By Rachel Houston
My husband, Kenneth, recently planted two types of evergreen trees that provide privacy and serve as a windbreak. I chose them due to their shape and fast growth.
The first is the Green Giant Arborvitae – Thuja standishii x plicata and the second tree is the Leyland Cypress – Cupressocyparis leylandii.
The Green Giant Arborvitae is a hybrid coniferous pyramidal evergreen that will live about 40 years. It grows well in Zones 5-8, prefers full sun, and grows about 3’- 5’ per year while young, reaching up to 100’ tall by 20’ wide. It is tolerant to heat, humidity, drought, cold, and wind, and is deer resistant. I fertilize it with a balanced general fertilizer 10-10-10 in spring.
The Leyland Cypress is also a hybrid coniferous pyramidal evergreen also known as the landscape Christmas tree. It will live up to 50 years as a tree and 25 years as a hedge. It grows well in Zones 6-10, prefers full sun, and a soil condition of 6 PH. It grows about 3’ per year while young, reaching up to 70’ tall by 15’ wide. It is heat and drought-tolerant. I fertilize with a 10-10-10 in early spring, but it’s not required.
When planting these trees make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with the soil you removed – do not add any amendments. Make sure the soil around the tree is level with the surrounding area.
In a few years, we will have a lush natural green privacy fence that adds interest and texture to our yard. These trees can be pruned and shaped, but the location we planted them allows for full growth.
Master Gardener, Rachel Houston, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, 501-623-6841 or adykes@uaex.edu.
