Question
The 15' high cedar hedge across the entire frontage of our property has been so damaged by the cold winds and salt put on the road (which is about 20 feet away) during our severe winters that it needs to be replaced.  We need a tall, thick, fast-growing hedge that is salt-resistant for privacy and a wind/dust block. Would the Italian cypress be a good replacement?

Answer
Road salt is very tough on plants, both from its build-up in the soil near treated surfaces and its physical contact with foliage and branches as salt-laden spray is splashed or aerosolized by fast-moving traffic.

Fortunately, there are a number of plants that tolerate road salt that would make an attractive screen for your yard.

Conifers
Larch (Larix spp.)

White spruce (Picea glauca)

Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens var. glauca)

Jack pine (Pinus banksiana)

Mugo pine (Pinus mugo)

Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora)

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii)

Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)



I would lean toward the Colorado Blue Spruce.