Knowledgebase
Privacy trees along road #780690
Asked January 23, 2022, 5:33 PM EST
Brown County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Mark,
You've obviously given this planting a good deal of thought. I'm glad to see you're planting a variety of tree species. That's important to limit the spread of disease.
Your top three trees are all good choices for your purposes. You didn't mention deer, but Green Giant is supposed to be one type of arborvitae that is deer-resistant. (There are no deer-proof plants, unfortunately.) I don't have any personal experience with it, but that's my understanding.
I would definitely avoid Colorado blue spruce for the very reason you mentioned. It just isn't very adaptable to our conditions and is susceptible to a variety of diseases.
Canadian hemlock might work if you're willing to give it plenty of water, but it's really better suited for a forest setting than out in the open.
Eastern white pine is indeed sensitive to road salt, but from your description I think your trees would be far enough from the road that salt shouldn't be a problem. I have some about ranging from about 15 to 30 feet from the road, and they do just fine. (I do live on a side street, however, so the amount of road spray is limited.)
Unfortunately I can't offer you general information on caring for the trees, because that's specific to the species you choose. And not to pass the buck, but you might find better resources from the Ohio Division of Forestry, https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/forestry . It has foresters on staff who might be able to give you guidance.
Good luck!
One that comes to mind is white fir. It likes full sun and is salt-tolerant and fairly deer-resistant. I have six of them and the deer have never touched mine, even though they come through my property every night and feed on a lot of my plants. White fir does like well-drained soil (don't they all?), but planting on a mound should help. I have heavy clay, and mine are thriving.
Unfortunately I don't have a great tree list to refer to, and I'm really just a generalist. I do think the Division of Forestry may be able to suggest other trees.
By the way, I came across this list of salt-tolerant trees from Purdue that may be of help: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-faq-10-w.pdf