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I would like to plant a screen

11 years ago

Hello all. I would like to plant two screens of trees, both 60 feet long abutting wooden fences. The desired height is 8-10 feet. Cost is a factor as is distance from the fence.

I THINK I can get away with planting upright yews 2 feet from the fence and 2.5 feet from trunk to trunk. My question is, at this height, in my zone, what species would be best and how far apart can i spread them out to save on cost? Do I need to trim between them and the fence? It doesn't matter to me if there is a gap in between each one for a couple years as I'd rather save on money spacing them out. BUT I WOULD like to have them as close as possible to the fence. I am open to any suggestions. Also I know a yew can grow into a tree... Thank you.

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
I'd consider Hick's yews - Taxus x media 'Hicksii'. These are upright, shrubby yews and will only get to around 10-12 feet without pruning. Spread is usually around 3-4 feet but I have seen them wider. With that type of typical spread, planting 2' away from the fence is doable, at least for the short term. And you can space them out further from each other than the 2.5' -- I'd go with 3' at least and if expense was an issue, stretch that to 4'.
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