Planting Trees for Privacy
Isn't it annoying when you have to suffer a nosey neighbor peeking over the fence and into your yard while you are relaxing taking in the sunshine? Even worse is when your neighbor has the cheek to peer in through your windows. Even the most friendly of neighbors can invade the privacy of your garden by simply leaning over the fence for a short chat. Such neighbors you would not really like to offend and increasing the height of your fence could give out the impression that you do not like the person. The strategic placement of a deciduous tree in the fall is a far more subtle approach, deciduous trees lose their leaves during the winter months but in the spring the leaves will begin to grow and gradually fill out until it offers complete privacy.
It is now extremely common for folk to line the boundaries of their garden or yard with a selection of trees. One of the most popular trees is the Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii), often referred to as simply Leylandii. This tree is extremely popular as it is evergreen and very, very fast-growing (about 3-4 feet a year). Unfortunately it is so fast growing that many are unable to keep the tree under control and it soon becomes an area of dispute between neighbors.
Although many web sites insist that the Leyland Cypress is a low maintenance tree that requires little or no pruning it really does depend on where you have planted the trees! It is all well and good to have a line of Leylandii, or other trees, at the end of a long garden or between you and your neighbor if there is sufficient distance between the tree and the houses. Sadly many of us live in homes which are close together and the introduction of a privacy barrier of Leyland Cypress will be perfect for a year or two but it will very soon become invasive. Worst of all it commonly blocks light from windows so the only way to avoid this problem is to carefully maintain a suitable pruning regime which will keep the growth in check while keeping your tree healthy.
Note: If you are looking to create more privacy in your garden you may find our article about mixed hedging useful. There are similar articles listed at the bottom of this page.
Other Benefits of a Barrier of Trees
Another popular benefit of planting a row of trees around the perimeter of our garden or yard is that it acts as a natural barrier to sound. A barrier of trees can be extremely beneficial if you live near a busy road, freeway, school or shopping precinct, as it not only creates extra privacy but it can massively decrease the noise pollution from those sources.
Equally, if you have a large young family such a barrier could reduce the noise pollution that you create! It's a fair point, if you have elderly neighbors they often enjoy the sights of children playing but can easily become upset and disturbed by the constant and erratic noise. By the simple addition of a selection of trees you can vastly reduce tensions caused by noise.
Other Popular Trees
Another common tree that is growing in popularity is the Thuja Green Giant Evergreen which is native to North America and, is very fast growing and easy to relatively maintain. The hardy Thuja grows into an natural cone shape making it extremely attractive. These trees are also pretty resistant to disease and insects. They also emit a rather pleasing aroma creating a fresh and clean ambience all year round.
Crape Myrtle 'Dynamite' is rapidly becoming one of the most widely used tree in the landscape garden. This incredible blooms, in bright red giant clusters, all summer with dark green foliage with a gorgeous fiery orange fall color. Dynamite is a diverse Crape Myrtle which is suitable for use in a border as much as it is in screen. It has few demands and can grow in most soil types and can tolerate full to partial sun. Crape Myrtle 'Dynamite' grows up to 30 feet in height with a spread of around 15 feet.
For those landscape gardeners looking for a slow growing evergreen Golden Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis x leylandii 'Gold Rider') has bright gold foliage at the tips of the branches and is much slower growing than the more common Leyland Cypress mentioned above.
American Holly (Ilex opaca) can grow to become 45 ft tall and 25 ft wide but it is very slow growing and it takes well to pruning so it is pretty easy to keep the American Holly at the perfect size for your garden or yard. If you want the trees to produce berries it is necessary to have both a male and female tree.
More articles about trees & shrubs >
