The Fast-Growing Narrow Tree That Doubles As A Privacy Fence

The white picket fence is classic Americana, but fencing of all kinds has helped define the American culture of individuality. One of the best options is a living hedge that not only offers privacy, but also acts as a habitat and potential food source for local birds and pollinators. Common boxwoods are a traditional shrub option, being both dense and deer resistant. But if you plant just one type of hedge or bush, you're at risk of losing the whole thing to disease or insects. 

Mixing in trees is a great way to add diversity while attracting birds, and they can provide shade for plants and animals when it gets hot. Some trees might take centuries to grow tall and strong, but if you're looking for something to add value to your yard within your lifetime, consider planting Swedish columnar aspen (Populus tremula 'Erecta').

Swedish aspens are native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa and often struggle outside of those native habitats. These trees may only live five to 15 years, when it may take 10 to 20 years for them to fully mature. However, if you know how to grow and care for an aspen tree, it can be worth the work. They're well-regarded for growing tall quickly in narrow spaces, mixing snow-white tree trunks with leaves that offer beautiful autumn colors such as rust come the fall season. Swedish aspens can grow upwards of 40 feet, making them perfect to breach over the tops of other fencing or living hedges for added privacy.

Despite not being native to the Americas, Swedish aspens thrive in USDA Hardiness zones 2 through 6, putting them well in range of most states outside the southern and western borders. They require full sun or partial shade conditions to grow, but be careful—Swedish aspens are intolerant to full shade, and will quickly hit a limit. You'll want to make sure they have good access to sunlight if planted next to existing hedges or high-end DIY privacy fences. Luckily, these trees will grow in close to any soil condition, including chalky, clay, loam, and sandy mediums, so if the soil around the edge of your yard isn't perfect it likely won't be a concern.

Swedish aspens can also survive a variety of pH levels in the soil, ranging from acidic to alkaline qualities, as well as both well- and poorly draining soils. These aspens propagate via root suckers, with roots visible on the surface wherever they're planted. They often do not live long enough to damage any surrounding infrastructure, so you probably won't have to worry about trees uprooting your fences or hedges, but it may be harder to trim any surrounding grasses or ground covers as a result. 

Suckers can drain the nutrients from a healthy tree. They will begin to propagate during fall or late into the winter, but you can remove these sucker growths to help save your trees, ensuring they live longer. Swedish aspens are also susceptible to the same kind of pests as native aspen species, so watch out for insects such as sawflies or leaf spot diseases. If you keep a good eye on your aspens, they should make an elegant addition to your home's array of privacy features.