Don’s Expert Answers: I have planted 15 Pencils Pines to hide a new residence backing our entertainment area they are 300mm apart is this to close?

Question From:
Peter Wylie in Applecross, Perth Western Australia

Nature of problem:
I have planted 15 Pencils Pines to hide a new residence backing our entertainment area they are 300mm apart is this to close?

Type of Plant (if known):
Pencil Pines

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
to close?

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Sandy

How often do you water the plant:
3 times a week

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
3-4

How long since you planted it:
3 weeks

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
cow manure and potting mix

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Out

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
In the ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
none

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:

Answer:
Hi Peter, Yes it is too close. An ideal separation would be 1m apart (ie from one stem to the next). BUT, they need full sun all day; 3-4 hours is not enough for long term good performance. A sasanqua camellia hedge would be better. Don