Evergreens for privacy and snow load
Green Giant and Emerald Green arborvitae are the workhorses of Erie County privacy screens. Green Giant grows fast enough to close a fence line in a few seasons; Emerald Green stays narrow for tight side yards.
Snow load is the real risk. We space plantings so drifts have somewhere to go, and we tie multi-stem arborvitae before the first heavy December storm so the leaders do not splay.
Shrubs that take clay and shade
Much of Erie, Millcreek and Harborcreek sits on heavy clay. Boxwood, hydrangea, viburnum, spirea and yew perform well once the bed is amended and graded to shed water away from the foundation.
North-facing beds along brick homes get very little winter sun. Hostas, ferns and oakleaf hydrangea fill those spaces without looking thin.
Salt and road spray
Properties along Peach Street, Buffalo Road and the main township routes get salt spray all winter. Keep sensitive plantings back from the curb line and favor juniper, potentilla and ornamental grasses in the front strip.
When to plant in Erie
Late April through early June and again from late August into October are the two safe windows. Summer installs are possible but need watering discipline for the first six weeks.