I'd like to plant several evergreen trees for privacy (growing, Arborvitae, Hedges)

[NJ2MDdude]

but I'm not sure which one.

I had several pine trees taken down in my backyard, because they were leaning towards my house. That left me exposed to my neighbors. I'd like to plant at least 3 evergreen trees, but I don't want anything to grow beyond 30 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter. I'd like the trees to be thick, green and low maintenance. It also must thrive in the mid-Atlantic region.

I'd appreciate any recommendations.

Thanks.

[cittic10]

Sounds like a job for Nelly R. Stevens Holly

[NJ2MDdude]

Originally Posted by cittic10

Sounds like a job for Nelly R. Stevens Holly

Thanks! Nice looking tree.

Do you have any alternatives that would look good next to the Stevens Holly?

I don't want a uniform look.

[kinkytoes]

I planted a couple of Nellie Stevens in Spring, and I like them already. I am in MD and perhaps a couple of the suggestions below would be helpful. My recommendations are based on my experience in Z7:

1. Juniper - Junipers are great for Full-sun and are salt-tolerant. There are larger ones including juniperus virginiana, which is native. Junipers are not happy in wet soil. Check for disease-resistant cultivars here: HGIC 2056 Juniper Diseases & Insect Pests : Extension : Clemson University : South Carolina

2. Ilex Opaca - There's one on my rental property and it is about 20-30 feet tall. I got a few small ones and they're growing fairly fast, and are salt-tolerant (road friendly) and wet tolerant. You can try St. Mary's or Satyr Hill cultivars which should get to about 30 ft.

3. Arborvitae - These grow slowly, so I'd recommend a bigger tree. I have the straight native, as well as the "narrow" small ones such as emerald green. But there are cultivars which are in the size range you want. Arborvitae are wet-tolerant and enjoy a more alkaline soil (near sidewalk etc)..but Not salt-tolerant.

3 can be OK in partial shade in my experience. 2 can be OK in denser shade.

[J&Em]

Originally Posted by cittic10

Sounds like a job for Nelly R. Stevens Holly

My first thought on reading the OP! Nellies are great for privacy and generally keep a good shape if not planted too closely.

Originally Posted by kinkytoes

I planted a couple of Nellie Stevens in Spring, and I like them already. I am in MD and perhaps a couple of the suggestions below would be helpful. My recommendations are based on my experience in Z7:
...


2. Ilex Opaca - There's one on my rental property and it is about 20-30 feet tall. I got a few small ones and they're growing fairly fast, and are salt-tolerant (road friendly) and wet tolerant. You can try St. Mary's or Satyr Hill cultivars which should get to about 30 ft. Good choice but they are pretty slow to get big enough for instant privacy. That 30 footer must be pretty old since that is maximum mature height. I agree on general recommendation except can't figure out the preoccupation with road salt on all your posts. It is in the backyard, it shouldn't be important unless it backs up to the municipal salt depot.

3. Arborvitae - These grow slowly, so I'd recommend a bigger tree. I have the straight native, as well as the "narrow" small ones such as emerald green. But there are cultivars which are in the size range you want. Arborvitae are wet-tolerant and enjoy a more alkaline soil (near sidewalk etc)..but Not salt-tolerant.

Ummm... again the weird preoccupation with salt tolerant really makes no sense, but the type of tree is certainly a good one to recommend. Thuja occidentalis 'nigra' would be a good contrast to the Nellies and tops out at 30 feet eventually. Emerald greens are slow growing and short (maxing out at 14-15 feet) but would make a great contrast in front of the Nellies to keep that "wall look" to a minimum. They are very dense when kept healthy.

....

[Icy Tea]

Arborvitae. But I see many new ones that die from lack or water during dry spells so water them when needed.

[southernnaturelover]

Maybe some cold tolerant Southern Magnolias.

[sirron]

I suggest Chinese Elm hedges. They are native to Siberia, so they will withstand cold temps. They grow very fast and are dense and sturdy. A link:

Stark Bro's - Chinese Elm Hedge - Additional Garden Plants