Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - April 10, 2009
From: Orange, CT
Region: Northeast
Topic: Trees
Title: Fast-growing evergreen tree to hide power lines
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Live in Orange Connecticut and need a tree that grows fast and tall to cover the power lines which are quite tall. I'm thinking evergreen type trees so that the during the winter it provides the coverage too.ANSWER:
Here are some candidate tall evergreens that are native to Connecticut:Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar) 40 to 75 feet with medium growth rate
Ilex opaca (American holly) 25 to 65 feet, but slow-growing
Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) 30 to 90 feet with moderate growth rate
Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) to more than 100 feet with fast growth
Picea glauca (white spruce) up to 100 feet and medium growth rate, photos from Vanderbilt University
Pinus resinosa (red pine) up to 100 feet and medium growth rate, photos from Vanderbilt University
Pinus rigida (pitch pine) up to 100 feet, medium growth rate, photos from Duke University
Picea rubens (red spruce) up to 100 feet, slow to medium growth, photos from Virginia Tech
Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) up to 100 feet, slow to medium growth rate
You will need to check the "Growing Conditions" area on each species home page to see if they meet the conditions at your site. I don't know how close the trees will be to the power lines, but you need to keep in mind that power companies usually have the right to trim trees away from their lines if they are perceived to pose a threat to the lines, so plant the trees so that there is plenty of room between them and the power lines.
More Trees Questions
Hedgerow to block sounds and scenes of traffic
May 01, 2011 - What would make the best year round hedgerow to block the sight and sounds of traffic 60 feet from my house?
view the full question and answer
Mimosa shape
November 27, 2007 - I planted a summer chocolate mimosa, and although it has bloomed lovely foliage, it has two main branches growing in a vee shape. Is this normal? Do I need to do anything to spur the growth in a more ...
view the full question and answer
Will a Norfolk pine survive winter in Houston
May 29, 2008 - If I transplant a Norfolk pine in the summer, or when is the best time, will it survive the winter growing in Houston Tx? Can you give me some suggestions for fast growing vines facing the front of my...
view the full question and answer
Caring for Texas Buckeye in Buda TX
February 07, 2011 - I have a Texas Buckeye that is planted in a moderate amount of shade. It is growing very slowly, and only holds on to it's leaves from late March to August. It has been in the ground for about 4-5 ye...
view the full question and answer
Rain garden for Washington MO
March 08, 2013 - I have a 40' tall bald cypress at the bottom right corner of my sloped yard (slopes from 2 sides, has 3 gutter runoffs directed towards it from 50-70' away). Can I put a series of retaining walls up...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
