Fast growing trees and hedges for zone 7a?

[GoDawgs]

4. For a fast growing hedge in zone 7a

I'm in zone 7b, and a plant in fairly widespread use around here for hedges & screens planted in subdivisions, office parks, etc use arborvitaes. Specifically 'emerald green' arborvitaes (about 10-12' tall) and 'green giant' arborvitaes (30' and looks like taller). Neither uses a lot of area, they are tall & slim and will grow together into a true screen. Dense, tall, very fast growing, attractive evergreen, vertical conic shaped.

If you have a fence, have you considered wild climbing roses? Bamboo might be another idea for back of a yard along a border, grows fast too. Both would do well in 7a.

The reply suggesting tulip poplar for a specimen or shade tree is spot on, I have one in back and its beautiful. Covers in large orange & light green flowers. Slow grower, but it's big and shady.

Good luck with your plants!