What is a good tree to plant along a fence for privacy?

Question

Our neighbors apparently don't believe in blinds, and we put up a fence already, but we can still see way too much of each other :) What is a good tree to put up that will grow fairly tall without having awful roots spreading out everywhere? We have mostly clay soil, and this would be southern exposure. Thanks!

Answer 1

There are evergreens that can grow quickly including some arborvites. Just keep in mind how tall it will get, how much shade you may be adding to your yard, and that the plant will need to be hardy to your zone. How high will you have to get the trees to provide the privacy you need? Keep this in mind when shopping for them. How much do you want to spend? Places like Home Depot and Lowes carry a number of evergreens ready to plant.
Once you get your trees...keep them alive. The best time to plant trees is in the fall because they aren't actively growing new foliage/needles and the trees can put all their energy into developing their root systems. Water the roots really thoroughly the day before you plant...this is very important as it will reduce shock. Dig the hole at the same depth as the current rootball but twice as wide. Do not add lots of amendments to the soil. You need to encourage the roots to grow into their native soil. Water the trees well and often. Hoepfully the weather will help. Lastly, do not mulch up against the trunks or you will encourage diseases. Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm new to this so maybe I missed something, but I don't see a location in the question or profile, so many of the recommendations that have been given may be invalid. Most things mentioned would not grow here in zone 4. You need to know your hardiness zone if you're going to buy plants from somewhere other than a local nursery. Even then, southern-based Home Depot sends plants that do not survive Minnesota winters to sell up here. Even they don't get it. If you plant something that dies over the first cold winter, you've lost money, the plant, and most importantly, the year(s) to grow. Really and truly, the best thing to do is visit a local nursery. People that work in nurseries love plants and know your local climate and soil. If you want to order elsewhere, check davesgarden.com first. The Garden Watchdog tab is folks rating their experiences. For example, Michigan bulb company has long been know as the worst for mailing dead and dying plants or calling chunks of dirt bulbs. Also, any tree that is mailed is going to probably be 10 years from being big enough to provide privacy above a fence.

That being said, what I think would be perfect, if it would grow in the area, is a tree lilac. I have two varieties, a Japanese tree lilac in my back yard and an Ivory Silk one in my front yard. One is growing like an over-sized shrub, the other is trimmed up like a tree, you can keep them whichever way you like. I have heavy clay soil and they have grown very well. Southern exposure would be good, the more sun they get, the more beautiful blooms they have in the spring. The roots are well-behaved too - very wise to be concerned about that.

Whatever you plant, be patient. The first year a tree settles in, the second year it grows roots, the third year it grows. I've been disappointed with skimply little trees, then have them shoot up nicely in 3rd and 4th years.

Answer 3

Hi I can tell you from experience as a gardener/landscape designer not to plant a tree. First, tree roots and trunk will eventually grow outside of the property line and will be choked up against the fence -- and either the fence or the tree will eventually have to go. Finally, tree trunks aren't actually that good of a screen. The solution: shrubs. There are many many kinds of shrubs, that grow wuickly, and create a dense, brod cover. The are easier to care for longterm than trees, also. Plus, most have lovely flowering seasons. You need to consider your climate as well as sun exposure. Southern exposure may indicate that a dought tolerant plant would be best. Check the bookstore for local choices. Here in the great basin of Nevada, Lilac is often a perfect choice, or also Spyrea (which are also hardy to even the toughest soils like clay). Another thing to remember is to look for non-deciduous species - that means they will keep foliage year-round, so will provide constant privacy.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is a good tree to plant along a fence for privacy?
Our neighbors apparently don't believe in blinds, and we put up a fence already, but we can still see way too much of each other :) What is a good tree to put up that will grow fairly tall without having awful roots spreading out everywhere? We have mostly clay soil, and this would be southern...

Answer 5

Good Trees For Privacy

Answer 6

Best Tree For Privacy

Answer 7

Thuja Green Giants are a good alternative to Leyland cypress. Green giants grow about 3 to 5 feet per year, deer resistant, adapt well in any soil, just be sure to mulch in. I have 125 of them planted along all 3 sides of my property along with a shorter fence. These trees are evergreen and roots don't go all over the place as well. You can purchase at Home Depot or Lowe's or maybe even you're local nursery. Good luck!

Answer 8

Hedge fences are lines of shrubs or small trees that run along the border of a yard or garden, providing privacy, protection, and a decorative addition to an outdoor space. Many people choose to grow hedges instead of installing wooden or wire fences because the hedges blend into the fauna around them; another advantage is their height, which can reach over 15 feet (or 5 meters). Depending on how large you want your hedge to be, you can use any number of plants, from short azaleas to taller Japanese yews. Whatever your choice, your "living fence" will require regular care and maintenance in order to remain full

Answer 9

My fiance and I just planted a tree in our backyard. We chose a Crimson Maple. I understand though you have clay soil.
That does make a difference. I would like you to check out this website www.jerrybaker.com
I as well have put some others below.
Happy planting - It's not just a tree. Its a gift that will watch grow - It's an awesome feeling. :)

Answer 10

You don't state what temperature zone you are in. But Leyland Cypress is the best for a living fence.
They grow rather quickly and planted close , they will provide a very satisfactory fence.
I personally like Russian Olive but they are not as fast growing. They grow more round as opposed to straight up like the Cypress, so you can plant them farther apart.
Russian Olive is a beautiful shrub, the variegated leaves give it an unusual textural look and the sound of the wind through the leaves is very soothing.
Whatever you choose to plant, the shrubs fill in more quickly if you plant them in a staggered fashion.
Good luck

Answer 11

Depends on where you live. Go to a nursery and ask someone local about a big, tall quick growing bush to plant while that tree grows. Why don't you just take a picture and send it to them? Or knock on their door and ask them if they realize they are putting on a show and it is embarrassing when you have guests-especially guests with small children. They may not care or they may not realize. I planted all kinds of plants in front of my bathroom window and altho' I couldn't see out, apparently my neighbors could see in when I had the lights on. His wife called me and explained. I didn't think it was possible and I was so embarrassed. I became pretty good friends with her and then her husband. She passed away and I helped him straighten out his books. While I was picking up some papers, I saw the telescope. I didn't realize and I certainly hadn't been thinking. . .