Question
QUESTION: we are moving to Atlanta in June & will need to plant a privacy hedge/trees on both sides of us.  We were told that Leyland Cypress & Thuja Green giant were good selections but they seem so tall!  We would like something fast growing but only need something 6 - 10 ft. tall.  Any suggestions on what would be best for us & how to take care of it??
Thank you -
Karen
p.s. would be in sun all day.
ANSWER: Leyland cypresses, XCupressocyparis leylandii, are not fairing well in many landscapes. It is a fast growing tree used in boarders and screens that had relatively few pest problems. Now is has been suffering from branch die-back. Sadly, it can cause the death of the tree. Seiridium canker is the cause. This disease is not to the point of wiping out this tree, but I would recommend not planting this tree as it likely will in the future be a major concern. Why plant a tree that is not going to be healthy or is suspect? Thus landscape designers should seek a replacement for the Leyland Cypress. One great choice is the Green Giant Arborvitae. Green Giant arborvitae is becoming a superstar in the plant world. It is the most popular arborvitae next to the Emerald Green Arbor vita. The reason for its success is that it fills landscape needs that are important. It will help block large unsightly neighbors quickly and is basically pest free.

Thuja Green Giant would be good planting for a fast screen effect. Spacing will not effect the height of the tree.

Thuja Green Giant is becoming more and more popular among landscapers, growers, and homeowners alike. This hardy, fast growing, conifer makes a perfect privacy screen in just a few short years.   

Green Giant will grow from 3 to 5 feet per year and will eventually grow to 50 feet or more with a fairly narrow spread. The color is a deep lustrous green and is pleasantly fragrant.

Green Giant  will grow in a wide range of soils in zones 5 to 8 and prefers a deep well drained fertile soil although it adapts well to frequently saturated clay soils. This is a tough tree and will not easily suffer damage from high wind or heavy ice and snow loads.  

Green Giant is drought tolerant after it is well established, exhibits no significant pest or disease problems, is deer and bagworm resistant and is hardy to -25F.

This new USDA US National Arboretum release as Green Giant has been evaluated since 1967 and will become the outstanding alternative screening-evergreen to the disease prone Leyland Cypress in the south and to the Hemlocks that are dying throughout New England.  Plant 5 to 6 feet apart for a really fast privacy screen, otherwise 10-12 feet apart. Green Giant can be trimmed to any height and width.  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you - that is a big help & I appreciate the advice on the Leyland Cypress! You mentioned the Thuja Green Giant & then also Green Giant Arborvitae - are these 2 different trees or just called 2 different names???  Also, we really don't want a tree that high - you said they could be trimmed to any shape & height.  When is the best time to do this & with what tool??
Thank you again -
Karen Greene

Answer
Yes they are the same tree. These trees produce all of their yearly growth in condensed shoots called "candles." To encourage more compact growth, the tips of the new candles can be cut back halfway, before the needles unfold. Candling usually occurs between late April and mid May, depending on the weather. Use hand pruning shears.