7 Trees and Shrubs to Grow for Privacy

Maintaining privacy in a space, whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, nothing beats the natural beauty and functionality of privacy trees and shrubs. Green foliage can provide a natural and eco-friendly way to block out unwanted sights and sounds, and many privacy shrubs also add aesthetic value to your property.

Here is a list of our seven favorite trees and shrubs to grow if you want to add a sense of privacy to your property

Looking for a fast growing shrub? Consider the Leyland Cypress.

Leyland Cypress

Leyland Cypress is an exceptional choice for those seeking more seclusion on their property. This mighty tree grows tall and wide at a rate of up to four feet per year, ensuring a speedy transformation of your outdoor space. Once mature, the Leyland Cypress can tower up to a mature size of fifty feet tall, providing a natural barrier for any prying eyes.

Not only is this tree quick to grow, but it’s also dense, leaving no room for gaps in coverage. If you want to get the most out of your new green screen, plant them about ten feet apart for optimal results. Whether you’re trying to create a cozy oasis or just trying to shield your outdoor activities from view, Leyland Cypress is a tree that won’t disappoint.

Arborvitae make for a great privacy hedge for businesses and homes as well.

Arborvitae

Looking to create a quiet and peaceful oasis? Arborvitae might be the answer to your privacy needs. These trees are a favorite among homeowners for their ability to grow up to thirty feet tall, forming a tall hedge to keep unwanted eyes out. They are also fairly low-maintenance plants that require pruning once a year to maintain their shape.

To ensure they grow densely, plant them about three feet apart, and watch them transform your yard into a cozy retreat. With their tall and elegant stature, emerald green arborvitae will impress any visitor and provide the privacy and partial shade you and your customers need to relax and enjoy your outdoor space.

American Holly is cold hardy and deer proof.

American Holly

American Holly not only provides year-round color, but these impressive plants can be a sight to behold. These tall shrubs can have a commanding height of up to fifty feet, yet this slow-growing evergreen hedge is well worth the wait. What sets it apart is its incredibly dense foliage, which serves as an impenetrable barrier. With dark glossy green leaves covering its branches throughout the year, these plants ensure privacy in any season. It’s no wonder that American Holly is a popular choice for property owners looking to create a natural screen around their space.

For best results, plant them about eight feet apart. This is close enough to create a solid barrier but also gives enough room to allow for growth and expansion. Whether you’re looking to create a natural fence or simply add some greenery to your yard, American Holly is a wise and beautiful choice.

Japanse Privet’s white flowers provide a hint of color.

Japanese Privet

Japanese Privet is a versatile shrub that can add height and privacy to any outdoor space. With its fast-growing nature and the ability to train it into a small tree for tight spaces, the Japanese Privet is an excellent option for those looking for a quick and effective dense hedge to block out undesirable views. This plant blooms fragrant white flowers, can grow up to ten feet tall, and is incredibly dense. For best results, it’s recommended to plant these plants about three feet apart.

Boxwoods provide greenery all year round, from early spring and early summer through fall and winter.

Boxwood

For centuries, landscapers and gardeners alike have turned to boxwood as the hedge plants of choice. With dense, evergreen foliage, these deer-resistant shrubs can help to create a beautiful and functional privacy hedge, perfect for creating a secluded space or simply defining property borders. While other privacy bushes may shed their leaves or grow too quickly, boxwood grows slowly and maintains its lush green leaves year-round.

To ensure the best results, it’s recommended to plant boxwood about one foot apart, allowing them to grow together and form a seamless hedge. These drought-tolerant plants require well-drained soil and plenty of sun but are otherwise easy to maintain. So whether you’re looking for a classic touch to your garden or need to add some glossy green foliage to a larger property, boxwood is a versatile and elegant choice.

Eastern Red Cedar prefer full sun and can perform even in poor soil conditions.

Eastern Red Cedar

If you’re looking for a beautiful and fragrant way to maintain privacy in your yard, Eastern Red Cedar might be what you’re looking for. This slow-growing evergreen can eventually reach heights of up to thirty feet, providing ample coverage to block out wandering eyes or unwelcome visitors. But the real allure of this gorgeous tree is in its dense foliage and lovely aroma.

Interested in planting these deer-resistant trees? You’re not alone. For them to best succeed, plant them about twelve feet apart for a lush privacy screen that’s as functional as it is stunning. Keep in mind these trees thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9, with full sun to partial shade, and can even perform well in poor soil conditions.

Juniper is a deer-resistant plant and provides a dense screen when planted side by side.

Juniper

Are you looking for a tree that’s both visually stunning and incredibly tough? Look no further than Juniper. These fast-growing evergreen shrubs can reach heights of up to twenty-five feet and can create a beautiful natural barrier around your property. But don’t let its delicate appearance fool you – Juniper is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. And if you’re worried about maintenance, don’t be – Juniper is a low-maintenance tree that requires little upkeep once planted. For optimal results, make sure to plant them about eight feet apart and enjoy the stunning natural beauty this tree has to offer.

Planting shrubs for privacy is a visually appealing way to add greenery to your landscaping.

In Conclusion

Trees and shrubs can create privacy while adding visually appealing plants to your home, commercial property, or business space. Be sure to carefully consider the specific needs of your space before selecting your green foliage, as well as the maintenance required to keep them healthy. With the right selection and care, these seven trees and shrubs can create a green fence to make any space more private and beautiful.

If you’re in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and want more information on recommendations for natural privacy, or if you’d like a free landscaping consultation, contact All Metro Service Companies today.