opinions on thuja hetz wintergreen and nigra

15 years ago

We have a parking lot and church behind our property. It is fairly well-screened in the summer, but in the winter there are some bare spots because of deciduous trees.

We were thinking about putting green giants in, but are a little concerned about their width. I really want something that can be maintained at around 6 feet wide, but that gets at least 30 feet tall (the church a little bit on higher ground and is about as tall as a 2-story building). Fast growth is a plus, too.

I am considering thuja occidentalis hetz wintergreen and nigra, but find varying information about their heights and widths, so I am looking for opinions here. Also, if I plant these in groups of 3, how far apart should I space them to get a dense screen? Lastly, what are their growth rates compared to thuja plicata green giant?

Thanks a lot. I am open to other suggestions, as well.

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Comments (7)

gardener365
15 years ago
My favorite and is exactly what you're height and width wants include is: 'Hetz Wintergreen'.

Grows rapidly to 30-35' tall and 6' wide on center. The foliage fans forward and is medium-dark green year-round. It will not lose color in winter. It is extremely attractive as a sole specimen.

Nigra is an oval-shaped tree/shrub that is not even close to what you want. It's width will be way out of control and someone will be burdened with maintaining it's balance within the landscape.

Dax
frangione1
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, Dax. I was leaning toward that one. So should I space these like 5 feet apart? I want to get a dense screen as quickly as possible, while at the same time not overcrowding them.
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gardener365
15 years ago
5 foot is ideal. I planted a row here but I don't measure and I don't do straight lines and my spacing is indifferent ranging from 5 feet to at times 7 feet I'd guess. I ahh plant them so the rooballs are a little off center. Within a foot or so for a distance that I used them for being well I used 30 some plants. It was for my driveway.

Do your thing but "my mama" always said to let it look like nature planted them. Well a screen isn't exactly that.

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frangione1
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, Dax. Do you know where you can get these online? I can't seem to find them locally. Kind of stinks as I would like to get something taller than a foot!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
too many arbs.. sold in size.. have multiple leaders .... which can become a big problem over time

you MIGHT be better off buying smaller.. and insuring that they are single leadered ... if that is really a word ...

ken
wisconsitom
15 years ago
insuring that they are single leadered ... if that is really a word .

Yes, of course that's a word......in 'Kenglish' ;^)

+oM
gardener365
15 years ago
I have 100 of them - 6-9" tall but I just potted them up. Cuttings... They'll be ready next spring.

Musser Forest sells larger plants however I recommend smaller starts. I guess it really doesn't matter all that much.

Another supplier is this fella (link below).

Dax

Here is a link that might be useful: Reeseville Ridge Nursery

opinions on thuja hetz wintergreen and nigra

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opinions on thuja hetz wintergreen and nigra

Comments (7)

gardener365

frangione1Original Author

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