There are several types of privacy trees. These include Leyland cypress, American Holly, Leyland pyrus, and Green Giant Arborvitae. Each type of tree is perfect for a different purpose, so it is important to select one that meets your needs. Listed below are some of the most popular types of privacy trees. You can also choose the species to match your landscape. These trees are fast-growing, have thick foliage, and have a low trunk.
Green Giant Arborvitae
The “Green Giant” Arborvitae is an excellent choice for privacy. Its elongated shape makes it ideal for privacy hedges, as long as they are planted five to six feet apart. In warm summer climates, this tree can tolerate afternoon shade. It has an excellent fragrance and is highly susceptible to wind damage. Green Giant Arborvitae grows best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is hardy in USDA Zones 5-8. It can be grown in Zone 9 regions that experience some summer humidity, but will struggle if it is planted in arid climates. While thuja ‘Green Giant’ will grow just fine in a sunny area, it can withstand partial shade, which is an added bonus for privacy. The US National Arboretum recognizes the ‘Green Giant’ as an elite plant.
The Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the largest of the arborvitae species, adding three feet per year to its height. Its evergreen foliage stays green all year long, making it an excellent privacy screen and sound barrier. It grows well in full sun or light shade, and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. However, it is sensitive to salt and should be protected from harsh winds.
American Holly
The pyramidal shape of the American holly makes it an excellent choice for planting as a privacy tree or hedge. This species produces clusters of berries in the fall, which are poisonous to humans. It grows up to 40 feet high at full maturity, and it can provide privacy and security for any yard. It can also be planted as a background for flower gardens, providing privacy while keeping the berries from being eaten by pests.
Fast-growing hollies, like the Nellie Stevens Holly, are often pruned as a hedge to prevent unwanted noise and intrusions. Although many species of holly can reach 50 feet, many landscapers prune them to a manageable size before planting them. Alternatively, these trees are also great for landscaping purposes, and can be grown individually. Here are some of the benefits of planting a holly:
Yew
There are several varieties of Yew, which are both highly attractive and useful for privacy hedges. Canadian Yews are the most common, growing up to 4′ high and 7′ wide. The pillar-shaped Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ is 3′ high and 8 feet wide, and Taxus media ‘Hicksii’ grows to a height of 12 feet and spreads out to six feet.
Because of their dense, glossy dark green leaves, yews make great planters. These trees can also be pruned into a variety of shapes. You can plant them near doorways or terraces, where they will add instant maturity and a stable feel. And don’t forget to use deer repellent to protect your plants from deer. While yews are considered to be highly toxic to animals, they’re safe to use for privacy hedges.
Another choice for privacy hedges is Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’. It is column-shaped and grows 15 feet high by 20 feet wide. Yew privacy trees can be refreshed with regular pruning. Pruning promotes lush growth, so be sure to do it before new growth appears. Use branch loppers or hand pruners to prune branches at the joints. A traditional hedge can take years to grow, and you may end up with a few dead plants.
Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress privacy trees can be found in a variety of sizes. This classic tree is one of the most popular in the United States and grows to a height of 60-70 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet. This plant’s conical shape and dense foliage makes it a desirable choice for privacy. Because it’s so fast-growing, it is also easy to plant in rows. Its width is generally smaller than its height, so you’ll want to plant the trees eight feet apart.
To plant Leyland Cypress trees, you will want to choose a well-drained site. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots of the tree. Don’t place your trees too close to walls, houses, or other structures. Keep in mind how tall these trees will grow when you plan your landscaping. Make sure to water the soil and mulch the area well. If you’d prefer a tree with more privacy, you can choose a mixed conifer.
Dappled Willow
Dappled Willows can be planted almost anywhere, but are best suited to a sunny location. They do not like dry soil, but they are hardy and can be planted in full sun or partial shade. Once established, they can be planted in close proximity to each other. They can even grow into shrubs if planted close together. Because they don’t like dry soil, they should receive regular fertilizer.
Dappled willow is a small tree native to eastern North America, China, Japan, and southeast Russia. It can be trimmed into an attractive hedge or impact statement depending on its desired look. It is hardy in USDA zones four to nine and is tolerant of drier climates with additional moisture. However, the plant can be susceptible to insect damage, which can be detrimental. If you’re planting dappled willows, be sure to read up on how to care for them properly.
Dappled willows look stunning in your landscape when the fall colors turn red. This beautiful plant can be grown in pots and moved around. It also makes a great accent plant in large containers. It can even act as a foundation planting or erosion control on slopes. While they’re not suitable for larger landscapes, they can be grown in containers to create a lush grove or screen.
Cherry Laurel
A reliable North American native, Cherry Laurel is densely foliated with glossy dark green leaves. Its trunk is dense and double-wide, and its branches can grow up to 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Even though it is often seen at a much smaller size when grown in open space, it can form a dense screen if pruned regularly. This low-maintenance tree can be trained to grow to the appropriate height and width, and makes an excellent small to medium-sized street tree. If pruned regularly, this shrub keeps its small, rounded leaves and a central leader.
While cherry laurels are considered sturdy and disease-resistant trees, they can still become invasive if they are not kept under control. Cherry laurels have a tendency to spread by seeds in the fruit, and are best suited for gardens that need privacy. Additionally, cherry laurels can grow quickly and tolerate shade well. Lastly, they are easy to care for, making them the perfect privacy tree for any garden.
Boxwood
When looking for privacy, a Boxwood is the perfect choice. This evergreen shrub features glossy, blue-green leaves in the spring, which turn a rich green in the summer. Boxwoods are incredibly easy to maintain and can be grown as a large screen, privacy hedge, or even as a specimen tree. Here are three reasons to plant Boxwood in your landscape. First, it is a beautiful, natural screen that dazzles in winter. Second, it’s deer-resistant. Third, Boxwoods have long been used to create privacy.
First, boxwoods grow best on the north side of a building. If possible, plant them on the east or south sides of a building. If that is not possible, try planting them on the west, south, or east sides of a building. These locations will ensure that your Boxwoods don’t receive direct sunlight. Also, the best spot for boxwoods is in shady spots.
Eastern Red Cedar
If you’re looking for a privacy tree that grows quickly, look no further than the Eastern Red Cedar. With its dense, gray foliage and narrow, upright branches, this tree will make a beautiful screen. It grows in zones three to nine and is highly drought tolerant. In general, it requires little maintenance and will reach heights of 30 to 40 feet. If you’re considering planting more than one of these trees, consider spacing them 5 to 6 feet apart.
Eastern Red Cedar is a wonderful choice for privacy trees. They tolerate cold, wet, and hot climates well and are a good choice for windbreaks. In addition, they tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, making them ideal for planting near sidewalks, driveways, and roads. However, they can be susceptible to diseases such as phonopsis. For this reason, it is important to avoid planting red cedar trees in low or high moisture areas.
Serviceberry
A serviceberry is an excellent choice for privacy in your garden. Its distinctive red twigs give it a unique look and are edible. Serviceberries also make a wonderful wildlife plant. This native shrub is hardy in zones 2 to 8, and requires both full sun and partial shade to thrive. The serviceberry grows best in well-drained, lightly moist soil. To test your soil’s pH, visit the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Lab.
As a year-round privacy screen, the Serviceberry provides a colorful display of flowers and fruits. It is compact compared to other trees, making it perfect for smaller gardens. However, it can expand quickly if not pruned carefully, so be prepared to deal with its uncontrolled growth. If you’d like a privacy screen that will last for years, consider a Siberian pea shrub, another winter-hardy species.
Another variety of serviceberry is the Autumn Brilliance. This cultivar is highly ornamental and looks beautiful along the property line. If you’re looking for a privacy screen that won’t be visible to neighbors, you should plant this shrub six feet away from buildings. The clumpy form of this tree also makes it a great screening and accent tree. Its blue berries are edible and are a natural food source.
Rosebay Rhododendron
The rosebay rhododendron is a native plant that can be planted in woodland settings. It can grow to substantial sizes in the wild, but rarely reaches more than two to three metres in cultivation. It is a good choice for gardeners who are intimidated by large, broad-leaved evergreens. Rosebay Rhododendron grows best in medium shade and produces more flowers.
This plant needs well-drained soil and does not grow well in heavy clay soil. During the spring planting season, it is best to plant the root ball about three times the diameter of the tree. It needs the right kind of soil for proper growth, with an acidic pH between 4.5 and six. Rhododendrons don’t like a lot of fertilizer, but they do need an organic mulch in order to prevent weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
A rosebay is a native broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows to 25 feet in Southern Appalachian forests. It has large leaves and ornamental trusses of flowers. These flowers are very appealing to birds and other wildlife. The rosebay is one of the easiest privacy trees to grow. In the right location, it can become a privacy tree in no time. It will grow tall enough to protect its home from neighbors, but is also great for privacy in the landscape.
Italian Cypress Tree
The Italian Cypress is a popular choice for privacy trees in landscapes because it provides more than a beautiful landscape. While it grows quickly and easily, this fast-growing tree is also a great choice for mass planting. Tall Italian Cypress trees may be especially attractive in tract housing, where privacy is a primary concern. These trees also provide excellent windbreak qualities, which are especially appreciated in high-wind areas.
The Italian Cypress creates a natural border for your landscape, and its evergreen foliage offers a Mediterranean feel. They can survive drought and salt spray and will often grow near beachside condos and other residential properties. They also produce beautiful flowers and attract hummingbirds. When planted close to each other, they form a beautiful privacy screen that fits even the narrowest of spaces. This privacy tree is highly adaptable and can survive freezing temperatures.
The Italian Cypress grows best in soil that is well-drained, yet moderately fertile. Planting Italian cypresses in these areas requires careful planning. They do best in slightly acidic, sandy soil and do not tolerate heavy soil. Once planted, Italian Cypresses need little pruning. Branches that are dead or damaged should be pruned at the base, as new growth will not sprout in these areas.
Flowering Dogwood Tree
The Flowering Dogwood Tree is an excellent choice for privacy. This tree is typically about 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It features showy white blooms, which are sometimes mistaken for flower petals, in the spring and summer. In the fall, the true flowers develop into raspberries. The leaves of the Flowering Dogwood Tree are dark green and nearly oval. They have prominent veins that curve outward from a sturdy midrib. The bark is gray to brown and will age.
Flowering Dogwoods have white flowers. They bloom in early spring. The flowers, which are shaped like a cross, have a symbolic meaning. This is reflected in the dogwood tree’s association with rebirth. Dogwoods were used in Jesus’ crucifixion. They are also associated with durability and the ability to face challenges. They are a beautiful and highly visible addition to any garden.
Thuja Green Giant
If you’d like a privacy tree that’s both beautiful and incredibly high-growing, a Thuja ‘Green Giant’ might be the right choice for you. The foliage of this tree is lush and emerald green, cascading down the branches to a feathery point. Its leaves are also fragrant and feel soft to the touch. Thuja ‘Green Giant’ trees grow up to 60 feet tall, and are around 15 feet wide. They can be planted in curvy shapes or in a slight s-form for even more privacy.
Thujas are a great choice for privacy and screening plants. Their thick, upright, dense foliage is lush and green throughout the year. They require very little clipping to keep their shape. While they can be planted as privacy trees, they can also be left to develop naturally. The tall, dense foliage of Thuja trees filters wind and noise, providing a sense of privacy to its neighbors. They’re great for homes that are not close to each other.
Weeping Willow Tree
The Weeping Willow Tree is a popular choice for landscaping purposes. It can grow to be as tall as 40 feet and spread as wide. Its branches sweep the ground, forming a dense backdrop that can obscure a view. It isn’t pruned to head height, so you need to plan accordingly. However, it is easy to care for once established. If you’d like to plant a Weeping Willow Tree in your yard, you need to make sure that it’s located in a location that will give it adequate sunlight.
A Weeping Willow grows from thirty to fifty feet tall, with a similar spread. Its foliage is deep green and features white spire-like flowers. It is best planted in a sunny location, with medium-to-wet soil. It thrives in zones 5 through nine, and requires regular watering. It can be planted close to water, but it does best in full sun to part shade.
Cherry Blossom Tree
The cherry blossom tree is a great choice for your backyard, providing you with the privacy you need. Cherry blossom trees grow in a wide range of soil types, including acidic, alkaline and neutral. They do not mind excessively wet soil, and need moderate watering care during their first year. After that, they only need a bit of watering once every two to three weeks. Pruning the cherry blossom tree should only be done in the winter when the tree is dormant, and only when the tree is at least five years old.
Pruning the tree is an easy way to increase privacy, as it allows you to thin branches and lift the skirt of the tree. If you are unsure of how to prune the tree, it is best to hire an arboriculturalist. Pruning trees is a great way to make your garden appear larger, and you can even improve its impact on the landscape. Just remember to keep in mind the hardiness zone of your area when selecting your privacy tree.
Nellie Stevens Holly
For privacy, you can plant dense evergreens, such as the Nellie Stevens Holly. These trees grow fast and their dense foliage blocks out neighbor’s sounds. You can plant a row of Nellie Stevens Holly about 5-6 feet apart and maintain the density of privacy with a minimum amount of pruning. Nellie Stevens Holly is an excellent choice for privacy hedging and windscreens.
This fast-growing tree needs partial sunlight and well-drained soil. Water it once a week for the first six months, or more often during dry spells. Prune the trees periodically throughout the year, but most often in late summer. They grow well along property lines and have dense, rich foliage. Whether you plant one or more Nellie Stevens Holly privacy trees, you’ll be glad you did.
The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a hybrid between two species of Ilex. Nellie Stevens Holly has dark leather-like leaves and a dense, pyramidal shape. The trees produce red berries in late fall and early winter. The Nellie Stevens Holly grows at a fast rate, three feet a year. Once mature, Nellie Stevens Holly can be up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide.