What cutting would make a good residential screen?

NWWI

5 year old buck +
I am looking to build a screen in my backyard in a residential area. I have planted and absolutely love my hybrid poplars but my only concern is how long they will last and how strong they are. The ones have grew fast and I am happy but I could see how they could be brittle once they hit 60-80 feet and I'm not too sure I want to deal with them hitting a house. I have seen some of the hybrid willows that top out at 30' which would provide a nice screen and some shade, but not too tall. I have no experience with willows.
What are some good recommendations of something that is strong yet full enough to provide a nice screen?
 
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I plant hybrids on the farm for fast growth knowing they will die early. It's a symptom of a lot of hybrids. On the farm I don't care because the birds will have sat in them and planted lots of trees to replace them.

In your setting I would recommend Dappled Willow. They are a bit slower to grow but are nice landscape willows. Mature at about 25 feet or they can be kept pruned as a hedge. New growth each spring is a showy white and pink color it's a great yard tree. Not sure if John has any cuttings left but you can check.

That or a tall grass hedge.
 
Bill is correct - Dappled Willow would be a great choice for a yard. They are more ornamental than the hybrids. Mine have topped out between 12' and 15' tall. Which makes them a candidate for under power lines.

I'm not sure I would worry about the lifespan of hybrids. They aren't like the hybrids of yesterday (lombardy). I have 10 year old trees that still look great. And I still haven't had to pick up a single branch. The feds released both of they hybrid poplars we sell and they claim they are a 50+ year tree. I'm not sure how they know that as they haven't been released that long yet :emoji_thinking:
 
Thanks for both of your inputs. When in doubt ask the experts!
 
Is the dappled Willow the same as the Hakuru nishiki?
 
Bill is correct - Dappled Willow would be a great choice for a yard. They are more ornamental than the hybrids. Mine have topped out between 12' and 15' tall. Which makes them a candidate for under power lines.

I'm not sure I would worry about the lifespan of hybrids. They aren't like the hybrids of yesterday (lombardy). I have 10 year old trees that still look great. And I still haven't had to pick up a single branch. The feds released both of they hybrid poplars we sell and they claim they are a 50+ year tree. I'm not sure how they know that as they haven't been released that long yet :emoji_thinking:


John,

Would hybrid willow tolerate harsh summers like my east texas region?

thanks,

bill
 
Is the dappled Willow the same as the Hakuru nishiki?

Yes that's it.


Bill,
I'm not sure about east Texas. Maybe John knows.
 
Going the MG route next spring after reading your threads

Already placed reservation with maple river

Sprayed gly over proposed site with good result

thanks,

bill
 
Going the MG route next spring after reading your threads

Already placed reservation with maple river

Sprayed gly over proposed site with good result

thanks,

bill

You won't be disappointed. Worst drought I've seen this year and mine are still 10 feet tall.
 
My only concern when using willow and poplars for screens is that they tend to turn to a row of sticks once leaf drop happens. I realize that may not be as big of an issue in your yard as during those times you more than likely are not outside much....but it is something to keep in mind. I am currently planting MG screens.....with Bill's help!
 
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