Need help determining conifer for privacy screen

10 years ago

Hi - I was hoping i could get some recommendations based on previous experiences planting conifers for privacy. I have an apx. 30 ft. deep wooded area behind my house that provides great privacy during the spring and summer when the "junk trees" have bloomed, but in winter as you can see in the attached does not provide the privacy I would desire. I would love to plant conifers inside of this wooded area (not in my fenced in yard) in a staggered pattern making it look as natural as possible and providing protection during winter months. My initial research has led me to the Thuja Green Giant, planted 8 feet apart in two rows (the rows would be 4 feet apart). I haven't measured exactly but would need apx 6 trees.

My main concern is that the trees wont be in full sun, and when small may be less than partial sun. I am also hoping I can get advice on what would look most natural, I want to avoid it looking like a wall in 5 years, which is why I decided to plant staggered but if there is another conifer that would be better - I would love to hear suggestions. Thank you so much for your help.

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
where are you ...

is it your property you are planting on???

defining shade in words.. even with pictures is very hard ...

almost as hard as predicting how plants will react to the local circumstances ...

it really just comes down to you having to try it out ...

also consider thinning out what is there.. to increase sunlight ...

how big of transplants are you thinking???

need location for growth estimates ...

ken
Brad Morgan
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Ken. We are in Cincinnati, OH. It is not my property but we have permission to plant. I am attaching a photo of now, with the trees bloomed and you can see there is quite the canopy . I was thinking 4-5 ft transplants but open to ideas and flexible on cost. I assume as the trees get bigger they will steal sunlight but for the first few years shade is imminent in the summer. Keep in mind this picture was taken in the morning and after noon sun is behind my house so much more on this area in the afternoon, there are just the existing trees you see here that will shade the transplants until they get larger.

Willing to try whatever, just looking for some good pointers on what to try first. Thanks!!
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Bill Prescott
10 years ago
I'm in Alabama and have 1 row of Green Giants and the back row Leyland Cypress. This screen was planted to block out what you see behind my home and beside it. Growing great I might add. See post

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/3850094/green-giant-leyland-cypress-zone-8-pics?n=2
Brad Morgan thanked Bill Prescott
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
10 years ago
Plant evergreens that like shade - hemlocks grow well in shade, and will take a while to become large trees. If your soil is at least slightly acid, look at some of the larger selections of mountain laurels, a broad-leafed evergreen.

You might consider whether you want to just block the view of the house next door, or if you really want a privacy screen during the time when leaves aren't on the deciduous plants already there.
Brad Morgan thanked NHBabs z4b-5a NH