[Pelican]

Does anyone know anything about these trees? RMA USA - Welcome!

I've seen an ad on TV for them, they supposedly can grow 15 feet a year and provide shade, privacy and wind break. Their website doesn't offer a whole lot of info which sends a flag up for me, I was wondering if anyone here has heard anything about them? I have a spot here on my property where I'd like a fast privacy buffer, a home is being built behind my house, formerly all woods.

[nate78]

Saw it on tv last nignt looks like a river willow to me. It may end up a crappy tree like the lombardy poplar. Most of them I see are half dead.

[Stonehenge]

I don't know anything about their hybrids, but found this: Salix matsudana

[BSD]

I had read some time ago that those trees while fast growing are very weak and susceptible to wind/ice storms like birch trees. It does sound like it will do what you want (instant screen). Perhaps plant those on the property line and then plant a screen of evergreens properly spaced to grow in over the years.

[Pelican]

Thanks Jeff. I wonder what "short lived" means?

BSD, the trees strength was something I wondered about too, most trees I've seen with a fast growth rate aren't very strong. I used to have a client with a weeping willow, what a nightmare that was!! Every week we had to spend 15 minutes picking up branches that I hadn't considered.

There was something about that commercial that bothered me. I kept waiting for that guy who sells that laundry detergent "Kaboom" and all the gizmos to make an appearance!