Is planting tall conifer trees to form a hedge really best done in a zig zag pattern?

Question

why so??

also, how far apart for very tall conifers like leylandi or cedar?

have large area in field with no neighbors that i want to create a tall wind screen.


please explain.

Answer 1

A zigzag pattern is usually what people want, seeing as it makes a thicker hedge than just single plants. If you want a wind screen, a thick hedge is definitely what you're looking for. I've never heard of leylandi - I live too far north for that, I expect - but I know cedars fairly well. The idea is to get them as close together as you can without actually crowding them out too much. Tall ones (30') would probably need around 10', more or less depending on how thick you want it. Also make sure you check to see the growing shape of the trees - if they're tall and relatively skinny, you'll want them closer than that. You should probably check with somebody who knows local trees in your area, though - I can only give general information from another climate. Hope that helps you...

Answer 2

A hedge is far different than a wind shield planting. The hedge is to be continuious whereas the wind shield a protection device. Both plants are excellent for either purpose.

Frankly I would go with the wind shield approach. The Leylandi is a fairly good choice. Cheap, fast growth, and good shape. The Cedar also a good choice, however, consider White Pines, Black Pines, or a conifer for your region.

Place the pine or conifer in a row out front with twelve foot spacing (center to center). Use the Leylandi as a back row 6' behind and at the same 12' centers. You can mix and match the conifers. Use three White at the ends, three cedar in the center, then fill in with hemlocks, black pine, etc, in groups of two or three.

Be prepared for some insect and disease problems on any/all of these. Contact your local landscape supply store and county extension agent for spraying with a "dormant oil" as a preventive measure. Feed the entire spread with a granular 10-10-10 with minerals (cheap) in early spring and mid fall. Inspect the trees for

Bagworm and similar insects twice a month and follow the advise of the County Extension for control.

Buy Ball and Burlap, if possible, for the trees. The Leylandi are fine in Containers. Prep the soil with Sphagnum Moss and some small amount of fert for backfill. Good Luck. I am at [e-mail]

Answer 3

Here is the answer you are looking for. It has to do with density. If you plant in a zig zag, you can put more trees in the space and achieve a denser hedge. Think of it this way, or do it with a ruler on paper...Lets say you decide to plant 10 feet apart....3 trees will need 20 feet if you just do it in a straight line...Now instead do it in a zig zag...the ten feet will now be angled away from the first tree, you plant #2, then angle back 10 feet and be in line with #1 tree and plant #3. Depending how sharp you angle the zig zag will determine how much linear space they took up...but the trees are still spaced 10 feet apart!! Plus, I think it looks far better than a boring straight line. Hope this explains it for you!

Answer 4

It probably is, but you would have to know in what way the particular species you are using for the hedge; Thuja or Cedars behave when they get taller. If you plant them make sure you are not putting them too close or too wide. Cedar need more space but other species such as Thuja can be planted quite close to one another.

For a perfect windshield it all depends on the factors;



soil

climate

species and thus distance



Try studying some other types of shrub like Ilex or Picea Abies to

see if they do well in your surroundings.

Answer 5

Cedars are good, plant zig zag, they have knots. Knots are the feet or trunk of the tree and they need room.

Up north plant Walnut or Chinaberry trees. Chinaberries grow fast.

Pecan is also good.

Nut trees are usually rowed. Stagger the rows, two rows.

X X X X X X

X x X x X

Answer 6

I have read that this is because they become very wide at the bottom once they are full grown.



Plant your first row about ten feet apart.

Plant the second row in front of the first row even with the ten foot spaces.



If you have the money and the space, a third row would be good too. In other words, make a forest for yourself.



When they are young, they will need water and the proper amount of fertilizing. Check with a tree nursery about this.



They really are great as a wind breaker.

Answer 7

It is a fact that a well landscaped property will have far better curb appeal and include value to your home so if you have a beautiful property make it much more gorgeous with a great landscape that you will learn here https://tr.im/dm18f with the guide Ideas 4 Landscaping .

With Ideas 4 Landscaping you will understand what far better fits your home and you will become the most talented landscape artist simply because with this guide you will produce the excellent atmosphere for you.