Grow Trees and Shrubs as Privacy Screens

There are several benefits to having a privacy hedge or screen. First, it offers you separation from neighbors and street traffic. It also shields unsightly areas around your property from view. Living privacy screens also act as a sound barrier to reduce noise. Finally, the plants can create a helpful barrier during harsh weather like wind or storms.

Choose plants based on the mature size of the plant, not the size of the container you see in the Garden Center. Mature size includes the width as well as the height. Width is a very important consideration where property lines are involved. In order to avoid the stress of having a hedge or tree that encroaches on a neighboring property, plant accordingly. Height is important when screening undesirable views — even from second stories — but use caution. A moderately sized shade tree could grow to a mature size that would endanger the house.

For hedging, you want to plant shrubs a little closer together than you would otherwise. Be very careful not to crowd the plants. Overcrowding them will cause the plants to suffer, perhaps to the point of having to remove them and start over. Planting without enough space between shrubs can stop air and sunlight from reaching all of your shrubbery and cause the lower sections to become brown and brittle, eventually causing the plants to die.

Screening shrubs, trees or a combination of both are the types of plants you’ll need. Look at the growth rate when shopping. While waiting for your plants to develop, think about filling in the gaps between them with taller perennials, ornamental grasses or rose varieties such as shrub, hedge, climber or rambler. After the permanent hedge starts to fill in, you can move the temporary plants to another location. Plant in layers or stagger the plantings to allow eventual coverage. You could also buy a mature plant. Larger plants cost more but provide immediate coverage.

Remember that deciduous plants lose their leaves when dormant. Broadleaf evergreens and coniferous evergreens will retain leaves and color all year. Evergreens may be a better choice than deciduous shrubs if you’re looking for foliage year-round.

Here are some common hedge materials and their uses.

• You can prune boxwoods and privet to hedge form, but they require maintenance to keep a neat appearance.
• Use Norway and Colorado blue spruce as effective windbreak trees.
• For a fragrant hedge, try mock orange, lilac, sweet olive or some varieties of holly.