Help!! Gardening newbie!!

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I am going to move into a new house and my backyard’s view is blocked by a neighbour’s building.I had planned to plant Evergreen emerald thuja. But, the neighbour doesn’t want me to plant trees as the roots might outgrow and affect his basement., can some one please suggest what I can plant? I live in ontario, Canada.
 
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Marck

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Hello, and welcome to the Forum.

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') is usually considered to be more a large shrub than a full-sized tree. That it would cause damage to a neighboring basement is doubtful, unless there are truly exceptional circumstances at play here.
Your neighbor may be overly worried, or s/he may really not want the plants there for another reason, such as shade or concern that his or her view will be blocked.

As for substitutes, all other shrubs of similar size will also have root systems of a similar size. Alternatives such as a trellised vine would require more effort for less height, and anyway, larges vines have large root systems too.

Ignoring, educating, or otherwise negotiating with your neighbor seem to be other options to consider.
 
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Thank you so much for the quick response Mark.
I didn’t know Green Emerald Arborvitae is a large shrub, my neighbour asked not to plant trees but not shrubs ;) I will take your advice and plant few and see what happens.
Any advice and tips on planting it? Will it survive the upcoming winter if I plant it in September end ( I live in Ontario Canada)?
Thank you
 

Marck

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Fall planting of Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' should be fine. It is reported as hardy at least to USDA Zone 4 (-30º F) if not more, so it should be fine to plant in most of Ontario, at least southern Ontario. Plant the shrubs in full sun. Have each shrub on slight mound with the soil surface gently sloping away to the dripline of the plant. After planting, mulch with a 2-3 inch layer of bark or wood chips.
 

Marck

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I look forward to hearing about your progress, and I hope your neighbor will be agreeable.
 

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