AboutJim Hyland Expertise Registered Forester in the Southern US with 30 years experiance in managing pines. Expert in pine forest health from management to control of pests to ID of species.
Question 1. Are they okay for a semi-sloping lot?
2. Do they blow-over easily? Are they okay to plant near a house in central Virginia? (zones 6-7)
3. I live on a sloping lot and want to use them as privacy cover from the neighbors above and below me. We already have a privacy fence, and I am wondering if they will grow okay planted next to the fence. They will be planted on the inside of my fence, but my neighbor's cement driveway is about two feet away on the other side of the fence.
4. We only need a tree about 20-30 feet tall, is there a better option (we would like to stick with the narrow tree look, and we don't like the Leyland cypress... we hear they attract unwanted bugs/worms)?
Answer Blue Italian cypress will grow ok on a sloping lot. They prefer well drained soil. They have a good root system and not prone to wind throw. planted inside a fence will give them protection from the winds so wind will not be a problem. Zone 7 is the natural edge of the cold hardiness zone for this tree. It may depend on where and what the climate is in your location. I would recommend that you check with a good local tree nursery and ask them if they sell Blue Italian cypress. If it will grow there they will have it. There are several hybreds one maybe better suited for your area. A good nursery will be able to help (not the local Walmart).
I would stay away from Leland due to the foliage diseases that have killed many in recent years.
