The following trees are ideal for screening large scale areas such as shopping centers and industrial sites. They are also effective in combination with other smaller screening plants. Both are moderate to fast growers. They are not considered to be shade trees.
(1) Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara). Height:forty (40) to one hundred fifty (150) feet; spread: thirty (30) feet or more. The Deodar cedar is a useful and attractive evergreen. It should be allowed plenty of room in order to assume its beautiful natural form. Its pendulous branches should be allowed to touch the ground. It prefers relatively dry soils, grows rapidly and is easy to maintain. True cedars such as the Deodar are not native to North America, but they have become quite popular in the South as a landscape tree.
(2) Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Height: forty (40) to sixty (60) feet; spread: twenty-five (25) feet or more. Magnolias are striking trees which serve well as screens when their branches are allowed to grow to the ground. Generally, this tree does well in city conditions, but it should be planted in quite rich acidic soils and it requires a lot of moisture. Furthermore, magnolias require ample space for growth. If planted in full sunlight, they will grow rapidly. Because it drops large waxy leaves, seed pods and flowers, the magnolia may present a litter problem.
