Question
Branch clipping
I am looking to create a privacy fence with evergreens across my backyard. The lot behind me sits higher than mine so I would like something that will grow to around 20 feet tall and about 6 feet in diameter. I am in Southwest Fl which is zone 9-10. My neighbor has the perfect tree but I don't know what it is and they are out of state. I have attached a photo of clipping from my neighbors tree but it is not the best quality. The tree is about 20ft and cone shaped, the branches seem to grow somewhat upward and are soft to the touch. A picture I saw of a red cedar branch looked close but I'm not sure if those keep a full bottom. I will need 12 or 13 trees so don't want to spend a lot of time and money planting the wrong trees. Do you have a suggestion on the best tree for my application? And what is the best time of year to plant them?
Thank you for sharing your time and expertise
Kelley
AnswerNOW (fall) is a great time to plant hedges & trees. You are right ?I think the branch clipping you photographed is this tree; the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana).
Picture link, below:
http://www.tree-land.com/images/eastern_red_cedar_tree_s_lg.jpg
An attractive evergreen that is grown as a large shrub or small tree. It has a dense pyramidal form. Often used for windbreaks, screens and for median strip plantings. It will grow in a variety of soil types including clay and is very drought tolerant.
The new foliage on an Eastern Red Cedar is soft, and appears needle-like, with an attractive dark blue-green color. As the foliage on an Eastern Red Cedar matures it turns to a dark green color.
The mature Eastern Red Cedar also has reddish-brown bark that peels off in long vertical strips. In late fall the female Eastern Red Cedar produces an abundance of dark blue fruit.
Grows about 2?year. Can get to be 20?tall x 12?wide. You can prune it to keep it smaller in stature.
Also consider these two other evergreen hedges:
Arborvitae 慓reen Giant?(Thuja 慓reen Giant?; Grows in almost any soil condition. Has a pyramid shape that when planted close together, will knit together. Itrequires no pruning. Pest & deer resistant. Makes for a quick hedge or windbreak. Plant 5?to 6' apart. For a more gradual hedge, plant 10 - 12' apart. Fast grower.
Prune to shape, before spring growth sets on (March or so). Grows in zones 2 through 10. Height up to 60', Spread to 20', needs full sun.
Leyland Cyprus (x Cupressocyparis Leylandii); Columnar evergreen with flat scale-like leaves.
Makes a good privacy/wind screen. Lots of new varieties to choose from, and relatively inexpensive. Grows fast.
Prune to shape; new foliage deepens in color. For zone 5 through 9 (might just work in your area). Height up to 60', Spreads to 15-20' or so, also needs full sun.
Hope it helps. ~Marc
