choices for screen plantings before you purchase them. If

choices for screen plantings before you purchase them. If you desire a 10-foot screen, you should not plant trees that will grow taller than that height. In fact, planting a species too tall for the site will force you to spend additional time pruning, especially if power lines or other overhead obstructions exist. When planting on a berm, consider the height of the earth mound in your calculations.

Determine whether the species you are considering are fast-or slowgrowing. If you want an “instant” effect, choose fast growers, but be aware that many of these species have weak wood or short lifespans. Weakwooded trees may require more maintenance over time.

Species with short lifespans are best interplanted with species with longer lifespans, so that as the first species weaken with age, the second one will fill in the spaces.

Plant Several Species

To Avoid Problems

Another reason to choose several species is to avoid the devastating result if a disease and insect infestation threatens one species. Having to replace a few plants to fill in holes that develop after a pest attack is better than redoing an entire planting.

For a vigorous screen, be sure to select shrubs, trees, and groundcover plants suited to your soil and climate. If, in building up a berm, you change the soil mix or grade, choose plants accordingly. Soil raised up to form a berm should drain well. Alternately, in raising the soil level you may also encounter rapid drying out of the soil unless the mound is covered with an organic mulch, such as wood chips. Whether planted on a berm or not, well-maintained, hardy species give the most enjoyment over the longest period of time.

Dr. Diane Relf is a horticulture specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension and is a member of the faculty of Virginia Tech.