Evergreen Trees for Screens
A row of evergreen trees can provide privacy, block cold wind and help baffle traffic noise. At the beach, salt-tolerant trees are planted in groves to shield shrubs and flowers from battering wind and salt spray. Any tree planted as a shield must be vigorous and dense. And on a large lot, where you must plant many, your choice should be economical. Here are some popular, sturdy evergreens that make good screens. Consult your nurseryman about local adaptation.
Please keep in mind that different sections of the country are better suited for growing particular types of trees and plants. To address these geographical variations, the USDA uses a numerical guideline system of 'Zones' for general recommendations on what will grow best in various sections of the country. These zone numbers range from 1 to 11. Generally speaking, the higher the number the warmer the climate. The US National Arboretum has detailed information on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones.
Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica). Zones 7-9. Conifer. Best in hot, dry climates. Grows 40 to 50 feet high.
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Zones 3b-7. Conifer. Grows 40 to 70 feet high.
Cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana). Zones 7-10. Broadleaf with white flowers. Grows 20 to 25 feet high as a screen.
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Zones 3b-9. Conifer. Reaches 40 to 50 feet high.
Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii). Zones 6-8. Conifer. Grows at least 20 to 30 feet high, often higher.
Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii). Conifer. Zones 6-10 but subject to disease in warm summer climates. Grows 60 to 70 feet high.
Norway spruce (Picea abies). Conifer. Zones 3b-7. Grows 40 to 60 feet high.
Rocky mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). Zones 3b-7. Conifer. Grows 30 to 40 feet high.
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Zones 3-9 (3-7 in the east). Broadleaf. Grows 20 feet high.
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata). Zones 5-8. Conifer. Grows 50 to 70 feet high but there are many smaller varieties.
White pine (Pinus strobus). Zones 3-7. Conifer. Grows 50 to 80 feet high or more.
Keep in mind that most of the trees listed above get large and need room to spread. Spacing should be at least half the height. If insects like aphids, adelgids, scales, or beetles become problems, use Bayer Advanced™ Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate. One application applied to the roots protects the entire tree for up to 12 months.
To give your trees the right start, use Bayer Advanced™ Tree and Shrub Planting Mix Ready-To-Use (product discontinued). Its exclusive blend of organic materials improves soil structure and helps new plantings get off to a better start. Keep your trees going strong with Bayer Advanced™ Triple Action Landscape, Tree & Shrub Food Granules. It feeds at every level for up 3 months to produce heartier trees and shrubs.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Bayer Advanced
