Hi, I've never posted in this forum before, but I need some advice for my Mom's garden.
My Mom has agreed to let me plant some new trees in our garden for privacy from our neighbors.
I need some suggestions for trees. Here is a description of the potential tree plant site and what type of tree I want to plant.

It is mostly shade
The soil is loam (I think)
The tree can be any height, but I'll buy a small one to start out.
I live close to the east coast (if that helps)
The tree should be easy to grow and not die easily (I've had bad luck with trees)
The tree should be easy to find any buy

Does anyone have any other tips they'd like to share?

what kinds of plant places do you have around you? we used to have some nice mini-plum trees (the plums were mini not the trees) they gave off LOTS of fruit, eay to grow need barely any water ect ect... the only thing is you need 2. A flower plum tree (which gives off these pretty pink flowers and like 1 plum a year) and a fruit plum tree...I dont know ALOT about it but my dad says its a male tree and a female tree..and they fertilize each other. they will grow fine with out eachother the fruit one just wont give fruit...

did this help any?

You also need to think about the width of the trees. If there isn't enough room to grow they will get even less light. So make sure there is enough space between them and they won't be crowded when they reach full size.

If you want easy to care for trees I suggest you look at trees that are native to your area. And don't plant them too close to buildings/fences otherwise you'll have to trim them a lot. You might be able to find a book on native trees in your area at the public library or ask the same question at a local nursery.

Also, for privacy large bushes/small trees would probably be the best. Then you'll get good screening close to the ground. Maybe something like privet.

Depending on just where you are, one idea might be an eastern hemlock. For privacy, evergreens work better throughout the year.

On a non-native slant, various laurels and the so-called Leyland Cypress are often used for privacy hedges.


I'm putting in western hemlocks, incense cedars, and sequoias for privacy from my dumbass neighbor to the east. I'm on the west coast.

You'll also need to consider your zone (how far north or south you are.) I'd go to your local garden center (not a chain one or a megastore) and talk to them about the space, your soil, etc. to determine what's appropriate.

Also, many states have some part of the agricultural department that can answer questions like this--and are usually interested in helping you choose a locally appropriate tree (one that isn't invasive.)

Apple tress are good, some are slow growing some are fast but I do not think there is a tree that can tolerate more abuse than it.
It has been planted in wet conditions and grew, dry desert areas and grew, high in the mountains, low near sea level and they still grow!

Hi Snownose:

You might also consider how much room you have for the tree to grow. Some trees will get very tall and very wide. Some tree roots are very destructive so don't plant a tree too close to walls or underground gas/water lines.
Also, think in terms of the change of seasons. Do you mind picking up all the leaves? Oak trees shed a lot - acorns and leaves and stringy things. Some trees hardly shed any leaves. Also, some attract worms like flower fruit trees.
Some are high maintenance like spraying. My experience is that if a tree requires more work than you care to give it, it won't grow well or look healthy.
Also where you plant it may create shaded area. Will it affect other plants in the area?
The smaller the tree, the cheaper at the nursery. The bigger, much more expensive.
Go to a good book store and look up gardening/tree books.
The key to finding the right tree is to know what you are looking for - ornamental, provide shade, attract birds and animals, create privacy. Lots to consider. If you have more questions, I can look up some info. for you. Good luck.

Apple tress are good, some are slow growing some are fast but I do not think there is a tree that can tolerate more abuse than it.
It has been planted in wet conditions and grew, dry desert areas and grew, high in the mountains, low near sea level and they still grow!
My old place had them growing on top of a dry hill of sand, and in wetlands.


One problem with apples, though, is susceptibility to pests and disease. Anthracnose, canker, scab, apple borers, and especially apple maggots. The latter are especially frustrating as there's no feasible way to cut around the trails.

Evergreens are great from privacy. But if your mom's garden is anything like my mom's, then you should probably be looking at small to medium bushes.

When I was growing up we had a cherry tree. The cherries were very tart and sometimes had a little work inside. We ended up cutting it down because it was infested with ants and was going to fall into our power lines. Peach trees are also relatively small and produce decent fruit.
HTH,
~Wonder :guitar:

I second Kyo's recommendation of sticking to trees that are native to your area. :up: It will take more research up front, but you'll be glad you did!

Thanks everyone!
I'll go with my mom next time she goes to the garden center, and we'll speak to the people there.

We had weeping mulberry tree that was a fast grower, hid a huge sightline and was very hardy, but I don't know if it would grow in your part of the country.

Hello. My name is Teramoto.
You must not to grow cedar's tree. Because of pollen sick. This very bad for spring with rainy nose and eyes itchy.
Please to grow loquat's tree. Loquat's tree very boisterous and loquat's fruit very deilicious! Please to try loquat's tree!

Thank you

Loquat are small fruit trees. Florida growers call them Japanese plums.

Teramoto, your English is very understandable. Do write more often.

One problem with apples, though, is susceptibility to pests and disease. Anthracnose, canker, scab, apple borers, and especially apple maggots. The latter are especially frustrating as there's no feasible way to cut around the trails.

There are many disease resistant varieties of apples and growing them in a mixed ecology can help resist maggots and borers.


Loquats are beautiful trees but not very hardy (zone 8).


Of course I always think people should plant food trees/shrubs! :)

Hi, I've never posted in this forum before, but I need some advice for my Mom's garden.
My Mom has agreed to let me plant some new trees in our garden for privacy from our neighbors.
I need some suggestions for trees. Here is a description of the potential tree plant site and what type of tree I want to plant.

It is mostly shade
The soil is loam (I think)
The tree can be any height, but I'll buy a small one to start out.
I live close to the east coast (if that helps)
The tree should be easy to grow and not die easily (I've had bad luck with trees)
The tree should be easy to find any buy

Does anyone have any other tips they'd like to share?

things to consider:

how close to your house or the neighbors will these trees be?

tree roots can be murder on house foundations, as well as the tree itself or limbs falling over/off in wind storms.

Is this screen to be year round or just during the nice weather?

decidous trees (maples, oaks, fruit trees, dogwood, locousts, etc all loose their leaves for aprox 4 months out of the year. evergreens/conifers (cedars, hemlock, spruce, firs, etc) keep their needles yr round.

There are a wide variety of ornamental trees in both decidous and evergreens as well as bushes/shrubs that can get pretty tall.

rain trees :o

of course i picked that just because they're pretty. :X but when they're full grown they do offer tons of shade.