Fast Growing Trees (Memphis: cul-de-sac, new home, fence)

[cjaila]

We have recently moved in a new home. One of the many things we loved about the lot is that it is in the center of the cul-de-sac but seemed very private. From both sides of the house we can not see the neighbors. Furthermore, there was a nice tree line on the back of the property. We were never able to see the houses that are behind us. Two weeks ago we arrived home to see that one of the neighbors behind us had cut down all of the trees. These were pretty nice sized trees and totally blocked the view of the houses behind our property line. The trees spread well into our yard but since they were not on our property line, there was nothing we could do.

Does anyone have any advice on some fast growing trees that can be planted. We would like to plant our own trees so that we can eventually get that view back. As it stands right now, we can see about three houses that couldn't previously be seen from sitting on our deck. Any help would be appreciated.

[harry chickpea]

Poplars are fast growing but can be weak. Cedar is an evergreen but is subject to some rusts and pests. Boxwood will grow fast and dense, is tough and not too tall, but can be invasive.

I have a feeling you may want to consider a staggered approach. If you have no privacy, then a fence might be a quick fix. The back 30' or so would need two layers of trees to be private. I would consider boxwood close to the property line, and cedars in front of that for winter privacy. Some nice blackberries could mix with the boxwoods to create a fruiting barrier.

[gsp4ever]

Leyland Cypress makes a fast growing evergreen screen. The trees would be about 20 feet tall in less than five years. For something deciduous you could try Sawtooth Oak. It keeps its leaves in winter (they are brown however) and is also considered to be fast growing. We planted one in Oct. 2003 and it is about 20 feet tall or so. I agree with a layering approach. Acoma crape myrtle is a moderately fast growing, mounding (shrub like) crape myrtle with nice white flowers. We planted one in 2004 and it is about 10 feet tall. Pampas grass will grow really fast (6 feet in one year) and would be nice in a screen too.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

Leyland Cypress makes a fast growing evergreen screen. The trees would be about 20 feet tall in less than five years. For something deciduous you could try Sawtooth Oak. It keeps its leaves in winter (they are brown however) and is also considered to be fast growing. We planted one in Oct. 2003 and it is about 20 feet tall or so. I agree with a layering approach. Acoma crape myrtle is a moderately fast growing, mounding (shrub like) crape myrtle with nice white flowers. We planted one in 2004 and it is about 10 feet tall. Pampas grass will grow really fast (6 feet in one year) and would be nice in a screen too.

Cypress or oak would be good. Crape myrtles lose their leaves in the winter, so you'd have the view again. Pampas grass also turns brown and brittle, but it would be a short-term solution.
An evergreen would be your best bet - green year-round, and fairly fast growing. Good luck!

[Charles]

Flowering Pear; however they can split in big winds.

[southernnaturelover]

I recommend Longleaf pine which is the state tree. I planted the two below just as small sprigs about 3 years ago (they're even taller now). Longleaf pine is more drought tolerant than the more common Loblolly pine, and it's more beetle resistant too.



If you want oaks stay with the native oaks like Southern Red Oak or Willow Oak. Sawtooth Oak is native to Korea and is beginning to get weedy in some parts of the US.

[trlhiker]

Thuja Green Giants are evergreens and are fast growing.Mine started out as 1 foot sapplings and 4 years later with 2 years of drought are now 7 feet tall.

[DubbleT]

We had to replace a group of silver maples about five years ago and we chose to go with a couple of "Red Sunset" red maples. I'm pleased with the growth rate, they are about 20-25 feet tall now, with the canopy starting to nicely round. As an added bonus they have a great red and orange fall color, which is uncommon here in Memphis. I love it.

BTW I am not crazy about silver maples or Bradford pears, they seem to fall apart in the slightest bit of wind.

[cjaila]

Thanks for all of your replies. I will pass these along to my husband so that we can figure out which ones we'll go with. I also loved the suggestion to layer the trees. We wouldn't have thought of that ourselves.

[Ann_Arbor]

Bamboo is a hearty weed that grows very fast and can be wall-like.