Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- How to Choose the Right Privacy Trees
- Planting and Maintenance
- 12 Year-Round Privacy Trees
- Thuja Green Giant
- Leyland Cypress
- Holly Trees
- Arborvitae Emerald Green
- Italian Cypress
- Magnolia Trees
- Red Maple
- Cedar Trees
- Boxwood
- Douglas Fir Tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- Hicks Yew (Taxus x media 'Hicksii')
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’)
- Get Your Choice of Privacy Trees on PrivacyShrubs.com
- FAQs:
- Final Thoughts
-
As homeowners, you don’t want nosy neighbors and passersby peering into your home and yard. Privacy is our right, and you can achieve this by planting the right trees instead of installing an ugly, impersonal fence or wall.
The best trees to plant are dense, low-maintenance, and year-round privacy trees, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about prying eyes or noise pollution.
From the hundreds of trees available, which are the best ones that can fit your needs? In this post, we’ll share the 12 best privacy trees, complete with their pros and cons. You’ll also find some tips and tricks on planting and maintenance to help you start your journey.
Key Takeaways
Privacy trees are natural barriers that can give you solitude from outside distractions without the need to install fences.
The best privacy trees should be dense, low-maintenance, and evergreen.
To choose the right privacy trees, check your lawn size, soil type, climate suitability, maintenance requirements, and growth rate.
The 12 best privacy trees are Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, Holly Trees, Arborvitae Emerald Green, Italian Cypress, Magnolia Trees, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, Spruce Trees, Red Maple, Cedar Trees, and Boxwood.
Each tree has different planting and maintenance specifications. Adjust wisely according to your choice.
How to Choose the Right Privacy Trees
Choosing the right privacy tree can be tricky because you might end up with oversized ones that take over your whole lawn or slow-growing trees when you need quick results. To avoid these issues, here are some considerations:
Lawn size and space: Choose the right tree by checking its maximum spread, height, and root spread. Compact lawns may benefit from smaller trees, while a big backyard can use tall, dense trees for more efficient planting.
Zone suitability and soil condition: Each tree has its own soil type requirement and zone suitability; check whether or not the type you want matches yours.
Maintenance requirements: Are you more of a laid-back or a hands-on gardener? Some trees may require closer monitoring, while others are more resilient. Choose plants that need less pruning and are pest-resistant, which could save you a headache in the future.
Growth rate: Are you willing to wait a few months for results, or are you in a hurry for privacy? Determine your target in terms of time and check how quickly the trees can grow.
Planting and Maintenance
Planting and maintenance are key to getting optimum growth out of your year-round privacy trees. It can be complicated, but these are initial planting tips that can guarantee healthy growth:
Plant trees in spring or fall, so the roots can establish during the growing season.
Dig a hole that’s 2 times wider than the root ball.
Check if your soil is too dense and amend with planting mix if necessary
Backfill the soil using your hands and remove air pockets; never use your feet as it may lead to dense soil.
Water the plant well and add 2-3 inches of mulch to protect the moisture.
Each tree has different watering, fertilizing, and pruning specifications, so read below for more information.
Thuja ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja plicata 'Green Giant')
Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)
- Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’)
12 Year-Round Privacy Trees
Thuja Green Giant
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae
$29.95
$49.99
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae: Your Privacy Solution The Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae offers a fast-growing, low-maintenance privacy screen that’s perfect for creating a tranquil escape. Its lush, evergreen foliage provides a natural barrier, while its hardy nature ensures minimal care.… View Product
The Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a fast-growing, low-maintenance tree that remains lush throughout the year, giving you an effective privacy screen. It can reach up to 50-60 feet in height and 15-20 feet wide, so make sure you plant them 5-10 feet apart.
It’s adaptable to moist soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil. Fertilize after it's properly established in early spring or late fall, and water regularly, especially during dryer months.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-8 |
Growth Rate | 3-5 feet annually |
Pruning Tips | Late winter or early spring |
Pest Resistance | Naturally pest-resistant |
Benefits | Fast-growing, adaptable, and disease-resistant |
Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress
$84.95
$110.99
Leyland Cypress: Enjoy Year-Round Beauty and Privacy The Leyland Cypress will transform your yard into a serene sanctuary in just a few short years. Its dense foliage creates a natural sound barrier, muffling unwanted noise and granting you the privacy… View Product
Leyland Cypress has rich, lustrous green foliage with scale-like needles. It’s another fast-growing tree that can occupy space quickly as it matures to 60-70 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide.
Plant Leyland Cypress at least 15-20 feet apart so they can have enough air circulation throughout the year. It’s adaptable to various soil types, but well-drained soil is ideal. Fertilize during its first year in early spring and water regularly.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 6-10 |
Growth Rate | 3-4 feet annually |
Pruning Tips | Needs regular pruning to maintain shape |
Pest Resistance | Somewhat pest-resistant |
Benefits | Fast-growing with dense foliage |
Holly Trees
Hoogendorn Holly
$58.95
$79.99
Hoogendoorn Holly: Low-Maintenance Magic for Hedges, Borders & More This compact shrub is a dream for busy gardeners. Unlike finicky plants, the Hoogendoorn Holly thrives with minimal care, tolerating both sun and shade. Plus, its dense, evergreen growth deters deer,… View Product
Holly trees can range from smaller bushy varieties to tall, majestic trees. The American Holly is a tall, woody tree with beautiful berries, native to North America. It matures up to 40-60 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, so plant them at least 20 feet apart. The tree prefers moist, neutral to acidic soils, fertilization during early spring, and weekly watering.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 5-9 |
Growth Rate | 1-2 feet annually |
Pruning Tips | Late winter or early spring |
Pests | Naturally pest-resistant |
Benefits | Offers thick foliage and berries for more visual interests |
Arborvitae Emerald Green
Emerald Green 'Smaragd' Arborvitae
$69.95
$89.99
Emerald Green ‘Smaragd’ Arborvitae: Fast-Growing, Low-Maintenance Evergreen Picture lush, green Emerald Green ‘Smaragd’ Arborvitae trees lining your property, creating a living barrier that blocks unwanted eyesores and noise. These fast-growing evergreens reach up to 15 feet tall, forming a dense,… View Product
The Emerald Green Arborvitae has lush, emerald-colored foliage with tiny, scale-like dense foliage. It matures at 10-15 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, so space them 3 feet apart when planting.
Although it grows slowly, the compact tree is an excellent option for smaller spaces. Well-drained soil is crucial for this tree, so make sure you amend your soil properly. Fertilize in early spring and water deeply once a week.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-7 |
Growth Rate | <1 foot annually |
Pruning Tips | Early spring |
Pest Resistance | Somewhat pest-resistant |
Benefits | Dense leaves, compact and ideal for smaller spaces |
Italian Cypress
Leyland Cypress
$84.95
$110.99
Leyland Cypress: Enjoy Year-Round Beauty and Privacy The Leyland Cypress will transform your yard into a serene sanctuary in just a few short years. Its dense foliage creates a natural sound barrier, muffling unwanted noise and granting you the privacy… View Product
Italian Cypress is a tall, slender tree with scale-like green leaves that exude a strong fragrance when you crush them. The tree matures at 50 feet high and 4.5 feet wide, but it also has smaller types that only grow up to 30 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Depending on the type you choose, leave between 3 to 8 feet of space for growth. It prefers well-drained, sandy soil with neutral acidity and direct sunlight. Fertilize your plant only if necessary and check soil regularly to see if it needs moisture.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 7-10 |
Growth Rate | 3 feet annually |
Pruning Tips | Prune only to remove dying branches |
Pest Resistance | Naturally pest-resistant |
Benefits | Aromatic, tall, and narrow, perfect for smaller spaces |
Magnolia Trees
Little Gem Magnolia
$139.95
$198.99
Little Gem Magnolia: Bring the South Home Are you seeking a hint of Southern charm without the extensive footprint? The Little Gem Magnolia is your answer. This petite powerhouse delivers the iconic, heady fragrance of classic magnolias in a compact… View Product
Magnolia trees have beautiful, large flowers, adding visual aesthetics to your garden. One of the most suitable types for privacy trees is the Southern Magnolia, which features large green leaves with fragrant white flowers.
It matures at 30-50 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide, so plant them at least 25 feet apart. The tree prefers well-drained acidic soil, slow-release fertilizer after its first year, and regular watering.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 5-9 |
Growth Rate | Up to 2 feet annually |
Pruning Tips | Late winter or early spring |
Pest Resistance | Naturally pest-resistant |
Benefits | Broad leaves and fragrant flowers provide substantial privacy |
Red Maple
Red Maple Tree
$99.95
$136.99
Red Maple Tree: A Fiery Display of Autumnal Splendor The Red Maple Tree is a fast-growing tree that provides shade and privacy quickly. As it matures, it develops a robust root system, stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. This resilience… View Product
The Red Maple is a colorful tree that can provide your yard with beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves. It matures to 70-100 feet tall and 40-60 feet wide, so plant them at least 60 feet apart.
It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with full sun exposure. Begin fertilizing your tree after its first growing season with a slow-release fertilizer, then monitor yearly. Soak the soil thoroughly after planting and water consistently during dry periods.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-8 |
Growth Rate | 2-3 feet annually |
Pruning Tips | Late winter or early spring |
Pest Resistance | Somewhat pest-resistant |
Benefits | Quick growth and beautiful fall color |
Cedar Trees
The Cedar tree, or Deodar Cedar, is a fine-textured tree that produces aromatic oil that can deter insects. At full size, the tree can grow up to 50 feet high and 30 feet wide, so plant them at least 30 feet apart. It prefers rich, well-drained soil with sunny locations, annual fertilization after its first year, and watering at least once every 1-2 weeks.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 7-9 |
Growth Rate | 1-2 feet annually |
Pruning Tips | Late winter or early spring |
Pest Resistance | Naturally pest-resistant |
Benefits | Durable, fragrant, and has dense foliage. |
Boxwood
Japanese Boxwood
$59.95
$89.99
Japanese Boxwood: Create a Private Oasis The Japanese Boxwood’s evergreen foliage provides unparalleled privacy, blocking unwanted noise and curious eyes. Enjoy peaceful moments on your patio, knowing that your personal sanctuary is protected. And because it thrives with minimal care,… View Product
Boxwoods are low-maintenance shrubs that you can shape into fun designs. It matures up to 20 feet high and 20 feet wide, but it takes years to reach maturity so plant them around 3 feet apart and prune yearly. It prefers well-drained soil, yearly fertilizer, and annual trimming.
Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-8 |
Growth Rate | 3-6 inches annually |
Pruning Tips | Early spring |
Pest Resistance | Somewhat pest-resistant |
Benefits | Able to shape into any design and create dense hedges |
Douglas Fir Tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Douglas Fir Tree
$53.95
$89.99
Douglas Fir Tree: King of the Pines Unlike fast-growing, short-lived evergreens, the Douglas Fir is an investment that grows stronger and grander with each passing year. Imagine your grandchildren playing beneath its boughs, a timeless symbol of your roots planted… View Product
If you call the Pacific Northwest your home, then you are likely familiar with the Douglas fir tree. This needled evergreen is essentially ubiquitous in this region and has a place both in wild settings and in landscape designs geared toward creating privacy.
If you’re not familiar with this magnificent tree, one of the first facts you should know is that it has the capacity to grow to incredible heights, sometimes 150 feet or more, in natural settings. Still, if you have a larger property with space to accommodate large trees, a grove or row of Douglas firs will certainly provide the privacy you need.
Key Care Requirements for this Plant
Plant this species in locations with at least six hours of daily sunlight and organically rich soil that’s either acidic or neutral. You’ll also want to give this plant plenty of space to expand, given its massive mature size.
Hicks Yew (Taxus x media 'Hicksii')
Hicks Yew
$99.95
$139.99
Hicks Yew: For All-Season Privacy This easy-to-care-for evergreen transforms your yard into a private oasis, reaching a mature height of 10-12 feet and flourishing in zones 4-8. Unlike fickle flowers, its vibrant green needles stay strong year-round, creating a natural… View Product
It can be somewhat rare to find a plant that works well as a hedge while also providing a noticeable pop of color to the landscape. Fortunately, the hicks yew checks both of those boxes thanks to its growth habit and its showy red fruits.
Like other yew varieties, the hicks yew has dark green needles that are somewhat soft to the touch and do an excellent job of screening undesirable sightlines. The only real downside to this privacy tree is that it does not grow as quickly as other options on this list. Still, the fleshy red fruits that appear late in the growing season make the hicks yew a must-have plant for many gardeners.
Key Care Requirements for this Plant
One of the best aspects of planting a hicks yew is that this plant variety is adaptable to nearly any amount of sun exposure. Established hicks yews also have an admirable ability to withstand periodic droughts.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Eastern Redcedar Tree
$49.95
$79.99
Eastern Redcedar Tree: Tough, Adaptable Beauty for Your Yard This easy-care evergreen thrives in most soils, needing minimal attention from you to flourish. Imagine the joy of creating a wildlife haven in your yard, simply by planting this beautiful, low-maintenance… View Product
The eastern red cedar is a classic evergreen tree that’s native to the eastern half of the United States and is quite easy to grow in most cases. Not only does this plant adapt to a wide range of soil types, but it also tolerates mild amounts of pollution as well.
In addition to being an easy-to-care-for plant, the eastern red cedar offers ornamental value. The primary source of this value is this plant’s berry-like cones, which are small, round, and have a bluish-gray hue.
Key Care Requirements for this Plant
Caring for an eastern red cedar is simple. If you give this plant full sunlight, it should live a long and healthy life. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, as many plants do, it has terrific drought resistance.
Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’)
Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia
$139.95
$209.99
Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia: Add Privacy & Beauty This isn’t just a tree; it’s a living privacy screen, transforming your yard into a peaceful retreat. Year after year, it grows quickly, creating a dense barrier that shuts out the outside… View Product
Unlike many other cultivars that arise from the southern magnolia species, bracken’s brown beauty magnolia is a bit more adaptable to colder weather. It can grow well from zones 5 to 9. Additionally, it’s also happy to grow in either full sunlight or partial shade.
The flowers of bracken’s brown beauty magnolia are just as large, fragrant, and stunning as those of its relatives. This magnolia also stands out thanks to the distinctive brown hues on the undersides of its leaves.
Key Care Requirements for this Plant
While this tree is adaptable to colder climates than many southern magnolia cultivars, it still has its preferences regarding growing conditions. Don’t plant this tree in soils that are extremely wet or dry. Instead, plant in a moist, well-draining soil that’s rich with organic matter. Despite surviving in Zone 5, some winter wind protection can be beneficial.
Get Your Choice of Privacy Trees on PrivacyShrubs.com
If Ready to decorate your yard with some privacy trees for year-round peace, visit our collection of everygreen trees at Privacy Shrubs provide a fresher and wider selection of evergreen trees that can give you the solitude you need.
We also have a 1-year thrive and survive warranty, so new gardeners can rest easy. Choose from our extensive selection and have us deliver them to your doorstep!
FAQs:
What Tree Grows Fastest for Privacy?
The fastest-growing trees are Eucalyptus (6 feet annually), Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (3-5 feet annually), and Leyland Cypress (3-4 feet annually).
What Trees Provide the Most Privacy?
Trees that can provide the most privacy are those with dense partitions, such as Bamboo and Boxwood.
How Close Should You Plant Trees for Privacy?
It depends on your tree type. Refer to its maximum spread or width as a base for spacing each plant.
Which Privacy Tree is the Easiest to Grow?
The easiest types of privacy trees are fast-growing, disease-resistant, and adaptable trees such as Bamboo, Thuja Green Giant, and Eucalyptus.
Final Thoughts
Privacy trees are great as a natural barrier between your home and the outside world. The best privacy trees will depend on your lawn size, location, and preferences. So, take your pick from our list and let your gardening journey start!
