Trees for privacy and noise - Ask Extension
We live in Lebanon, Ohio. We want some privacy trees in some corners and a side of our lawn, like where our neighbors storage shed is in the photo. We...
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Trees for privacy and noise #867809
Asked May 09, 2024, 7:01 PM EDT
We live in Lebanon, Ohio. We want some privacy trees in some corners and a side of our lawn, like where our neighbors storage shed is in the photo. We don’t want to spend a lot. Would love some 3-4 year old transplants. Any suggestions?
Thanks OSU.
NJ
Warren County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi there!
I can suggest a few trees that might work well as a privacy screen, but I'm afraid the cost question is outside my area of expertise. Maybe you can take this list to a few nurseries and check prices there.
Before you choose, though, I would recommend having a soil test done so you can improve the soil before planting, if necessary. Everything you need to know about soil testing is at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132 .
It's also important to study the conditions of the area where you want to plant, including the amount of sunlight and wind the area gets, the type of soil you have (e.g. sandy? claylike? loamy?) and how dry or wet the area is. All of those factors should be weighed when you make your decision.
A few suggestions:
Pinus strobis (Eastern white pine): This likes full sun or part shade, and it grows fast. It supposedly doesn't like compacted, clayey soil or alkaline conditions, but I can tell you the white pines in my yard grow fine in my clay soil.
Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar): Despite its name, this is a juniper, not a cedar. It tolerates heat, wind and a wide range of soils. It prefers full sun and dry to medium moisture and doesn't like soil that's constantly wet.
Pinus sylvestrus (Scotch pine): This tree likes full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils, as long as they drain well.
Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae): This is the classic hedge tree, but its main drawback is deer love it. Likes full sun to part shade and medium-moist, well-drained soil. It don't tolerate dry conditions. Avoid planting this in an exposed, windy site.
Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush buckeye): This is a shrub, but it grows up to 12 feet tall and wide. It's great for attracting pollinators. It will grow in either sun or shade in moist, well-drained soils.
That's just a few. Obviously there are many more! The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has information on Ohio trees at https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/common-trees-ohio/common-trees-ohio .
ODNR also has foresters on staff who can be good resources, but I believe they concentrate on woodlands. They might be able to offer some suggestions, though. Information on foresters is at https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/forestry/landowner-assistance/aab-service-foresters
Good luck!
I can suggest a few trees that might work well as a privacy screen, but I'm afraid the cost question is outside my area of expertise. Maybe you can take this list to a few nurseries and check prices there.
Before you choose, though, I would recommend having a soil test done so you can improve the soil before planting, if necessary. Everything you need to know about soil testing is at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132 .
It's also important to study the conditions of the area where you want to plant, including the amount of sunlight and wind the area gets, the type of soil you have (e.g. sandy? claylike? loamy?) and how dry or wet the area is. All of those factors should be weighed when you make your decision.
A few suggestions:
Pinus strobis (Eastern white pine): This likes full sun or part shade, and it grows fast. It supposedly doesn't like compacted, clayey soil or alkaline conditions, but I can tell you the white pines in my yard grow fine in my clay soil.
Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar): Despite its name, this is a juniper, not a cedar. It tolerates heat, wind and a wide range of soils. It prefers full sun and dry to medium moisture and doesn't like soil that's constantly wet.
Pinus sylvestrus (Scotch pine): This tree likes full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils, as long as they drain well.
Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae): This is the classic hedge tree, but its main drawback is deer love it. Likes full sun to part shade and medium-moist, well-drained soil. It don't tolerate dry conditions. Avoid planting this in an exposed, windy site.
Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush buckeye): This is a shrub, but it grows up to 12 feet tall and wide. It's great for attracting pollinators. It will grow in either sun or shade in moist, well-drained soils.
That's just a few. Obviously there are many more! The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has information on Ohio trees at https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/common-trees-ohio/common-trees-ohio .
ODNR also has foresters on staff who can be good resources, but I believe they concentrate on woodlands. They might be able to offer some suggestions, though. Information on foresters is at https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/forestry/landowner-assistance/aab-service-foresters
Good luck!
Thank you very much, Mary Beth.
I will do this.
Nate
