Consider the amazing Australian hybrid willow. Much cheaper, MUCH taller, and keeps your yard so much cooler! Once established, this magnificent tree grows at least 5 feet per year and as much as 10 feet per year. The more water they get, the faster they grow. They top out at about 40 to 65 feet in 10 years. SUPER drought, disease, and heat tolerant too! For PRIVACY, it is recommended that you prune the tops for the first few years to force thicker growth. It is also important that you AT LEAST plant them every 5 feet. For effective WIND BLOCK in winter when they loose their leaves, it is recommended that you stagger two rows and plant them 10 feet apart with an 8 foot space between rows (obviously the closer you plant them… the thicker and more excellent the hedge) With this formula you can cut wind down 30-40%- that’s without leaves!!! (Additionally, if you want to ensure survival of your hedge, we have found that planting 3 starts in one hole is very effective in eliminating the occasional start that dies as they form one giant root ball.) These trees are LIVE plants that just need to be tapped aprox. 3-4″ into the soil and watered heavily (for 5X the growth and best results, use our ‘Jump-Start’ technique which involves 2-3 wks in water and we will send you detailed instructions when you order). These starts come with other tried and tested instructions for optimum growth and survival. (some come as a bare start, but others due to inventory rotation, go out with small roots and leaves- either way it doesn’t effect final growth or size) As with all plants, some will not make it, please expect natural die off in each order of a fourth up to a third and to order accordingly. (its just the nature of these trees). Most customers will be very happy if you round your needed number up by 1/4th. Once, rooted, these trees will take off in no time! You’ll love this beautiful TREE!