A shopping center has been built across the street from our neighborhood, and we would like to plant some trees on our the property line for privacy. There is a privacy fence on the line, but it isn't tall enough to block the lights, etc. from the new center. We've tried Thuga Green Giant trees (twice) and they died. We also tried Cryptomeria trees and they also died.

The area where we'd like to plant is at the end of our driveway, and gets some rain run-off. We live in central Alabama.

Any suggestions for something that would grow tall enough to provide some privacy?

If your spot gets run off, does it linger there for a day or two? This may be why you are having trees die. Look for trees that can do with poor drainage. American Holly can make it in less than perfect draining areas. I don't know about other species of holly.

Few needle trees (spruce, fir, pine) like soggy ground, and I am woefully ignorant of what grows in Cen Al. One suggestion, if nobody from the South comes forward, is to visit an arboretum nearby to see what grows in your area. This is one list of these places. Fun to go to any time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

Are you watering these new trees? It sounds like that you might not. Newly planted trees need to be watered often until they get established. You can't rely on rain water runoff to take care of that.

Thank you both! Yes we watered them, but perhaps not enough. I appreciate the input!

If you live in Central 'bama you may want to shop for heat-resistant privacy trees and consider investing in a drip line to make watering easier while they become established and during dry spells.

I suggest you check into Italian buckthorn, which is an extremely resistant plant and can handle brief frosts like the Gulf recently experienced. Loquat is another interesting plant but remember it's a very vigorous grower and may need extensive pruning down the road. Like Italian buckthorn it can handle brief frosts.

Yes Summersnowdrop, they need a lot of water in the first few months.
Wishing you the best from Michigan !!!

Thanks everyone!!!

Thanks everyone!!!