Privacy trees offer protection from extreme weather conditions and outside noise while making your property look more appealing. It provides privacy from passersby and your neighbors, allowing you to perform daily activities indoors and outdoors with a sense of security.
But before you head on and start planting, read on as we’ve created an in-depth guide on the things you need to know about privacy trees.
Groundwork
Purpose
First of all, you should carefully plan everything to avoid future problems. Create a list of privacy trees that meets your needs and desire. Then, assess if the trees you listed will give you privacy, texture, and flowers or add a vibrant backdrop to your yard. In short, you should know what you’re looking for, making it easier to decide.
Area
Next, should consider the area where to plant the trees and how many feet you plan to cover. It’s essential to pick suitable trees and determine the number of trees you need.
Growth Rate
The tree’s growth rate also matters. For instance, fast-growing trees thrive wide and tall. Thus, don’t plant them near sidewalks, buildings, and utility lines. You should ensure the root systems have enough space to grow and don’t plant near irrigation systems.
Upkeep
In landscaping, upkeep is challenging since each tree has varying needs. Privacy trees require adequate water, so you should have a sprinkler or watering system. It requires loads of sunlight and commonly flourishes in partial to full sunlight. Also, don’t forget to check the pH balance of the soil since trees need varying pH levels.
Existing Plants
Another thing to consider before planting privacy trees is if there are existing plants on your property. For instance, water-dependent plants should be cultivated together since they have equal watering needs. The same goes for drought-tolerant trees. They should also be planted together.
Limitations
Some states have limitations on the type of trees you can plant. Private Covenants and other Homeowners Association may also have their own restrictions. So check with the concerned offices or local Agricultural Extension before purchasing privacy trees.
Size and Space
Furthermore, consider the size of the area where you’ll plant the trees. Note that different trees have varying heights and widths. The trees should also be 10 to 15 feet from the foundation and 4 to 5 feet from any structure, like fences and patios. Thus, spacing matters to ensure the trees will reach their maximum capacity.
Evergreen Vs. Deciduous Trees
Evergreens
Also known as Conifers, Evergreens provides year-round coverage and has deep green foliage, creating a nice contrast against timber, birch, and brick. Evergreens usually have needle or scale leaves. The growth rate will also differ depending on the chosen variety. While it will thrive after 10 years, it may slow down over time.
Semi-Evergreen
Semi-evergreen is another variant of the Conifers, where they keep their leaves in mild winter and fall off when extremely cold, like the Hydrangea. Meanwhile, some evergreens will retain their old dead leaves up to the coming spring, like the Hornbeam Hedges.
Deciduous
Deciduous trees are perfect if you want a dramatic change of color in your yard. These trees drop their leaves during fall and look bare around winter. It provides the best shade to keep your home cool in the summer. During winter, deciduous trees will drop their leaves, allowing the sunlight to warm your home.
Common Problems
Planting
Humid or cool weather is the best time to plant your trees. But if not, you should moisten the plant’s roots and store them in a shaded and cool area. For bare-root trees, it’s ideal to soak at least 3 to 6 hours before planting. Also, ensure the root ball is intact.
Fertilization
There are also dos and don’ts when fertilizing plants. For instance, trees shouldn’t be fertilized until it has grown for a year in a new location. Adding fertilizer to the planting hole may also result in root injury. The amount of fertilizer you should use will also depend on the tree’s size.
Uniformness
Since some homeowners require planting the same trees in a formal row, it often results in landscaping with missing trees. Thus, it’s ideal to plant various trees and shrubs than stick with one type of tree. This technique is perfect for medium and large spaces for a more diverse landscape.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for newly planted trees. It’s only needed to trim diseased or dead branches. However, improper pruning techniques can cause lasting damage to the tree. You can avoid damaging the trunk by cutting the branch collar exterior. Therefore, caution is needed when pruning.