Is planting tall conifer trees to form a hedge really best done in a zig zag pattern?
A zigzag pattern is usually what people want, seeing as it makes a thicker hedge than just single plants. If you want a wind screen, a thick hedge is definitely what you’re looking for. I’ve never heard of leylandi – I live too far north for that, I expect – but I know cedars fairly well. The idea is to get them as close together as you can without actually crowding them out too much. Tall ones (30′) would probably need around 10′, more or less depending on how thick you want it. Also make sure you check to see the growing shape of the trees – if they’re tall and relatively skinny, you’ll want them closer than that. You should probably check with somebody who knows local trees in your area, though – I can only give general information from another climate. Hope that helps you…
