Question
We have a 6' chain link fence that we'd like to grow arborvitae against. If we start off with 2' trees, will it grow through the chain link fence? The space is narrow so we'd like to have it up against the fence as much as possible.
Also, we have grown the emerald green before and would prefer something that grows faster for privacy and somewhat taller as well. The Thuja Green Giant might be too tall but we like its fast 3-5 foot per year growth.
If we plant the Green Giant closer together, say 5' apart would they stay relatively smaller yet grow faster? I don't know if it works this way. If we plant them 5' apart, could we expect them to be about 2.5 feet in diameter?
Another option would be Italian cypress but they always seem to be grown farther apart and we would like to create a living hedge.
Thank you very much.
Answer
Yes these tree will grow through the fence if planted close to it. Emerald Green Thuja a medium-sized privacy screen... just plant every 3 ft. for a tidy, neat hedge that never needs trimming. It will grow about 8-12 feet tall.
It has a width of about 5-10 feet meaning the branches will grow about 3-8 feet from the trunk. If you plant them about 3-4 feet apart and 3-4 feet from the fence you should be ok. a few branches may grow wide and extend through the fence these can be pruned if this happens. Planting them close together effects the width grow in the row but not the growth outward toward the fence.
Italian cypress will get very tall 40-60 feet and about 3-6 feet spread. There are dwarf version but these will grow slower but not as tall or wide. i would suggest that you visit your local nursery and ask them what would be best for your area and conditions.
