The Forestry Forum

bald cypress or ERC?

what is the fastest growing best tree to create visual barrier? in north Ga. will get good sun, hillside, well drained.

TIA

Met with a landscaper for a barrier at one of our elementary schools today. He recommended Murray(sp?) Cypress. He was confident it would be the heartiest and fastest growing. I am not familiar with it but plan to investigate.

Thanks!

I planted 40 Thuja Green Giants along my property line to try to block out an annoying neighbor. They're only a year old but doing well. They grow 2'+ a year. Dense. Blocks sound and a good wind barrier.

I will take a look, thanks!

Had plans to use the Murray Cypress at one of our middle schools. 

Leyton Green / Murray Cypress would be the fastest growing, but they aren't a long lived tree. I would suggest a 2 stage plan, with a row of Leytons, and a row of something more permanent and desirable, like ERC or Arborvitae.  Once the better trees get big enough to do the job, cut down the Leytons and leave the others to grow. 

Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), is another good (and fast growing) shelter / hedge tree and according to Wikipedia it's grown as an ornamental in Nth America. 

Here in the Northeast, I always tell people the fastest growing tree for viewblock is a fence. :D