Best type of tree for providing privacy?


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Old 11-09-16, 11:43 AM
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Best type of tree for providing privacy?

I'm in the process of removing a bunch of pine trees from my property. I want to replace with something that is no needle-based tress. My question is, what type of trees will provide me with some if not most privacy? If possible, I prefer trees that are no taller than 12-18 feet when full grown.
 
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Old 11-09-16, 12:12 PM
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So you want deciduous and not coniferous? What do you consider privacy, since these would be bare six months a year?
 
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Old 11-09-16, 05:58 PM
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Think about where you'll be planting, that is drainage and sunlight. These may constrain you.

Then, the issues are growth rate and spread. In other words, a tree that provides incredible privacy but grows only 3" a year may not be what you want.

Finally, you probably want year-round coverage so avoid trees that loose their leaves - deciduous.

I think laurels, particularly English Laurel may be what you want. They grow to 20' but can easily be maintained at 18' or something less with a trimmer. (There are trimmers on poles or you can get a ladder.) Best, of all though, they grow an incredible 2 feet a year (including width) and you plant them 4-5' on center so you'll have privacy in no time.

Check when to plant in your area. Wisconsin may be a problem in terms of USDA zones , so check with your garden center.
 

Last edited by Tony P.; 11-09-16 at 06:19 PM.
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Old 11-10-16, 05:28 AM
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Thank you for the responses. Yes, I realized that during when fall and winter the trees will be bare. However, I'm probably not going to be outside that much during this time. I am not looking for a total privacy like a fence or wall but just some nice trees that perhaps can provide me like 25-50 percent of privacy. I would be happy with that.
 
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Old 11-10-16, 05:37 AM
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I would imagine a bush would provide better privacy than most trees... like a thick row of lilacs or Red Twig Dogwood.
 
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Old 11-10-16, 05:43 AM
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Looks like English Laurel is usually grown as a bush. So both Tony P and Xsleeper seem to be on the same page.
 
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Old 11-10-16, 06:10 AM
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Thank you for the suggestion. Do lilac flowers all summer long? Just curious. Any other trees that will flower in spring and no taller than 10-12 feet tall? I'm also considering that too as I'm also thinking about redoing the landscape.
 
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Old 11-10-16, 06:12 AM
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Lilacs flower in spring only. In your area maybe May-early June. Flowering crabs are often used in landscaping, but not as privacy. Look into fruitless varieties if you don't like the mess. They usually stay under 18' and have a nice oval / eliptical shape..
 
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Old 11-10-16, 06:46 AM
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Awesome, thank you for all the suggestions.
 
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Old 11-20-16, 10:28 AM
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How about clumping (not running) bamboo...? There could be some that can take WI winters. They grow fast and get 10 x 10 in 5 years. (At least in southern OR)
 
 

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