no tree.. nor conifer.. stops growing at some magical height ...

an nothing that grows to 10 feet.. in one season ... is going to stop there

ken

All I can think of is arborvitae, which isn't particularly fast.

Thank you

I guess it's more important to me that the tree grows roughly 8-12 feet tall, then being fast growing. There may not be such a tree that stays that size, but then what would be the closest choice for me?

I have been considering some arborvitaes, but there's so many to choose from, what would be the best arborvitae?

Matt

Richly colored, narrow, pointed and dense 'Smaragd' is highly popular.

over sold everywhere. .. and snow load issues if multi leadered

ken

Ken is right on! Whatever you decide to plant you will ultimately need to understand that the plant will continue to grow, Also not all plants grow at the same rate. Some plants may work for you , if you are willing to pay more $$$ for a slower growing , mature plant.

Plants have different growing requirements. A big factor in what plant to plant is the location or condition of the site. Wind, Sun vs Shade, soil ( dry vs moist) , competition from other plant roots etc. Before anyone can suggest a plant we would need to know more about your site.

However there may be alternative to planting a screen of plants next to the property line. For example - If you have a deck or patio that you are trying to screen from the neighbors, consider placing a wooden fence or a trellis covered by a fast growing , easy to prune vine. Position the wooden structure along the edge of the deck. A fence or trellis next to the patio will not need to be as high ( since you are typically sitting) as the tall screen next to the property line. Just a different way to handle privacy.

Also work with your local nursery or garden center ( not big box stores). They will know how large plants will grow in your area and at your site.

Finally, consider posting a photo - I will be easier to give advise.

Good Luck , Mike

Emerald Green arborvitae? It grows a bit more than 12', maybe 15'.

As requested, I'm posting a photo. The parameter of the lot is currently overgrown brush right now, some of which is the neighbours, so there will be some competition. The neighbours tall evergreens at southeast corner make some part shade in the corner. I believe the soil is fairly moist, a mix of dirt and clay maybe? and the lot is fairly to be protected from wind. Zone 5, Toronto.

I'm determined to eventually transform this yard into a nice private retreat with some lush woodland style gardens, so I do want to plant a screen around the whole lot.

I do get that trees don't just stop growing, that probably explains the conflicting specs I always find.

I haven't rule out Emerald Green arborvitae yet, they do seem to be popular, but I'm hoping to find something with more interesting architecture or texture or something. I don't know, we'll see.

The problem is that the majority of the trees that have interesting architecture and/or texture either want to grow very tall and do not tolerate sheering, or they are weepers, so that requirement rules out almost everything except arbs, as mentioned above. You also said you don't want something formal, and unfortunately, nearly any upright you plant there will have to (in time) either become a formal hedge or grow well beyond your height requirements.

Maybe this isn't true for everyone, but when I first got interested in trees, I always focused on conical shapes, but the weepers slowly became a strong focus, do to their versatility. For example, that spot looks like it has plenty of sun to plant something like Picea abies 'Frohburg' or 'Reflexa'. I think that would look incredible in that corner. You could train it upright o your desired height, then let it weep down.

If eastern hemlocks are still healthy in your area, you could also add interest with those. Tsuga canadensis 'Gentsch White'. Taxus cuspidata 'Capitata' is another one that would work, but... eventually you would have to sheer it into a more formal shape, as it won't ever stop growing. Finally, something like Taxus baccata 'Silver Spire' could look interesting, but will require some babysitting, as that form likely needs to be tied up during the winter, otherwise the snow load will destroy the shape.

Yew. I have heard it said, many times, that Yew is slow growing (it's not) but it is forgiving, amenable to even the most amateurish hacking (mine) and will provide a look which can be austerely geometric to wild billowing cloud-pruning...and anything in-between...as well as creating a beautiful, deep green backdrop to show off Midwinter Beauty dogwoods or the ghostly Tibetan fern-leafed rubus.

Thanks for your help.

After doing some homework on what has been suggested, I've narrowed it down to two trees: North Pole Arborvitae (Thuja Occidentalis 'Art Boe') and Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja Occidentalis 'Smaragd'). there is nothing special about their appearance, but they can be maintained to the size I'm looking for. But I have to say, I was quite intrigued by your suggestions.

What do you think would be the better choice for me?

Has anybody grown 'Art Boe'? is it slower growing Emerald Green?

Thanks

I vote Smaragd. They dont get much respect around here, but I really like them.

Have you thought about holly, andromeda, and maxi rhododendron? The will all get about 10ft. And will certainly give you a woodland look and seasonal interest, while screening out the neighborhood! Also, you can clump them in sun (hollies) or shade (other two). I was never happy with arbs for screening except the giants which get... giant! Have fun!

I think Juniperus Chinensis 'Robusta Green' would be a good candidate, but they may be hard to find in a larger size. I mail ordered some small ones from Evergreen Nursery. They are beautiful, robust indeed, and they seem like trees that could easily be pruned for height while maintaining a natural appearance. Here is a picture of Robustas used as a screen from gardenerdirect.com:

What about a relatively fast growing weeper like Picea abies 'Pendula' stake up to 10 feet, then train to form a living fence. Plant a couple and get them to grow as one over time. I've seen pictures on the web.

Visit your local garden center or nursery. Based on the plants that are for sale in your area, and available at the size needed, ask if they can create a landscape plan with a combination of evergreens and deciduous small trees or shrubs. This will give you a garden look rather than a row of similar plants. It could be all evergreens, however there are some large deciduous shrubs that provide adequate screening in the winter months. Also you may consider a new fence ( Solid panels) that would give you immediate screening - up to about 6ft high.

Finally - We all can offer many ideas on what to plant, but it really depends on what is available for sale in your area.

Hinoki cypress has unusual branching, grows to about 10 feet tall, evergreen, fills in so save money with wider spacing and fewer plants than arborvitae plus much more interesting. Really like this medium grower. could start smaller ones in pots and use at christmas with light s if wanted to or skip and straight into ground. Very small amount of pruning to prevent any cross-branching as this cypress does best with a little light and oxygen. Mine grew with morning full on sun till 1pm EST and shadier afternoon but this is not required.