When I bought this place 30 years ago there was a row of them blocking neighbors house. They all died within a few years and immediately sucker roots sprout. Had 2 trees grow to maturity and die and another is about there. They do grow fast the first few years. Literally 10'/year. If I wanted fast privacy Id plant these and some other trees in the same row with the idea of the Lombardys dying off at some point . I strategically planted for southern exposure shade a pin oak on the south side of my house right after 9/11 . Trimmed and fertilized every year. It finally gave results the last 2 summers. The wingspan of it is impressive and with one tree I blocked most of the sun from noon to 3. I love it. Sucks a move may be in the near future just when its producing results
Check out Catalpa trees! Really cool tree I just learned about. Plan to plant 2 of those and 2 burr oaks!!
Privacy is not a big concern. I remember noticing a big difference in noise after the 2 big willows came down though . I definitely want deciduous trees.
I think Oak would work but im not familiar with the oak you guys got. Plant Birch, Alder and in between Oaks, cut down the Birch and Alder every 5-10 years down to 1 feet above ground. So they dont out run the Oak to badly. They'll be a nice kindling production as they will regrow... well thats at least i would do.
