Lombardy Poplar Trees - Populus nigra 'Italica'

Lombardy poplar trees are a common choice for quick privacy. Their tall, narrow shape and fast growth mean they take up little space. Homeowners often plant them along fences, property lines, or driveways to form a green living wall that can double as a privacy screen.

TN Nursery grows every Lombardy poplar tree for sale at our Tennessee nursery. Lombardy poplar isn't native here. It originates from Italy, and every tree is a male, so you won't get the cotton fluff other poplars throw. It grows in USDA zones 3 to 9 and gets 40 to 60 feet tall but only 10 to 15 feet wide.

Why Plant Lombardy Poplar Trees?

Lombardy poplars can grow up to 6 feet a year, which makes them ideal for quick privacy screens or windbreaks. A close-planted row helps block wind, reduce noise, and make your yard feel more private. Their upright, uniform shape also gives your landscape a tidy look, and the leaves turn bright yellow in fall.

Lombardy Poplar Tree for Sale: What to Expect

We’ll be honest: it’s not a hundred-year tree, but a fast screen. A fungal disease called canker starts thinning out these trees after about 10 to 15 years. It does even more damage during a drought. You can plant arborvitae or spruce in a second row behind them, so that you get an evergreen screen coming on when the poplars give out. It is important to keep these trees 40 or 50 feet away from foundations, sewer pipes, and septic lines, as their roots are aggressive and spread far and wide in search of water.

Their roots will typically send up root suckers after they decline as a survival mechanism; cut them back throughout the spring and summer growing seasons.

How to Plant and Care for Lombardy Poplars

This plant ships bare root. To get the best results, plant Lombardy poplar trees in a sunny spot. They can tolerate many soil types, but they prefer well-draining soil. Water them often during their first growing season to help the roots settle in. After that, they're easy to care for. For strong growth and a healthy row of trees, give each one enough space, about 5 to 8 feet apart, and keep weeds and grass away from the base.

Planting & Growing Information

Ships: Ships Between November 15-29
Planting Zone: 3-9
Height at Maturity: 40-60 Feet
Water Needs: Moderate to High
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Bloom Season: March through April
Care: Thrives in most soils and is low maintenance. Water deeply during long dry spells to help keep canker away.
Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Attributes: Fast-growing, narrow shape, quick privacy screen

For more tips on planting, growing, and maintaining a natural privacy screen, explore our Lombardy Poplar privacy guide. You can also browse our collection of fast-growing trees to discover more options for privacy screening, windbreaks, and landscape planting.