If you want a thick screen that blocks the view, privacy trees in zone 8B are the perfect choice. The best types to choose are the Fast growing elm, False cypress, and Hybrid poplar. In addition, you can choose the False cypress, a fast growing, but slow growing, tree, for added privacy. If you’re not sure what to choose, read on to learn more about the benefits of planting these fast growing trees.
Hybrid poplar
The best hybrid poplar for zone eightb is the most widely planted privacy tree in the United States. With its characteristic columnar shape and a growth rate of five to six feet per year, it is a great choice for dense privacy screens. Its foliage stays green all year round, and it is soft to touch. The trees can be planted in a single row or two staggered rows.
The silver maple can be used in any location, but it will need four hours of direct sunlight. Plant it in partial shade to enjoy its dappled green color. It grows well in any soil type, but it does best in acidic soil. It is also drought-tolerant and will tolerate flooding. The only drawback to this tree is that it is susceptible to limb breakage and its massive root system and trunk. You should avoid planting it too close to sidewalks, foundations, and sewer lines.
The best hybrid poplar for zone eightb privacy trees are hardy and will survive in most soils. They need about one inch of water per week. You should prune them in early spring before they start to sprout new branches. You should also give them plenty of room to grow. They need a good amount of space and should be planted in an open area, away from buildings and sidewalks.
Green Giant Arborvitae
Known for their drought-tolerant and disease-resistant characteristics, Green Giant Arborvitae are ideal for zone 8b privacy. Their foliage is evergreen and keeps its color throughout the year. Sometimes known as Western Red Cedar, these trees are tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions, but they do best in well-drained soil. Mulch is also recommended, as well as common evergreen fertilizer.
When planting Green Giant Arborvitae, be sure to space them five to six feet apart. Then, they will develop a thick, tall hedge. When planted too closely, the trees may rub against each other and cause damage. When planting multiple trees, make sure to leave plenty of room between each plant so the trees don’t crowd each other. If you need more privacy, plant two or three Green Giant Arborvitae side by side.
Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’ is one of the fastest growing evergreens, growing three to five feet per year. It is popular for privacy hedges and is hardy in zones 4b to 8b. It is also excellent for windbreaks during colder months. This versatile plant can grow in many climates and growing zones. As a bonus, it doesn’t require pruning, making it a good option for privacy hedges.
False cypress
For most gardeners, planting a False Cypress in a zone 8b garden is the perfect way to create privacy around your house. This deciduous tree looks great in landscapes and containers. It can reach heights of 70 feet. Alternatively, you can grow a dwarf type in a container. This species prefers partial to full sun and slightly acidic soil. Its foliage is soft and feathery, and it can blend well with most landscape plants.
Unlike its counterpart, the false cypress doesn’t require much maintenance. The species can survive temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once established, it can grow to 30 feet wide and reach up to 60 feet tall. It’s also quite resistant to urban pollution, and has a pyramidal shape. Its foliage is blue or silver. While ‘Filifera’ is too short for a zone 8b privacy tree, the straight variety can reach 60 feet in height.
You can grow two species of False Cypress in zone 8b: the Hinoki and the Filifera. The Hinoki is the tallest of the two, reaching 70 feet in the wild. Both C. pisifera and C. nootkatensis are native to coastal areas of Alaska and Washington. They grow to between 50 and 70 feet in height.
Roughleaf laurel
A zone 8b privacy tree is a fast-growing evergreen that fills in large spaces fast. It has glossy green foliage and white flowers in the spring, and it produces inedible berries in the summer. This tree requires regular pruning to avoid legginess. It grows best in full sun or partial shade, and it is deer-resistant. This plant is a good choice for those who want privacy but do not want to deal with its height.
If you prefer a dense hedge, you can choose this zone 8b privacy tree. The foliage is dense and fills up easily. The height of the plant will range from five to nine feet. In the warmer months, the plant will bloom with small white flowers. The Roughleaf grows best in full sun and requires regular watering. It is available for under $150 at many home improvement stores.
The bark of the Roughleaf Laurel is yellowish and can be used to protect the home from pests. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer. Its leaves and berries are edible. When harvested, they can be used to make dyes. The wood can also be used in smokers and grills. It can grow up to eight feet tall and five feet wide.
Hybrid willow
Willow hybrids are fast-growing and low-maintenance plants that don’t require a sheltered windbreak. They are often used to fortify the soil and prevent erosion. They can also be used as privacy trees and can grow up to 75 feet tall. Hybrid willows are considered drought-tolerant. The following are some tips for planting these trees:
Emerald Arborvitae – This evergreen is a good choice for those looking for privacy year-round. It grows in most areas of the country and has thick branches that block sight lines. They prefer acidic clay soil and do not require much watering. However, they do grow slower than Willow Hybrids. The benefits of these trees are:
Flame Willow – A Flame Willow is a good choice for large open spaces, and will grow several feet in a few weeks. It is colorful and is the perfect choice for people who want to keep their privacy. They will be big and will drape their branches across the yard. Mowing underneath them will be difficult, and they will require pruning shears. You may also want to consider Flame Willow, which grows in drier soil.
Hybrid willow – A hybrid willow is hardy in zones 4-9 and grows to between 50 and 75 feet tall. They require plenty of water, but will survive a drought with proper care. It prefers a medium-sized yard, and will grow to 75 feet tall. Plant Hybrid willows 5 feet apart. They do well in mid-size to large yards, and they are hardy to -20 degrees. They are fast-growing, and will fill a troubled area in a landscape quickly.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Goldspire’
The Ginkgo biloba ‘Goldspile’ tree is a good choice for shady areas in your garden. Its compact pyramidal shape and yellow streaked leaves make it a popular choice for privacy trees in a southern garden. Plant it in a hole at least one foot deeper than the root ball. Then, backfill it with native soil and mulch. It will appreciate these nutrient-rich materials.
‘Goldspire’ Ginkgo is suitable for zones 4 to 9. The mature tree will grow to approximately fifteen feet tall and five to six feet wide. This tree is hardy to -20°F and will need a well-drained, moist soil. Prune it sparingly in the first few years to maintain its shape. The foliage is deep green during summer and golden in the fall.
This attractive tree will make a beautiful addition to any garden. Its leafy, dense, and lustrous foliage will enliven your home with its golden yellow fall color. The dense, fan-shaped leaves of Ginkgo ‘Goldspire’ will make a beautiful backdrop to your outdoor space. It is hardy enough to tolerate zone 8b climates, but it does not like very wet soil.
‘Flagpole’ Japanese flowering cherry is an excellent choice for a small garden. Its large pale pink flowers in the springtime create an impassible grove of branches, and its foliage is highly resistant to air pollution and drought. The trees are also good at handling pests and air pollution. It’s a great choice for privacy and security. But, you’ll need to choose a variety that suits your specific climate.
