Ever wonder what trees to plant for privacy? Natural privacy in the landscape is immensely popular these days. We want to block out unwanted sites as well as keep nosy neighbors from peering into our yard and home. Privacy hedges offer this while maintaining the beauty of our landscape. They are also better for the environment than wooden or metal fences. In this blog I will list the best trees for privacy. I have chosen what trees to plant for privacy by looking at each tree’s drought tolerance, maintenance requirements, growth rate, and look. Every privacy tree on this list is low or no maintenance once established. Read on to learn what trees to plant for privacy!
What Trees to Plant for Privacy
Cupressus Arizonica var. glabra 'Carolina Sapphire'
Growing Zones 6-9
Mature Size: 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide
Privacy Hedge Spacing: 8 feet
Create a unique and beautiful privacy screen with this lovely scented Arizona cypress. This fast growing privacy tree has high heat and drought tolerance and is a great choice for the southern United States.
Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'
Growing Zones 3-8
Mature Size: 10 to 15 feet tall and 4 feet wide
Privacy Hedge Spacing: 3-4 feet
The Emerald Green Thuja isn’t the fastest growing privacy tree, but it is gorgeous and grows to a more manageable height than many of the very fast growing privacy trees. It is also extremely cold hardy and can grow in even the coldest regions of the continental US.
Taxus x media 'Hicksii'
Growing Zones 4-7
Mature Size: 10 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
Privacy Hedge Spacing: 2-3 feet
The Hicks Yew is another great option for cooler regions of the country. This privacy plant is one of the only that tolerates shade. It also has pretty red berries and attractive foliage.
Ilex cornuta 'Needlepoint'
Growing Zones: 7-9
Mature Height: 10 to 15 feet tall and wide
Privacy Screen Spacing: 7-8 feet
This fast growing holly is adaptable. It can grow up to 3 feet per year and doesn’t require any maintenance once it is established. It is deer resistant and drought, heat, salt, and poor soil tolerant.
Thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant'
Growing Zones: 5-9
Mature Size: 40 to 60 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide
Privacy Hedge Spacing: 5-8 feet
With growth rates of 3 to 5 feet per year this popular privacy tree gives you privacy quickly. You can create a fast growing privacy hedge that is also disease and pest resistant with the hardy Green Giant Arborvitae.
Ligustrum japonica 'Recurvifolium'
Growing Zones: 7-10
Mature Height: 10 to 15 feet and 6 feet
Privacy Hedge Spacing: 4-5 feet
This fast growing privacy shrub can grow 5 feet in a single year and only grows to 15 feet. This flowering evergreen tolerates heavy pruning so you can keep it trimmed at the height you desire.
Other great privacy trees include the fast growing Leyland Cypress or the cone-shaped Italian Cypress. Now that you know what trees to plant for privacy check out our Privacy Trees and Privacy Hedges.
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