recommendations for a living hedge?

[lbfoss]

I want to grow a 6-8 foot tall living hedge between my house and the neighbors. My husband won't allow any fences, so i want to plant some things that will effectively give us privacy and block out the neighbors' yards and be attractive at the same time.

Right now we have chain link fencing 3' high all along our property. I want to hide that and have beauty as well.

Does anyone have suggestions for plantings. Most people seem to use the arborvitae, and that is fine. but how about the burning bush or something that gives color in the fall? Are there any that grow tall enough fast enough? I need suggestions. thank you
Linda

[Tom]

What zone are you in?
Is the area sunny or shade?
How much space, width and length?
which way does the fence face. When you stand in your yard and look at the fence what direction are you facing (N,S,E,W)

Arborvitae is a popular hedge plant for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that they are evergreen. It is also easy to grow, and propagate, probably the reason they are not really expensive. If you pay close attention to the mature size when you buy, you will not be faced with a lot of maintenance or having them grow out of bounds. Burning bush will lose it's leaves, and screen effect for about half the year.

There are several plants that are evergreen, but most of them do not turn fall color, however, many do have interesting colors year around. This includes some arbovitae. You probably would get bored with the same plant anyway, so you could vary the plants, and if facing the right direction, make additional colorful plantings in front of the screen.

Some plants that come to mind are the rhododendrons, Azalea's, Laurel, and some varieties of Viburnum (not all are evergreen). and of course the old standby's, Taxus, Holly, Juniper, and Wax Myrtle.

Of course, before you run out and buy any of these, it's a good plan to know in advance how big they will get, and how much care they need.

[lbfoss]

Thanks, Tom
Good things to keep in mind. i will go and measure and find my compass and see just what I need to do. I was thinking that mix and match might be interesting, as you say.
I'll get back to you!

[3girls]

I love Rosa rugosa in all it's forms, and it is said that they are deer resistant. They will grow to a max of about 6' x 6', but can be trimmed back. They probably wouldn't work for a formal shape. I plan to get a bunch from Raintree in the next year or so as part of a bird friendly perimeter fence around the property. We have a herd of about 25 deer in the neighborhood that need to use someone else's yard as a thoroughfare!

[lbfoss]

Has anyone experience with canadian hemlock? Can I trim it to about 3' wide by 8' tall eventually or does it require more width?

Seems like most living hedges require width, and I don't want to give up too much space so width is a concern. I suspect the roses would require support if I wanted them to go higher. The thorns might deter the kids from climbing over the chain link, tho....
The areas I want to grow hedges are basically in the sun most of the day, say from 10 am to 6 pm, I cannot figure out if they will run NE to SW but something like that. It is just that i want it to get to at least 6'-8' and dense.
thanks!

[Dazed_Lily]

CH is very nice and I too have considered it in the past. I know of one location in town where they are growing it and they did let it get wide. However, I just looked up how well CH takes pruning and apparently quite well. Also, growth rate is moderate. Growth rate is what kept me from making better 'hedge' choices in the past--wanted something ASAP. Here is a link. I know what form you are talking about and I know the first pic looks more tree-like. I do see 'sargenti' lower down that looks more hedge-like and along the lines of what I m thinking. Sounds good to me and I am sure they will attract some nice nesting song birds.

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Horticulture/kytreewebsite/commonnamefiles/text/tcanadensisinfo.htm

[lbfoss]

Thanks, Cathy
I have virginia clay compacted soil that will be very damp at best, and from the write-up, CH doesn't like wet soil or compacted soil. Maybe it wouldn't do well where i need it, I live on swampland with a very active sump pump and poor natural drainage. Hmm, the arborvitae probably will end up by default, nothing else really seems to fit the needs of density that will survive icky soil.

I know the neighbors had honeysuckle bushes that grew huge and thrived, but the new neighbors cut them all down... I have my vegatable garden along that fence, so I need something that will grow up some but not too wide. Presently I have the native Virginia cypresses that I raided this summer, poison ivy and all, but they are very slow-growing and need some company.
Linda