I would consider two rows of trees. one fastgrowing bamboo and some nice pines. But Id plant the bamboo or your other fastgrowing ugly (sorry) plant in discarded water troughs, so you can both move them, as your slower growing trees mature and dispose of them. Some fast growers are not pretty.
There’s a lot of them, and they’re becoming quite popular. It’s pretty easy to Google.
Also check trees for pests, problems. Currently Blue Spruce pine trees are developing problems from, I think a fungus, which causes needle loss and death. Killing even old established trees. Ash, Green ash in particular, are dying from Emerald Ash Borer, spreading wider each year. Hickory may be next.
Check and see if you have any Tree Farms in your area. They specialize in larger, healthier varieties that’ll grow well in your area. Many of them also deliver and install the trees.
Also if you have any commercial developments that did heavy landscaping they usually will share their nursery choices.
Agree with Wildlifer, go Native if possible and check before you buy that the trees aren’t toxic to horses. Cause you know
they will eventually gnaw on them.
We planted Thuja Green Giants - they grow 3-5 feet a year. They are deer resistant and come in very full. Love them. The first 100 we bought we got on ebay for $1 as these little seedlings. Now they’re like 30 ish feet tall in about 9-10 years.
Uh yeah thanks I contacted the town first thing. Got a list. Lots of options.
For those of you who who answered the actual question I posed, I REALLY appreciate it. Especially the ideas about asking the commercial landscaper people for some of their favorite sources. Thanks so much!
Late to the thread here but these are what I planted for a fast growing screen, and they really develop into a thick buffer:
Leyland cypress as the outer border. No closer than 10-12’ apart or they will “starve” from being overcrowded. They grow VERY tall VERY quickly. Up to 30’ or more in height.
2nd line of defense is a row of red tip photinia. Can be planted tighter - 5’ apart. They can grow up to 20’ and will bush out nicely. Very pretty leaves. Do NOT put them anywhere near roses as they will contract black spot from roses.
3rd line of defense is burning bush. Place at will. Pretty foliage, interesting fall color, very shrubby, doesn’t grow tall (about 6’ max)
These three species will work well together to produce an impenetrable screen of year round greenery in the south.
Burning bush, isn’t that an invasive non-native?
One characteristic that might be important, depending on location, is whether it loses its leaves in winter.
Wow, how inconsiderate of strangers on the internet to attempt to respond without replying to your “actual question” - since no one knows your location or climate, or budget, or the size of the area you are trying to provide a screen for. How thoughtless of people.
So yes - I’d consider a line of mature trees from a tree farm and fill in with smaller trees that will grow quickly. The type will depend entirely on your location and climate. I would also agree with looking for trees that are native to your area.
I have a line of pine trees that were planted when the original owners built the house. Now they are too close to each other and many are dying, which require me to bring in a tree specialist to remove some them. This is a huge expense and pain in the neck because they are 80-100 feet tall so I have been doing it in stages. So be mindful of the full size and don’t try to crowd the trees to block the view, no matter how tempting it may be. It won’t be worth it in 10-20 years.