I am creating a screen or hedge and bought 6, 10 gallon plants. How close can I plant these together? The tag says 8 feet apart, but that will take a few years to fill in wouldn't it. I am looking for privacy with these plants.

I plan to put 5 in row about 3 feet apart, depending on the first questions answer, and have one at a 90 degree angle to the last one in the row. With plants that close to form a corner would I be choking them.

Any other planting tips to ensure sucess?

Any help would be great. This is the last step on my landscape plans for this year.