Comments on: I need to plant a sound barrier, what evergreen should I use?

By: leothecomm

leothecomm — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:57:59 +0000

Northern white Cedar (Arborvitae) is easy to grow and takes well to pruning. You’ll want to make sure they get watered well since they are a wetland tree in their natural setting. They are also pretty affordable.
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Landscaper, Master Gardener

By: Michelle G

Michelle G — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:39:59 +0000

Yew trees. They can grow quite tall if you let them and if you plant them in 2 staggered rows they will be an even more effective sound barrier. If you go to get whatever plant, if you go to a small local nursery, be sure and ask for a discount if you are purchasing a lot.
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By: Emmaean

Emmaean — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:58:59 +0000

I would plant Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’. It will pretty much do everything that you said. It has a Christmas tree shape and gets quite large, but should never need to be pruned in order to stay thick all the way to the ground. Avoid Leyland Cypresses because they are starting to get a bad fungal disease in wet humid areas like DC.
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By: Greth

Greth — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:40:59 +0000

I have read somewhere that it takes about 3 feet of thick greenery to reduce noise by 10 decibels, so don’t expect miracles from a hedge! There should be lots of conifers available in your garden centre, you really need to check them out there - lots of different colours of foliage, etc. Look for quick growing ones that don’t have a huge final height - or the pruning may take over your life.
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By: taffscott1

taffscott1 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:51:59 +0000

Thuja, "Green Giant" will be a good choice. Check out Wayside Gardens on the net, request a catalog.
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Personal experience with the Thuja and also with Wayside Gardens.

By: Gnometomes

Gnometomes — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:09:59 +0000

White Pines work pretty well with the added bonus of using cuttings at Christmas for decorating and they smell great!
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By: aussie

aussie — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:21:59 +0000

leyland cyprus is fast growing and makes an excellent sound barrier
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