fooled with it before. Can any of you give me some direction on this? Thank you ahead of time.

[Envy Lawn Service]

Never do Bamboo... bad bad idea!

What does he want? Woody plants or some sort of climbing vine on the fence itself?

[Az Gardener]

Maybe "heavenly bamboo" Nandina domestica but not the real stuff. Nandinas get 6' or so and are little or no maintenance slow growers will take 6+ years to reach 6' -turn red when it gets cold. Other choices

Oleanders, hedge quarterly,

Photinia, probably hedge quarterly in your area.

Probably lots more that I don't know about because I'm in Phx.

How about Camellias?

Purple leaf plum trees-narrow and tall, little or no maintenance.

Surely their is a ton more.

[tiedeman]

What about larger hisbiscious plants?

[jc50292]

He just wants something we can plant out there and not have to maintain. The plum trees you mentioned...do they really produce plums? As for whether or not he wants something woody, well, he'd prefer something nice to look at over something not nice, that's all he's told me.

[jc50292]

Oh yeah, and we can't have it growing on the fence, it's not ours.

[Guthrie&Co]

if i were you i would get some books on plants. i know barnes and knobles has a great book called 'perfect plant for the perfect place' or something like that. it really breaks in down as to where plants can go. and landscape plants of the southeast is a good one as well.

[tiedeman]

what about some large arboviate. I don't know how they grow down there though

[Envy Lawn Service]

Oh OK... so how about some evergreens? They would give him what he wants year around. I'm in no way familiar with your zone, but how about some Leylands? Other members of the pine family? Hollies?

Just remember to consider the full adult size the plants will eventually mature to. This will eliminate the most common mistake in plant selection.

[Az Gardener]

Purple leaf plums rarely produce fruit and if so are few and far between. Grown for the dark purple foliage. The Hibiscus are probably a good call too but will require more maintenance than the plums or nandinas, all are freestanding no need to attach to a fence. Arborvitae are also good if you have lots of space those things get 20+ feet across the bottom, and don't plant if homeless are a problem they make nice homes in the summer.

[cclllc]

I would mix it up.Maybe throw in differant colors of crepe myrtles.

[LandscapePro]

JC,

How tall does he want the screen to get? Also, do you have a Landscape Contractor's License?

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

[jc50292]

No on the license. As for how tall, he said he just wants it high enough to hide the fence and homes from the building, maybe 10', anything higher would simply by what we call Lagniappe down here(a little extra that wasn't expected).

[LandscapePro]

jc,

I hate to break the news to ya, but without a landscape contractor's license you can't plant the fence whatever "Doc" decides.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

[o-so-n-so]

I would plant needlepoint hollies at 4' apart and 4 ' off the fence and throw in a red maple(1) or crepe myrtles(3) trees about every 40 yards. Put all in a bed and plant some variegated monkey grass irregular along edge and gold flame spirea around the trees.

[jc50292]

I'm an employee, not a contractor with him, I was told by the state that in such case I didn't need a license.

[jc50292]

osonso, I've been looking at the hollies and crepe myrtles a lot, they're in the final draft so to speak, but I hadn't considered mixing them. I like it, thank you.

[Envy Lawn Service]

I'm an employee, not a contractor with him, I was told by the state that in such case I didn't need a license.

Yeah, don't let this guy's posts bother you.

He seems to think he is the self-appointed 'Landscape Patrol' or whatever.
If you use that little tool you'll find that almost all his posts are about "Landscape Law".

:laugh:

Where's a cyber doughnut shop when you need one?

[lugnut#6]

if you go with oleanders or crepe myrtles it would probably match with the plantings in the area.i see lots of big oleanders in La.

maybe consult with a local landscape designer or ask the guys at the nursery.

landscapepro has every right to insure those in his state act according to the law.he and others spent a lot of time and money getting their education and proper licenses.i for one would hate to spend all that time and effort for nothing.

[LandscapePro]

JC,

Low maintenance, no bugs, hardy as can be... regular wax leaf ligustrum. Go with 10 gallon material and space 4 1/2 to 5 feet apart.

My point was (is) if you work for the doc and are an "employee", this project falls under the heading of "doc" doing the work on his own property. Not against the rules at all.

However, if you take care of the offices and do maintenance for "other folks around town" as well, you would need a LC's license to install the plants. Those are the rules.

Which ever is the case, you know the answer to the situation. The fines aren't cheap. So as my grandpa always said, "back your own judgment".

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

[LandscapePro]

Now, on to the next matter....

Envy,

You are entitled to your opinion, not that I place any stock in it. The number of posts under your location don't impress me any more than the number of "lawn service badges of honor" under your sig.

I'm not the "self appointed" anything around here. If you took the time to look, you noticed I've pointed out several times that "Landscape Contracting" issues very widely from state to state. It makes sense to be aware of the rules and regs in a particular state before "finding out the hard way" and paying a big fine.

It seems North Carolina will let anyone with a lawnmower and a shovel do Landscape work. That is, as long as they don't use the words "landscape contractor."

Some states let you do the work once you "pony up some cash" and pay for the title. No test...just cash. Both are fine by me......

However, the rules are very different here. Without passing the exam and paying your money to the State, you don't get to landscape for money. I didn't make the rules, but they apply to everyone.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

[Envy Lawn Service]

Look LandscapePro, obviously you are new here. Less than a month. 40-some posts, most of which are about landscape law (which no one is asking about) and appear to the reader to have been authored by someone who percieves himself as seated upon some higher perch, acting as a 'watch dog'.

I don't even work in your state or have to be concerned with your laws, yet even I find your posts smug and repetitive.

I guess for me, what it comes down to is that I have been a long time frequent reader and contributor to this site. So naturally I feel I have made a lot of friends here, as we all log on to socialize and discuss all manner of things. But here recently, I come along to read and see the repetition over and over from you.

Not that I have a personal problem with it. I can just skip over your posts or put you on my ignore list. But since you were a new member I was paying attention and trying to get an idea of what the new member had to share. But all I kept reading was the same kind of stuff. No useful input on the subject/question... but here is what I know about the law.

I guess I just took offense because to me, I caught the tone and got the impression you were talking down to my friends in an attempt to intimidate or whatever.

Anyways, after you are around here a little longer I think you will catch on to the fact that it is more productive to be proactive than reactive. What I mean is, there is nothing wrong with raising awareness about what guys 'should' do in your area. Start your own post and share your knowledge in a positive manner where it will be here for LA people to read and think about.

The point is, if you want to steer others to play by all the rules you do.... be informative, resourseful and receptive to them. Keep talking down, intimidating, and attempting to alienate them and this time next year you will still be crying the same old story.... pouting about the fact you play by all your rules and everyone else should too.


For situations like are outlined in your post, I highly highly doubt anyone is going to have a stroke over him installing a few boarder plantings and a landscape/mulch bed. Nobody will care one way or the other so long as he does a good job and doesn't install something unsightly or something that will become invasive on the neighboring property as it matures.

Yeah, I don't know what the LA laws are, but frankly it's not rocket science and with some good sound advice I'm sure he will be able to complete the job nicely. I mean it's not like it's an elevational landscape construction job with grading/excavating, erosion control, sloping, with masonry or hardscapes such as bearing retaining walls ect. That I could see.

[sheshovel]

AND not only that..if you are over eighteen..in the state of Louisiana..you do NOT need a contractors licence unless you are doing work that adds up to $50,000.00 or more for the total job..at least that's what I read on the states
Contractors Licenceing Board website.So unless he is doing a job of that amount total or more..your telling him lies about needing a licence.

[sheshovel]

AND not only THAT but when I entered LandscapePro's state contractors licence # he so proudly displays..I got 0 return for that number nada,nothing,...it peaked my curiosity because it was such a low number for a contractors licence.
Now I might be wrong about tha licence requirements..I could not get the Horticultural commitee page to come up on the site..but unless they have seperate rules.
.then the above is correct and LadscapePro is a fraud and missrepresenting himself.
I throw down the gauntlet LandscaperPro..put your money where your mouth is.

[sheshovel]

Now it might just be a fluke..and I have thrown down the gauntlet in error before and like I said,I could not get the Horticulture Committee's page to come up for me(kept saying unavailable)I would not think they have different rules for trade contractors and horticultural contractors,but that might be the case..and diff contr #'s too??
IF that is the case,then I pick the gauntlet right back up and challenge you no more

[LandscapePro]

Envy, Yes I'm new to the posting phase of this site. However, I ran across the site some time ago and have been reading posts in multiple forums for quite a while.

No, I haven't seen a specific post asking whether it's legal or not for (insert name here) to do this type of work. However, my comments have been germane in dealing with posts contained in those threads.

The "appearance of authorization" and "perception of being on a higher perch" are viewpoints to which you are entitled. You are also quite entitled to your opinion that comments posted by me are "smug" in nature.

I find it interesting you've chosen to point out your observations to me here with regard to activities taking place in Louisiana. Yet, you make no such observations to MMLawn, AGLA, or Start2Finish in the thread "I am stumped and need help" which is dealing with very similar issues and comments in the state where you live.

In reference to the first paragraph of your previous post, are you the "appointed" sergeant- at- arms? Were your comments about "Landscape Patrol" and finding a "cyber donut shop" to be taken as "smug" or "cute"? Just wondering..... To be clear, it is not your general observations or opinions that I "put no stock in". I was referring to your post #18 of this thread. What kind of "tone" was I to get from that?

As to providing JC with no "useful input", that isn't the case is it? Yes, there was some time between my post # 14 and # 20. This was due to taking a minute while at work to check the site and checking again when I got home. I wasn't leaving JC hanging at all.

Thanks for your kind advice on how to get a point across in a written forum. I have no intention of trying to steer anyone to play by the rules. However, if I can perhaps save someone a huge chunk of change by making them aware of those rules, I will.

Proactive is exactly what's happened here. Reactive would be feeling bad because someone got popped $250.00 for each one of the (insert plant name here) already in the ground when the Ag Inspector pulled up. Yes, $250.00 for "each" wouldn't be the fine in all likelihood. However, with some "hotshot" new Inspector it could be.

Sheshovel,

I have no doubt about your "throwing down the gauntlet in error before".

In your post # 23 you accuse me of being a liar with a statement that is untrue with regard to Landscape Contracting. Perhaps you sought in haste some tidbit of information to prove I didn't know what I was talking about. However, your assumption that the information found had any bearing on the issue being discussed was incorrect. It was a case of "apples" and "oranges".

Next I'm accused of misrepresentation and fraud. Both with you not having a clue as to what you're talking about and trying to play "gotcha" with irrelevant facts. Perhaps my being in this industry for over 30 years doesn't allow me to find those comments offensive. I guess those 5 lines in your sig come in handy.....

BTW, my license number is required on all correspondence pertaining to the trade.

Mike
Landscape Contractor #2576

[sheshovel]

Yes ,the fact that $50,000.00 job or more requireing a Contractors licence in LA would have bearing on the fact that the job you are refering too in this discussion is in no way close to the requirement amount necessary for this job.
Also why can't I find you listed on the site as a licenced contractor by the number that you have there?

[LandscapePro]

Sheshovel,

I'm not getting into a running *i$$in' match with you on this. Twice now, you've taken information which you "think" to be applicable with regard to JC's project and stated that information as fact. It is not.

You also don't understand why my license number isn't listed there. (That's a clue)

Check the information again and perhaps you'll see where you're wrong.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

[jc50292]

Whew...I have my own blog and I've never produced this sort of excitement! I'm trying to think of what to ask next. Forums such as these never fail to amaze me at how people from different parts of the country and world can interact with one another. That being said, thank all of you for your input. Envy, my boss really liked your ideas and it will likely be the ones we go with.
Sheshovel, thank you for what I feel is you taking up for me. I appreciate that.
LandscapePro, with the years of experience it says you have on your profile and the fact that I have no reason to doubt that you do indeed have that experience, I have no reason to not believe you. I've already been told the same things by other lawn/landscape contractors in the business and thus I do not currently bid or perform landscaping jobs. I work fulltime for the doctor and do lawncare on the side. I've simply proven to him that I'm afraid of nothing and have a knack for "figuring things out", that's why he's having me to do the planting instead of a landscaper. Thank you for your input, really.

[start2finish]

Have you thought about Wax Myrtles for the fenceline?

on a side note here, I believe Sheshovel is right, lets give our honest input to try and help each other. If you choose to point out the law to someone and they chose to disregard it, so be it. I have no idea about LA's laws and in the "Im stumped thread" pertaining to NC's laws my only intention was to set the facts straight. As for NC's General Contractor's license, there is a $30,000 threshold to requiring a license.(this is for remodeling and such) NC also made a loophole in this law for unlicensed contractors to be able to build a home for profit if they live there one year before puttiug it on the market.

If someone is performing work that is not legal in their area(state) they will have to pay the consequences if they are caught.

But I don't remember a question in this thread about if it is legal to do the job.

Guys this is a awesome forum for us to share our views and practices from many different areas. Created to HELP one another. Lets be positive!

[LandscapePro]

Start2finish,

The wax myrtles would provide a good screen in a hurry. I just think they're a pain to keep trimmed. Ligustrum would be less trouble if spaced right and left to their own. (just my opinion)

On your side note.... If you'll read this entire thread, I believe you'll see why I mentioned the "other" thread in my response to Envy and what brought that response about. It had nothing to do with the discussion per se' in the "other" thread. Only that his comments weren't being applied to situations in his own back yard so why me? I don't think you were trying to start a flame war over there at all.

My response to sheshovel was right on the money and I can assure you IS the case. There was nothing "positive" in her statements at all. In fact, she deemed me a liar and a fraud while only "thinking" she knew what she was talking about. Perhaps sheshovel will put forth the effort to see where she was wrong and apologize, but I seriously doubt it.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

[LandscapePro]

LMAO.....

JC, It won't matter. Whatever you ask, the results will follow pretty much the same pattern. You're asking a question in an open arena. The arena is filled with a very wide range of people with regard to experience, education, demeanor, and moral character. You'll have the same personalities in this arena that exist in any schoolyard. A fine example of which was someone leveling accusations based on information gathered without the proper research. You'll notice that when "called" on it there's been no further response.

I have no doubt you'll do a fine job for "doc." It wasn't my intent to bust your chops about doing the job in the first place. LOL However, you're well aware that this territory in our state belongs to Bob Odom and we both know what kind of power he throws around. Seen any new sugar mills lately?

Hope you guys are getting somewhat back to normal after Rita. At whatever point mine are "turned on" give me a PM if I can help ya out.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576

[sheshovel]

Now it might just be a fluke..and I have thrown down the gauntlet in error before and like I said,I could not get the Horticulture Committee's page to come up for me(kept saying unavailable)I would not think they have different rules for trade contractors and horticultural contractors,but that might be the case..and diff contr #'s too??
IF that is the case,then I pick the gauntlet right back up and challenge you no more

You musthave missed this then Landscape pro,I said this for a reason.

[LandscapePro]

No, I didn't miss it at all. That post reminded me of Rosanne Rossanna Danna on SNL. Where she goes into some tirade making wild accusations and assumptions, then at some point quietly says......." never mind ".

Yes, you indicated there was a "possibility" you were in error. In fact, you've hedged each of your statements with the following: "at least that's what I read" or "So unless...." or "but unless they have seperate rules" or "I would not think they have different rules, but" or "IF that's the case".

Your original statement: "AND not only that..if you are over eighteen..in the state of Louisiana..you do NOT need a contractors licence unless you are doing work that adds up to $50,000.00 or more for the total job.." was and still IS not correct. This even though it was "hedged" with "...at least that's what I read on the states Contractors Licenceing Board website." You accused me of being a Liar and a Fraud based on false information.

You took your information from a web site that has to do with "General Contracting". That Board has nothing to do with Landscaping. They deal with Electricians, Plumbers, General Contractors and the like. Only if a particular phase of a job equals $50,000.00 is one required to be licensed by that Board as a General Contractor. However, a license granted by that board doesn't mean Squat when it comes to Landscaping. That is, a General Contractor's license does not allow one to plant anything.

Landscape Contracting is controlled by a different section of State government altogether. Without a Landscape Contractor's License from "them" you can't plant so much as a petunia. Period, end of report.

Our license numbers aren't listed on ANY web site. Hell, I have to pay the State to get a list of who is current. Yea, that's a rip off but that's the way it is....

If you wish to refer to me as an idiot because we have a difference of opinion, that's fine. However, I take issue when called a Liar and a Fraud under any circumstance. Hedging the accusations while not having the facts, doesn't them any less wrong.

Perhaps you'll take the time to actually locate the facts prior to making these types of accusations against someone else.

Here's your gauntlet, I won't bother you with any further discussion. Thank you for your time.

Mike
La. Landscape Contractor #2576