Pencil pines. Very popular in the 80s. They are almost always planted in rows and tend to give a very formal look to the garden, if that’s your thing. Low maintenance
They are prone to a disease, which has put them out of favour as you can end up with a weird looking hedge when one dies in the middle. Otherwise great plant due to their density and fast growth.
Specifically they get a fungal disease, you may see it occurred when a section of a pencil pine has died off as you drive around.
Its really luck of the draw whether you get it, but it can be really demoralising if you are left with a big hole in your hedge after 20 years of work. Im still a fan of them, as there is really no suitable alternative to some of the cypress species in terms of height, density and speed of growth.
Many people opt for some of the tall lily pily varieties now as there is no real chance of dying.
I love them. Planted quite a few. They are great when you don't want anything to grow around their base. They also tend to keep their shame with minimal supervision.
Except they generally look like poors man Tuscany in Australia. Our soil is different and most of Australia has a different climate. Even our grass colour and atmospheric colours are different. It never looks like Tuscany. To me it always looks like a homesick copy.
I have 4, in the front yard, in a row along the boundary in Queensland.
They grow great, will adapt to a wide range of soils, don't require any maintenance, and from what I've read their roots are not invasive.
They are neat, tidy and give a formal look. I'm very happy with them. One benefit is they grow straight up, so you don't have to be worried it's going to grow over onto a neighbours yard, or drop leaves in their yard.
I specifically have Cupressus Sempervirens, but there are many types.
What are your concerns exactly?
Sounds like exactly what I want but personally my concern is that they could grow too tall? I’ve heard they can get to crazy heights and I don’t think I want it more than like 10 feet
They definitely grow to be more than 10ft tall, Cupressus Sempervirens are typically 8m to 10m tall.
You can always just cut them out altogether when they get too tall. But don't try to trim them when they are growing, they are ment to be just left to grow.
They will take like 10 years to get to a height of about 10m so you have plenty of time.
If you want something that stays shorter I believe there are some species of Juniperus, that only grow to say 4m tall.
I have never planted them. But would say I think they look depressing and out of place in 98% of the Australian gardens/property boundaries and drive ways that I have seen them.
To me they add nothing, don’t offer food for native animals or shade for humans. Nothing grows well under them and unless they are religiously watered and fed they generally look sub par. Like a grand idea was there, but the plant and the property owners gave up before it ever came to fruition.
But that is just my take. They seem beautiful in Europe though.
I have three in the garden (came with the house) and birds use them all the time. Also, smaller critters sometimes use the e bottom for shade. And they keep shade for the neighbours garage, so that’s a plus for them I guess.
I also think they’re ugly, but at least they’re functional for animals. More than you’re giving credit for. But less than, say, a banksia.
The birds don’t eat the seed?
The cockatoos love the ones in my uncles yard I always assumed they where eating.
Agreed on your sentiment though I’m not a fan.
Yet in Europe they look beautiful and almost luscious. I just don’t think they suit our soil or much of our landscape and climate. There are only a couple of towns in Australia I have seen them look healthy.
Never planted them myself, but looked after many gardens with them. I noticed most had patches that had died for whatever reason in the past. I'd cut them out, but no new growth would replace the removed sections. So they all ended up with gaping big holes in them. I think they look great if they match the theme of the garden and are watered well to prevent the dead sections, but I wouldn't plant them.
Some black cockatoos are on the endangered lists and need more habitat & food to survive.
Also, having experienced white cockatoos chew my window frames I would much rather be feeding the black cockatoos.
I had 4 in the garden that did well for about 6 or 7 years then one by one they all had a slow death. Starts with one random branch dying and then it slowly creeps through the whole tree.
We planted some. They lasted about 10 years before they got diseased and had to be cut down. I’m researching local/ native Australian plants that are more suited to the soil and climate.
If you want something similar in growth form you could try one of the native Callitris species (aka Cypress Pine). Depending on your location and soil type/conditions etc they might be suitable.
I love them, but not in a row in case you get a fussy one.
They provided shade for my other plants quickly in a very sunny garden where I started from scratch.
They don't need anything and don't bother anyone.
Full disclosure though, my family is Austrian/Slovenian and they're important to us.
We have about 20 of these in our garden. They were planted before we bought the house and are very tall. They’re on the western side so they provide good shade and privacy from the two story house next door, but you can’t grow anything underneath them and they drop a lot of needles. I’m thinking about removing them and planting something else but hate the thought of starting over again.
They are good for screening in tight areas, as they don't branch out and stay quite thin, good for along the side of the house. You can trim them for a very formal look, but they're very monotone/bland, with no flowers or contrasting colours. But if that's your thing, go nuts.
Make sure it's not near any underground pipes. I had one travel 30m upstream in my stormwater drain, took a lot of digging after realising the jet washer wasn't going to cut it.
Otherwise the only other inconvenience would be the balls they drop everywhere.
Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean cypress (also known as Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress, or pencil pine).
Nice trees. Great possum homes.
Not for me personally but our neighbours have an established set either side of a very long driveway. They’re always full of birds, which I personally appreciate. I see him out there maybe twice a year for a trim (far less often than our laurestine hedges need). If you like them they’re tried and tested, long lived and predictable which is great until you lose one.
My parents built their house in 1992 and planted 2 of these on either side of the entrance to the driveway. They are now HUGE and are almost forming a canopy at the top. I think they look really nice and have a very regal feel to it, suits their house as it’s an acre in the country. No problems with these ones.
Their neighbours planted many of these in a line along the common fence line as well, it was a very effective screening tool but blocked out a lot of natural light. My parents and the neighbours used to pay half each to have them professionally trimmed as the height became unmanageable for the average gardener. The cats used to love climbing in them as well. Now they’ve all been ripped out and there’s an ugly Colourbond fence I get to stare at whenever I visit.
Verdict - I would plant them again in my own garden if I had the space. I really like them but i tried to offer a neutral perspective on them. Reading some of the other comments, my parents didn’t have anything much growing near them so I can’t offer any insight as to whether there was an issue with other plants in proximity struggling.
I love them. I’ve got 3 in my front yard. One right in front of the view into my neighbours bedroom window (he’s not a fan of us so it’s actually great), one blocking the view of the power pole out the front and another that is just to give some height in amongst some low bushes and herbaceous plants. My garden is very cottagey and they and the buxus plants (and some grass) are what gives some structure to the otherwise scrambly wild growth everywhere.
They grow big, even topped it will still be over 2 stories given enough time
They also get bushy, the trunks on my parents are easily bigger then a basket ball
They drop needles and are waxy and slow to break down and I suspect release that toxin like ferns and gumtrees so other species wont grow
Id use them in the case of the pic you posted, on a 1/4acre block, i wouldnt
Our rental has ONE and it's super tall and I absolutely wish the landlords removed it years ago. Ugly thing. Only thing it's very good for is because it sheds a lot, the soil around it has a nice covering of dead leaves that the native plants seem to really appreciate!
We have them… they’re OK. (Didn’t plant them ourselves.) Cockies love the nuts and we have to deal with [this kind of nonsense](https://imgur.com/a/zq9LhCd) a few times a year.
Lots of needles and the seeds attract white cockatoos if that's your thing. They look wicked bordering both sides of long driveways and that's about it.
They are nice but don’t let them grow too big as hard to remove later if want to. My neighbour had a few close to the fence and they kept on dropping leaves all over my driveway and they were nice enough to remove them but got so big so if you want them, keep them trimmed.
I have 9 of these on my property and would not recommend. They regularly drop long branches (6 ft plus) which are very annoying to cut up to fit in the bin. There is a lot of needle debris as well.
I’ve planted 7 along my fence driveway. about 1 and a half feet at the moment. looking nice. But i don’t understand them. I just want them to grow high not turn into a hedge 🥹 Will that only happen if i cut the top of the them ?
Go native! Do your bit to help rehabilitate the habitat that's been lost. Bird and bees etc will all love you, as will the soil, and a native will likely be much easier to grow.
If they're not providing atmosphere conditions, bringing rain and clean air, they are not worth planting in certain areas, perhaps as decoration for homes, hotels etc
Pencil pines. Very popular in the 80s. They are almost always planted in rows and tend to give a very formal look to the garden, if that’s your thing. Low maintenance
They are prone to a disease, which has put them out of favour as you can end up with a weird looking hedge when one dies in the middle. Otherwise great plant due to their density and fast growth.
I’ve found them to be pretty disease resistant. I think plant fashions have more to do with them disappearing from gardens nowadays
Specifically they get a fungal disease, you may see it occurred when a section of a pencil pine has died off as you drive around. Its really luck of the draw whether you get it, but it can be really demoralising if you are left with a big hole in your hedge after 20 years of work. Im still a fan of them, as there is really no suitable alternative to some of the cypress species in terms of height, density and speed of growth. Many people opt for some of the tall lily pily varieties now as there is no real chance of dying.
formal with a hint of 'model train set'
I love them. Planted quite a few. They are great when you don't want anything to grow around their base. They also tend to keep their shame with minimal supervision.
Haha, great typo.
If a tree could look like a decade, these definitely look like the 70s and 80s.
That is a good point haha Lots of 70s houses have these. And a lot of Italian Nonna's homes lol ♥️
It’s a very Tuscan look.
Except they generally look like poors man Tuscany in Australia. Our soil is different and most of Australia has a different climate. Even our grass colour and atmospheric colours are different. It never looks like Tuscany. To me it always looks like a homesick copy.
Italian looking trees
I’d line a driveway with silver birch or something personally. I fucking hate Cyprus/connfiers
Yeah. And Lilly Pilly’s.
I have 4, in the front yard, in a row along the boundary in Queensland. They grow great, will adapt to a wide range of soils, don't require any maintenance, and from what I've read their roots are not invasive. They are neat, tidy and give a formal look. I'm very happy with them. One benefit is they grow straight up, so you don't have to be worried it's going to grow over onto a neighbours yard, or drop leaves in their yard. I specifically have Cupressus Sempervirens, but there are many types. What are your concerns exactly?
Sounds like exactly what I want but personally my concern is that they could grow too tall? I’ve heard they can get to crazy heights and I don’t think I want it more than like 10 feet
They definitely grow to be more than 10ft tall, Cupressus Sempervirens are typically 8m to 10m tall. You can always just cut them out altogether when they get too tall. But don't try to trim them when they are growing, they are ment to be just left to grow. They will take like 10 years to get to a height of about 10m so you have plenty of time. If you want something that stays shorter I believe there are some species of Juniperus, that only grow to say 4m tall.
I have never planted them. But would say I think they look depressing and out of place in 98% of the Australian gardens/property boundaries and drive ways that I have seen them. To me they add nothing, don’t offer food for native animals or shade for humans. Nothing grows well under them and unless they are religiously watered and fed they generally look sub par. Like a grand idea was there, but the plant and the property owners gave up before it ever came to fruition. But that is just my take. They seem beautiful in Europe though.
I have three in the garden (came with the house) and birds use them all the time. Also, smaller critters sometimes use the e bottom for shade. And they keep shade for the neighbours garage, so that’s a plus for them I guess. I also think they’re ugly, but at least they’re functional for animals. More than you’re giving credit for. But less than, say, a banksia.
The birds don’t eat the seed? The cockatoos love the ones in my uncles yard I always assumed they where eating. Agreed on your sentiment though I’m not a fan.
We had cockatoos that would come and feed on them, they'd spend ages stripping off the seed and eating them.
Yes indeed cockatoos and galahs love the small cones.
Cockatoos definitely eat the nuts. [Here’s the mess they left behind this week at our place.](https://imgur.com/a/zq9LhCd)
Ahh. Cockys! I was thinking of birds and butterflies that need a nectar. Cocky’s are insanely vociferous and are absolute brats. They make me laugh.
I agree, we have some which I can’t wait to cut down. They are so scraggly.
I have a strong dislike of these plants. They just never look right
Yet in Europe they look beautiful and almost luscious. I just don’t think they suit our soil or much of our landscape and climate. There are only a couple of towns in Australia I have seen them look healthy.
They're uncomfortable to sit on.
This "problem" is subjective.
Never planted them myself, but looked after many gardens with them. I noticed most had patches that had died for whatever reason in the past. I'd cut them out, but no new growth would replace the removed sections. So they all ended up with gaping big holes in them. I think they look great if they match the theme of the garden and are watered well to prevent the dead sections, but I wouldn't plant them.
Plant native Calitrus sp that are local to your area, similar type of tree, nicer in my opinion, adapted to the climate and food for black cockatoos.
Some black cockatoos are on the endangered lists and need more habitat & food to survive. Also, having experienced white cockatoos chew my window frames I would much rather be feeding the black cockatoos.
I had 4 in the garden that did well for about 6 or 7 years then one by one they all had a slow death. Starts with one random branch dying and then it slowly creeps through the whole tree.
We planted some. They lasted about 10 years before they got diseased and had to be cut down. I’m researching local/ native Australian plants that are more suited to the soil and climate.
Callitris and Casuarina genuses are probably a good place to start.
If you want something similar in growth form you could try one of the native Callitris species (aka Cypress Pine). Depending on your location and soil type/conditions etc they might be suitable.
I love them, but not in a row in case you get a fussy one. They provided shade for my other plants quickly in a very sunny garden where I started from scratch. They don't need anything and don't bother anyone. Full disclosure though, my family is Austrian/Slovenian and they're important to us.
My husband wanted them. They’re unstable in wind so ive had to stake them which looks ridiculous
We have about 20 of these in our garden. They were planted before we bought the house and are very tall. They’re on the western side so they provide good shade and privacy from the two story house next door, but you can’t grow anything underneath them and they drop a lot of needles. I’m thinking about removing them and planting something else but hate the thought of starting over again.
They are good for screening in tight areas, as they don't branch out and stay quite thin, good for along the side of the house. You can trim them for a very formal look, but they're very monotone/bland, with no flowers or contrasting colours. But if that's your thing, go nuts.
Make sure it's not near any underground pipes. I had one travel 30m upstream in my stormwater drain, took a lot of digging after realising the jet washer wasn't going to cut it. Otherwise the only other inconvenience would be the balls they drop everywhere.
Not a fan. Attracted pests, cut out sunlight, cut down. Planted deciduous trees instead to maximize winter sun.
Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean cypress (also known as Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress, or pencil pine). Nice trees. Great possum homes.
Have a look at Indian Mast trees. They grow in a similar fashion but the leaves point down. They’re quite interesting
Not for me personally but our neighbours have an established set either side of a very long driveway. They’re always full of birds, which I personally appreciate. I see him out there maybe twice a year for a trim (far less often than our laurestine hedges need). If you like them they’re tried and tested, long lived and predictable which is great until you lose one.
I love them. They are very good for a Mediterranean-styled garden and not only that. Alas, not good for our winters.
I think the future you will thank you
Good tree for cemeteries. That’s about it.
My parents built their house in 1992 and planted 2 of these on either side of the entrance to the driveway. They are now HUGE and are almost forming a canopy at the top. I think they look really nice and have a very regal feel to it, suits their house as it’s an acre in the country. No problems with these ones. Their neighbours planted many of these in a line along the common fence line as well, it was a very effective screening tool but blocked out a lot of natural light. My parents and the neighbours used to pay half each to have them professionally trimmed as the height became unmanageable for the average gardener. The cats used to love climbing in them as well. Now they’ve all been ripped out and there’s an ugly Colourbond fence I get to stare at whenever I visit. Verdict - I would plant them again in my own garden if I had the space. I really like them but i tried to offer a neutral perspective on them. Reading some of the other comments, my parents didn’t have anything much growing near them so I can’t offer any insight as to whether there was an issue with other plants in proximity struggling.
I love them. I’ve got 3 in my front yard. One right in front of the view into my neighbours bedroom window (he’s not a fan of us so it’s actually great), one blocking the view of the power pole out the front and another that is just to give some height in amongst some low bushes and herbaceous plants. My garden is very cottagey and they and the buxus plants (and some grass) are what gives some structure to the otherwise scrambly wild growth everywhere.
They can grow quite tall over time. We chopped ours out as they were getting way too big for the space we had.
I created privacy screens with these, very pleased with results.
They grow big, even topped it will still be over 2 stories given enough time They also get bushy, the trunks on my parents are easily bigger then a basket ball They drop needles and are waxy and slow to break down and I suspect release that toxin like ferns and gumtrees so other species wont grow Id use them in the case of the pic you posted, on a 1/4acre block, i wouldnt
My dad had a few of these lining his driveway; all but one got a “hole in the foliage” at one point or another, then died off…
Yes and no. They need to be protected from strong winds.
They burn like kero even green due to the volatile oil in it, and no undergrowth. The pine leaves kill n prevent any undergrowth.
Cockatoos will love you.
Our rental has ONE and it's super tall and I absolutely wish the landlords removed it years ago. Ugly thing. Only thing it's very good for is because it sheds a lot, the soil around it has a nice covering of dead leaves that the native plants seem to really appreciate!
We have them… they’re OK. (Didn’t plant them ourselves.) Cockies love the nuts and we have to deal with [this kind of nonsense](https://imgur.com/a/zq9LhCd) a few times a year.
Lots of needles and the seeds attract white cockatoos if that's your thing. They look wicked bordering both sides of long driveways and that's about it.
I don’t have one and not planting to have them . Just don’t like the look of them. Also how does one prune them
Lot of them in Canberra and they seem to do well. I like them.
They are nice but don’t let them grow too big as hard to remove later if want to. My neighbour had a few close to the fence and they kept on dropping leaves all over my driveway and they were nice enough to remove them but got so big so if you want them, keep them trimmed.
I have 9 of these on my property and would not recommend. They regularly drop long branches (6 ft plus) which are very annoying to cut up to fit in the bin. There is a lot of needle debris as well.
Fine on a decent piece of land but by heck do they keep growing. We had 7 in our front yard and now all are gone. 20 years we kept them.
I’ve planted 7 along my fence driveway. about 1 and a half feet at the moment. looking nice. But i don’t understand them. I just want them to grow high not turn into a hedge 🥹 Will that only happen if i cut the top of the them ?
Not being poplars yet exhibiting same habit, these Cypress are compact external leafing varieties.
Ugh my wife, hate them
I hate them. Nothing grows near them, the cockatoos are always screeching in them and they often seem to be a sign of an ahole neighbour.
Go native! Do your bit to help rehabilitate the habitat that's been lost. Bird and bees etc will all love you, as will the soil, and a native will likely be much easier to grow.
Like I said, I've planted a ton of natives and all from this year already. I just want something different now.
What’s a native alternative? Need something slim and tall for privacy
Better of finding local native trees, and or a blend of native fruit trees
Like watching paint dry to grow
Would not recommend, strongly.
If they're not providing atmosphere conditions, bringing rain and clean air, they are not worth planting in certain areas, perhaps as decoration for homes, hotels etc