dense foliage for privacy

(Question)

Hi
I want a tree that is for privacy

It must have the following criteria

dense foliage
full sun
10-12 ft tall
10 foot wide
deciduous
near a foundation
in Toronto

My research comes up with a Japanese maple as its roots won’t damage a foundation. I’m not sure of the species but it must have dense foliage.

(Answer)

Thanks for your question. I present you with a list of trees (and shrubs of suitable size) that meet your criteria of dense foliage, full sun, 10-12 feet tall, 10 feet wide, deciduous, and suitable for planting near a house foundation:

  1. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis):
    • Height: Typically grows to 10-15 feet tall.
    • Width: Usually 6-10 feet wide.
    • Features: Dense foliage, lovely spring flowers, and edible berries.
    • Suitable for foundation planting due to its manageable size and attractive appearance.
  2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis):
    • Height: Can reach 15-20 feet in height.
    • Width: Often grows 10-15 feet wide.
    • Features: It has dense, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant pink or purple spring flowers.
    • While it can get a bit taller than your specified range, you can prune it to maintain a more compact size.
  3. Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum):
    • Height: Typically around 6-10 feet tall.
    • Width: Can spread 8-12 feet wide.
    • Features: Dense foliage, attractive white flowers in spring, and blue-black berries in the fall.
    • Well-suited for foundation planting due to its size and appearance.
  4. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana):
    • Height: Usually 6-12 feet tall.
    • Width: Can grow 6-12 feet wide.
    • Features: Dense foliage, white spring flowers, and small fruit that attracts wildlife.
    • It’s a good choice for a deciduous tree near a house foundation.
  5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis):
    • Height: Typically 10-20 feet tall.
    • Width: Can spread 6-12 feet wide.
    • Features: Dense foliage, white spring flowers, and edible berries.
    • Like the Amelanchier canadensis, this species is well-suited for foundation planting.
  6. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius):
    • Height: Usually grows 6-10 feet tall.
    • Width: Can reach 5-10 feet wide.
    • Features: Dense, dark foliage, and clusters of small white or pink flowers in early summer.
    • A shrub that can provide dense coverage near a house foundation.

Here are a couple of useful sites for seeing what these trees/shrubs look like (Googling them will also generate results):

Please note that the growth and size of trees can vary depending on local conditions, so proper care and maintenance may be needed to keep them within your desired range. Toronto Master Gardeners has a guide on how to plant a tree which you may also want to consult.  It covers such things as when to plant, soil amendments, planting depth, staking and watering.

October 7, 2023