In the quest for privacy and seclusion in our outdoor spaces, few solutions are as effective and aesthetically pleasing as living fences created by trees & shrubs. Whether you’re looking to shield your backyard from prying eyes, muffle street noise, or simply enhance the beauty of your landscape, privacy plants offer a versatile and eco-friendly solution. In this guide, we’ll explore the best evergreen and deciduous options for creating privacy, along with essential care tips to ensure their health and vitality.
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Evergreen Screening Plants
- Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae stands tall as a premier privacy plant. With its narrow, upright form and dense bright green foliage, it offers both privacy and beauty. Ideal for sunny to partially shaded areas, these hardy plants grow 12′-15′ tall and 4′-5′ wide, providing an effective barrier along fences, driveways, or streets. Plant them every 3 feet for optimal coverage.
- Skip Laurel
Featuring attractive dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers in spring, Skip Laurel adds elegance to any landscape. Its glossy leaves remain lush and green year-round, providing year-long privacy. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Skip Laurel grows 12′-15′ tall and 5′-7′ wide. For a dense screen, plant them with appropriate spacing, ensuring adequate coverage.
- Green Giant Arborvitae
For rapid privacy solutions, few plants can rival the Green Giant Arborvitae. Known for its fast growth and dense foliage, this evergreen is perfect for screening out neighbors and undesirable views. With a height of 20′-30′ and a width of 10′-15′, it provides ample coverage in full sun to partial shade. Plant them every 5 feet for a lush, green screen.
- Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress adds grace and greenery year-round to any landscape with its pyramidal form and delicate texture. This fast-growing plant for privacy thrives in full sun and grows 20′-30′ tall and 15′-20′ wide. It’s ideal for larger properties and wider spaces, and can be planted 5 feet apart to create seamless screening.
In addition, consider layering in Holly, Yews, and Euonymus for added variety and texture in your living fence.
Skip Laurel
Leyland Cypress
Deciduous Shrubs for Privacy & Pollinators
While evergreens offer year-round privacy, deciduous shrubs create hedges that provide additional benefits such as attracting pollinators and showcasing seasonal changes. Consider the following options:
5. Privet
Known for its rapid growth and dense foliage, privet forms into a beautiful privacy hedge.
6. Butterfly Bush
Loved for its fragrant flowers and ability to attract butterflies, this deciduous shrub adds beauty and biodiversity to your landscape.
7. Blueberry Bushes
In addition to producing delicious berries, blueberry bushes offer colorful foliage in fall and attractive flowers in spring.
8. Viburnum
With its showy clusters of flowers and vibrant berries, Viburnum enhances both privacy and aesthetics in your outdoor space.
Butterfly Bush
Viburnum
Care of Privacy Plants
To ensure the health and vitality of your trees & shrubs, follow these care tips:
- Watering: Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells, to promote healthy growth.
- Pruning: Trim your plants annually to maintain desired height and shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage lush foliage and vigorous growth.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures to prevent or address issues promptly.
By selecting the right combination of evergreen and deciduous plants and providing proper care, you can create a lush and vibrant living fence that enhances privacy, beauty, and biodiversity in your outdoor space. Happy gardening!
Privet Privacy Hedge