Planting Curtains Along Roadways

[Sam Ubl]

Has anyone planted a curtain along their private land that abuts a roadway? I'd like to hear some tips and ideas; what trees are cheap, yet grow fast and full? Also, any particular method used for planting, such as two adjacent rows offset to fill the gaps?

[Rich M]

You could plant a 20- 50 ft wide row of Egyptian wheat/Sorghum - grows 10-12 ft high.

Otherwise I'd look for some native species, or maybe even pine. You could do a couple of rows of pine and then in a couple years plant a couple rows behind/in front of that and rotate back and forth on 6-10 yr cycles...

[Trailcamaddict]

Yes - we planted two offsetting rows of balsams along a roadway. The first few years are a bit slow but once they take hold they fill in fast. I think they are about 20 feet apart. There are deals from the DNR and trees for tomorrow for trees. You can find the info online. Also I would recommend the VIGORO Evergreen fertilizer spikes. They grow fast with those things!

[Hawthorne]

Norway spruce planted 10 ft apart two rows staggered. I've planted a couple thousand of them from itascha greenhouse. They are a durable little tree and come back from browsing when they are young. Once they are in the ground 3 years they really take off.

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[Bowhunting Brian]

Frigid Forage plot screen until your trees grow enough to block the view.

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[Sam Ubl]

Great ideas shared, thank you. I had been thinking arbs because they're cheap when they're small and they grow fast, but they grow so narrow... I think that plan is out, I like some of the ones shared above much more.

[Redman232]

I've had really good luck at my place with Cave In Rock Switchgrass, a little fertilizer each spring and it gets 7-8 tall. It will lay down a little after heavy snowfall.

[titan23_87]

http://www.mapleriverfarms.com

Best thing I ever planted at my place. In 3 years you have a permanent screen. We plant trees behind it that will take 10-15 years (or more) to produce a similar screen. It is a dormant grass that does not grow from seed, so it's not invasive. Grows only where you plant it.

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[OTCHunter]

My grandpa had pine and spruce planted along ours through the DNR about 15 years ago. Not much growth the first couple years but then they exploded, basically have a 15 foot wall around the property. Deer love the cover for bedding as well. He actually gets paid by the DNR for having the trees and makes a small profit after land taxes.

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[Zona]

Whatever type or species you decide to use make sure you include 2 or 3 different species. Having only one type makes the stand susceptible to die off in the event of a disease or an adverse environmental condition.

[Sam Ubl]

Wow, just when you think the advise was solid, more and more nuggets of gold shared! Thanks guys.

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