| I have a 125' of road frontage that I would like to create a 6 - 8' hedge row to leson the road noise and give us some privacy. What shrub is best for this situation and when should I plant. Please consider growing time. Thanks, Faith |
| You have lots of choices for a sunny spot: Eleagnus (Eleagnus pungens), is one of the fastest growing shrubs and grows as a superb barrier hedge or privacy fence that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Interstate highway landscaping is filled with large groupings and plantings of Eleagnus shrubs to minimize automobile fumes and truck highway noises. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), is an American native evergreen shrub that can grow almost anywhere in the U.S. The dark green leaves of Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis, can turn yellow, orange, or maroon during winter, but the green color is restored in the spring. Other arborvitae species are: Emerald (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald'); Little Giant (Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'); and Little Golden Giant (Thuja occidentalis 'Little Golden Giant'). Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a fast growing shrub that most often is planted as a privacy hedge, but in many cases can grow into a large Leyland cypress specimen tree that might reach 130 feet. The Leyland cypress shrub (tree) is a fast growing intergenetic hybrid. Erosion control can be obtained fast by planting these vigorous Leyland cypress shrubs to embed their roots rapidly into the soil and cool the earth. Wax Myrtle or Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) grows normally as a native American plant in forests, but nursery grown plants will provide a fast growing screen that spreads by underground shoots. Birds and wildlife love this plant for nesting and to seek protective cover. The waxy, gray berries are fragrant and commonly are used to scent candles with a woody aroma. All parts of wax myrtle shrubs are fragrant and grow to block out noise and noxious automobile fumes. Hope one of these suggestions is just right for your landscape. |
