Need transition ideas from tall shrubs such as leyland cyprus along a property line (growing, trees)

[dmwlakewylie]

Hi - we have just built a home between 2 other homes. We would like some privacy with plants, but not something rigid such as a row of leylands down each side of the property. On each side of the yard I would like something tall like leylands, maybe for 20 feet, but on either side of the leylands I would like to transition into shorter trees/shrubs so it does not look like a formal wall. Has anyone done a row of greenery down their property lines and achieved a more natural look? I am in the piedmont of North Carolina, there is about 15 feet between the side of my house and the property line and one side gets southern sun almost all day, the other side has a lot more shade to it. Would love any sites to look at, any ideas you have. Thanks bunches!

[kinkytoes]

Before you plant Leyland Cypress, know the drawbacks:
1. The trees grow up to 50 feet tall
2. The roots are shallow and the branches are soft so damage from snow and falling over may be an issue...if there's a chance they can fall on the house and car and cause damage.
3. The trees live only about 10-30 years. If you end up keeping the house that long, you could end up w/ very big brown trees.

You can still plant them, but know the drawbacks. Loblolly pine and white pine also grow fast, but have longer lifespans and are a little sturdier. But they're not as dense or as fast-growing (IMO) as Leylands.

The plants you use depend on the type of soil you have... If you want to plant deciduous plants on the eastern/southern part of the property... Maybe gingko, red maple... for pretty fall colors and serviceberry, nannyberry, ilex glabra etc for the understory?