How2Day: Fast-Growing Wall Hedges

Wall hedges or screens are usually comprised of evergreen trees or shrubs. They provide privacy, block unattractive views and minimize noise levels. Many different fast-growing species work well as wall hedges. Donna C. Fare and Wayne K. Clatterbuck from the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service warn, however, that some fast-growing species have short life spans. They recommend replacing these trees with longer-lived species as they die.

Thuja plicata, or western red cedars, are fast-growing trees that work well as windbreaks and privacy screening, according to Floridata. They grow approximately 70 feet tall in cultivation, but wild trees can get as tall as 200 feet. Many smaller cultivars are available for lawn and yard planting, such as the Hillieri, which reaches between 6 and 10 feet tall, or the Whipcord, a dwarf variety that grows to about 5 feet in height. Western red cedar trees have grayish bark and reddish-brown stems, conical crowns and dark green foliage that reaches the ground. They are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, which includes cities such as Des Moines, Iowa, Little Rock, Arkansas and Austin, Texas. They prefer moist, well drained soil and full sunlight. Western red cedar is not a short-lived tree. According to the Virginia Big Tree Program, they live between 1000 and 1200 years. Besides attracting deer, western red cedar trees are also susceptible to damage from bag worms, leaf miners and spider mites.

Eastern white pines (Pinus strobus) are fast-growing evergreen trees that reach an average of 50 to 80 feet tall with a 30- to 50-foot spread. Eastern white pines are available in smaller-sized dwarf cultivars such as Compacta and Nana. Young trees have a conical shape and smooth grayish-green bark, while older trees have flat-topped canopies and rough grayish-brown bark. They have bluish-green foliage and produce 6- to 8-inch light brown cones. Eastern pines are hardy in zones 3 through 8; their range extends from cities as far north as St. Michael, Alaska as far south as Gainesville, Florida. According to the Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science, eastern white pines work well as screen plantings and windbreaks. They prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained, moist, acidic soil. They are intolerant of road salt and are susceptible to diseases such as white pine blister rust, an infection that damages the bark, as well as attack by white pine weevils. Healthy trees live for approximately 100 years.

Leyland cypress, or x Cupressocyparis leylandii trees, are hardy in zones 6 through 10; their range extends from cities such as Lebanon, Pennsylvania to Miami, Florida. They grow between 60 and 90 feet tall with a 12- to 15-foot spread. Smaller cultivars include Moncal, which grows to be around 25 feet tall with an 8-foot spread, and Castlewellan Gold, which produces 20-foot-tall plants with a 5-foot spread. Leyland cypress trees have bluish-green, fine-textured foliage and a pyramidal shape. Leyland cypress trees prefer full sunlight and well-drained soil. They are prone to a number of different insect pests and diseases such as bagworms and canker that affect plant health. Leyland Cypress trees only have a 20-year lifespan, according to Washington State University.

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