Green Giant Arborvitae Screen
| 3 years ago :: Apr 30, 2007 - 11:11AM #1 | |
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I am about to build a screen of green giants of a length of 255 feet. I have previously planted a single row screen along the back of my property. We planted those previous trees about 7 feet apart. It was suggested to me about planting a douple row of trees down the 255 feet length area. My wife an I have decided that this is what we would like to do. My problem is deciding how far to plant the trees apart. It was suggested to plant them 10 feet apart. Originally we were going to plant them 7 feet as I did previously. The way these will be planted they will be a continuous set of triangles with trees at all three points. Another way to think about how we are planting them would be a continous zig zag affect. I would appreciate any advice. Please help. I want a tight screen but, I don't want to smother or kill the trees by planting them too close.
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| 3 years ago :: Apr 30, 2007 - 5:10PM #2 | |
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jhardluck,
This arborvitae (Thuja 'Green Giant') can grow 1' per year and will eventually be 60' tall and 12-20' wide at maturity. With all due respect, it really depends on current and future function choices as to whether you are planting them correctly at 7' apart. If, for example, you are 90 years old and want an immediate screening effect, then obviously you would plant them closer. If you're in your 20s and plan to stay in this house for 60 years, I would space them more like 10' apart. I also must point out that monoculture breeds a future pest or disease dilemma. Yes, these are great plants with very few pests, but if something should arise in a few years that decimates your planting - you are up a creek without a paddle. I always recommend a mixed border or screening utilizing at least 3-4 different types of evergreen plants - just in case. Don't mean to scare you. Also, be vigilant about bagworms on your arborvitaes. Check out this US National Arboretum site for pertinent information about Thuja 'Green Giant': http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newintro/grgiant.pdf Hope that helps! Mark Miller |
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| 2 years ago :: May 03, 2008 - 2:51PM #3 | |
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Hortman is right on target with the advise about monoculture. It is really best to do mixed plantings so as not to provide a feasting ground for pests. I would change the type of plant used in the second row in your screening. Choose another evergreen, perhaps one that is broadleaf which will break up the monotany of the same texture and color over such a long span. Look for something that matures 10-12' wide and not so tall to give you variations of height as well other wise it will be such a huge high wall it may cease to be enjoyable in the future. Variety is the spice of life and landscapes! The spacing on the row behind should have been 10 feet on center. The offset second row (triangle centering) should be very close to half the mature width of both the Green Giant and the plant selected for the filler created by the second row.
Tammy Clayton |
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