To choose the right privacy trees for your fence line, take the time to determine your USDA Hardiness Zone to find trees that will thrive in your climate. Decide which tree will grow best in your zone, and consider the size of your space. A small backyard might be too small for tall Italian cypress, but a large plot of land might be suited to a Weeping Willow. Remember that most of the trees on this list are fast-growing and need to be pruned frequently. Be sure to space them widely so that they will not crowd each other.
Goldspire Ginkgo
The Goldspire Ginkgo is a good choice for a privacy fence line. It grows up to 20 feet tall and five to six feet wide. It is drought tolerant and thrives in areas with a moderate amount of salt. This variety produces large pure white flower bracts and is a great choice for homes in hot climates, but it can also be used for shade and windbreaks.
Growing blueish-green trees near a fence line will create the illusion of a green fence. These fast-growing trees reach a maximum height of 70 feet and need only partial or full sunlight to thrive. They also do well in zones 6 to 10 and require a well-drained soil. However, they should be spaced appropriately to avoid blocking the view of your neighbors. If you do not want a fence line, you can plant a few small trees to form a natural border.
The Goldspire Ginkgo is the best choice for a privacy fence line. Its rich yellow fall foliage provides privacy and an eye-catching backdrop. It is also an attractive plant for lawns and garden borders. As a fastigiate tree, it can push out other hedges in the garden. You can find Goldspire Ginkgo saplings online and at nursery centers. The plant can be transplanted to your yard in a matter of weeks.
Japanese maples can be planted in a variety of climates and are suitable for fence lines. Because they grow upwards rather than out, they require less space. Depending on the type of Japanese maple you choose, you can plant one tree in a pot for several years before it reaches full height. Alternatively, you can plant a small Japanese maple in a pot and keep it there for several years.
Leyland Cypress
A good choice for your fence line is a row of Leyland Cypress trees. These fast-growing trees are easy to maintain and tolerate full sun well. Plant saplings about four to five feet apart and they will grow to be a dense wall that will block out noise from neighbors or other sources. The best part about Leyland Cypress is that they can survive in a variety of soils and can be planted with a wide birth on all sides.
This fast-growing tree can cover the fence line in just a few years, and its soft, bluish foliage will make the fence line unnoticeable to anyone on the other side of the fence. Leyland Cypress trees can handle most soil types and are drought-tolerant. They are attractive year-round and will form a strong privacy wall. Leyland Cypress is an ideal choice for fence line privacy trees.
Leyland Cypress trees can be planted anywhere along the fence line, though they do require some care. A few times a year, you should trim the trees back to about fifteen feet so that their roots won’t grow over the neighboring fence. Also, keep in mind that Leyland Cypress trees need about four to ten gallons of water per week. To determine how much water they need, check the soil to determine the exact amount of water.
Another type of Leyland Cypress is Blue Ice Arizona Cypress. This tree features smooth reddish-purple bark and glaucous blue-gray needles. The tree needs six hours of sunlight a day to grow well, and is well-adapted to a wide range of soils. A great choice for a fence line, Blue Ice Arizona Cypress will keep a silver-blue color throughout the year.
American arborvitae
If you are interested in growing American arborvitaes for privacy around a fence line, you can choose from a number of varieties. Some of these trees are native to North and South Korea, while others are only found in one locality in China. These trees are medium to large specimens, with drooping leaves and white resin. They are also drought tolerant and thrive in partshade and part shade.
The American arborvitae, also known as the eastern arborvitae, matures at 10 to 15 feet. These trees are very durable and adaptable, but their only downside is deer browsing. To avoid deer browsing, wrap the trees in burlap during winter or spray them with deer repellent. Yews are commonly used as foundation plantings. They have deep green leaves with red berries that attract birds.
While American arborvitae trees are often used in landscapes, Korean arborvitae can be grown in the wild. This tree will grow to approximately thirty feet tall and will grow to up to fifteen feet wide. It is an excellent choice for privacy trees along a fence line because it has a dense, leafy habit that is hardly visible from the street. Arborvitae can be planted eight to 10 feet apart so that they can grow up to the maximum width.
Arborvitaes can be used to plant on a fence line as well as a screen. The size depends on the species and cultivar. In cold climates, north pole arborvitae is ideal, as it grows narrow and tall. They grow up to 15 feet high and five feet wide and do well in moderate soils. American arborvitaes also tolerate a variety of soil types and require periodic deep watering.
False cypress
If you want a fence line that will add beauty and privacy, consider planting a false cypress along the boundary of your property. This evergreen conifer comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Its finely dissected foliage is perfect for adding privacy, and it is also fragrant. Despite its name, false cypress are not toxic to pets or deer. They will grow in almost any soil type, but they prefer a slightly acidic pH. Moreover, they are also deer-resistant, but will require a little more water during dry periods. Mulching is also helpful.
If you’re looking for a shrub that will give a fence line a formal look, consider installing a false cypress along the edge of your property. The plant has a medium-sized growth habit and requires little pruning. Remove any branches that cross, or cut back the central leader. Then, tie side shoots in upright position for 18 months. Once they’ve reached maturity, you can remove the central leader.
Soft Serve Japanese false cypress is a great privacy tree. With its conical shape and soft, fern-like branches, this evergreen shrub can help to block unwanted sounds. It’s cold-hardy to zone four and can be planted on the fence line, where it will serve as screening. Its branches will fall in a graceful arch. It’s an excellent choice for a fence line.
Choosing the right Fales Cypress is crucial for a beautiful and dense fence line. They can handle part or full-sun and prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. It also tolerates alkaline and acidic soil, and can thrive in both. A few tips can help you choose the right kind of False cypress for your property. There are many other factors to consider when choosing a fence line, but ultimately, you must decide which species will look best on your property.
Hicks yew
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen option for your fence line, consider the Hicks yew. This species is a relative of the Japanese yew and is cold-hardy to USDA Zone 4a. It also tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, so it can be used in any climate. In addition, it can tolerate some wind and is an excellent choice for privacy fences.
Hicks yew is a good choice for privacy fences. This shrub will mature to 10-12 feet in height and three to four feet in width. Its delicate, dark green foliage will add a touch of privacy to your landscape. Depending on its size, it will require partial to full sun. Once established, Hicks yews require only occasional deep watering. Fertilize them once a month in early spring.
Once established, Hicks yew is drought tolerant. However, during dry periods, they may require 1 inch of supplemental water. Also, these trees don’t like wet feet. While Hicks yews do not have high nutritional needs, they do benefit from a slow-release fertilizer. Adding mulch to the base will help retain moisture and keep weeds away.
If you don’t want to have your privacy spoiled by the neighbors, you could opt for the leyland tree. The creeping fig tree will grow up to twenty feet and block curious eyes within a few seasons. But, the only drawback of this hedge is that it does not grow in rich soil, so you may need to plant a second tree. Hicks yew can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Once mature, it only needs occasional watering. It will produce red berries in fall.