Tree, Bushes - Reccomendation for Backyardfacing a major street (Gilbert: how much, live in)

[bentley98]

We live in Gilbert area in almost an acre lot. There is a major street just beind our backyard. Due to the size of the lot the street is a bit away from the patio etc but still the traffic and the noise can be a problem at times..

Traffic has been steadily going up...Street is at a higher elevation than our yard and that also doesn't help in getting privacy....

Plan is to put some trees or bushed across the back yard wall to get more privacy and reduce some traffic noise?? BAck yard wall length should be approx 180 feet

What are the reccomendationsas far as the type of Trees are concerned ?

Someone reccomended Thuja trees? I already planted 3 or 4 Sissoo
trees ..

Thought of putting a bunch of oleander bushes but not very keen on that

Thanks in advance

[nightgirl151]

It looks like your Thuja tree is more adapted for cooler climates. Italian Cypress make a nice border fence, but will take awhile to get desired height.

[Zippyman]

Palo verde grows like a weed if you want fast & bushy - even faster if you can irrigate it.

[Woundedknee]

Here's Oleanders 10' tall for free (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/zip/2443507957.html - broken link) just got to pull them out.

[Bummer]

You may want to reconsider the Oleanders, Bently.

Not only do they grow fast but they are tough as nails, requiring very little water and care plus they offer decent blooms and stay green year 'round. I planted eleven small plants along my fully exposed West facing wall and in about two years they were about eye level and my A/C unit was thanking me.

Those "freebies" sure sound like a gift from heaven.

[DewDropInn]

The problem with oleanders is there is a blight. It's already killed off HUGE numbers of them in SoCal. Once a plant is affected, it's a death sentance. You can't save the bush and it hop-scotches from one to another. I've seen it in a variety of places around the valley.

[dura]

Just FYI about oleander...

Originally Posted by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleander

Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants in the world and contains numerous toxic compounds, many of which are deadly to people, especially young children. ... The entire plant, including the nectar, is toxic, and any part can cause an adverse reaction. Oleander is also known to hold its toxicity even after drying. ... Most animals can suffer a reaction or death from this plant.

[wretched wrench]

Originally Posted by dura

Just FYI about oleander...

They are also dangerous if small children are around. I know of two small boys that died from eating a small amount of oleander leaves.

[motormaker]

Yep, the city just north of us banned them a few years ago.

[RCR]

Something else to consider would be to put some type of water feature in your yard. You would be surprised how much it can help distract you from traffic noise.