Best privacy shrub? - Ask Extension
Looking for a good tree/shrub/bush to put next to my existing fence to create some more privacy, but I don't know what species would both meet at leas...
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Best privacy shrub? #828263
Asked May 03, 2023, 11:20 AM EDT
Looking for a good tree/shrub/bush to put next to my existing fence to create some more privacy, but I don't know what species would both meet at least most of my wishlist criteria and aren't super invasive to MN. I'm in Brooklyn Park
Full sun
I don't know about the soil, but I know our grass never seems to grow
We have 4 dogs, so if the tree produces berries/fruit, it can't be toxic if they chew on it.
I'd prefer more leaf style vs needles for an evergreen
Looking for something that will be super full when mature, and a mature height of probably 10-20 feet. A fast grower (1 foot or more a year) would be ideal.
Does such a tree exist?
Probably looking to cover an area that's about 30 feet long, so planting multiple plants would be fine as long as they'll kind of fill in the space apart you have to plant them.
Thank you!!!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I recommend a soil test. Some trees do better in some soils. The fee-$19- is a small amount compared to the investment in trees/plants and then seeing them not do well because of soil issues. See: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/
Our recommendations for trees and shrubs that do well in Minnesota and their characteristics can be found at the following websites. Much depends on what you are hoping to accomplish. For example, shrubs like lilac, burning bush and Amur maple grow quickly and provide a good privacy hedge at the lower levels. Trees such as Aspen are fast growing but may not provide as much coverage for the first 3-6 feet. Evergreens such as White fir (Concolor fir) to be used as privacy hedges because you get both the high and lower coverage.
I would also recommend a trip to the Minnesota Arboretum to see many mature trees and shrubs that may interest you. Since they are already growing in Hennepin County, you will know that they are right for your growing zone. Then take a trip to a garden center and read the tags for more information.
1. https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/trees-and-shrubs
2. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/righttree-shrub.html
3. https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/trees-shrubs-windbreaks
Our recommendations for trees and shrubs that do well in Minnesota and their characteristics can be found at the following websites. Much depends on what you are hoping to accomplish. For example, shrubs like lilac, burning bush and Amur maple grow quickly and provide a good privacy hedge at the lower levels. Trees such as Aspen are fast growing but may not provide as much coverage for the first 3-6 feet. Evergreens such as White fir (Concolor fir) to be used as privacy hedges because you get both the high and lower coverage.
I would also recommend a trip to the Minnesota Arboretum to see many mature trees and shrubs that may interest you. Since they are already growing in Hennepin County, you will know that they are right for your growing zone. Then take a trip to a garden center and read the tags for more information.
1. https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/trees-and-shrubs
2. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/righttree-shrub.html
3. https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/trees-shrubs-windbreaks
Thank you so much for your response, it's incredibly helpful! I'm so glad we have y'all :) <3
You are welcome. Glad to help.
