A woman standing in front of a row of leyland cypress trees (carlesmiro/Shutterstock)
Privacy is a big concern for many homeowners. Nobody wants nosy neighbors peeking into their backyard all the time. But let’s be honest, who wants to feel boxed in by an unsightly fence? Plus, some HOA’s have strict rules that don’t allow them. So, what’s the solution? A living wall made of trees to block noise and keep out the neighbors. But it’s important to consider how tall they’ll grow, how fast, and whether they keep leaves year-round. Make sure they suit your climate, and you space and water them properly. Finding the right tree can be hard, especially if you don’t have a green thumb, but we’re here to help. We’ve sourced expert opinions from seven websites to create a list of the six best privacy trees to create a backyard oasis.
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Keep Nosy Neighbors Out With These Effective Privacy Trees:
1. Leyland Cypress
These trees grow fast—up to five feet a year—so you’ll have a lush privacy fence in no time. The Leyland cypress never loses its leaves and can reach up to 70 feet tall, far exceeding the height any HOA would allow for a traditional fence. According to Good Housekeeping, they are low maintenance, prefer partial to full sunlight, and thrive best in USDA Plant Hardiness zones 6-10.
Another great thing about these trees is their drought tolerance once established, and they can survive in most well-draining soils. Garden Betty guarantees you’ll have the privacy screen you always wanted.
These are the most popular trees planted nationwide and it’s not hard to understand why. Plant them six feet apart, and according to Fast Growing Trees, they will be your friend forever, creating a beautiful, dense screen with minimal effort.
2. Emerald Green Arborvitae
These trees are a nice option if you have a smaller yard because of their narrow form and they don’t need much attention. They can withstand freezing temperatures, working well in colder climates. Be sure to keep some deer repellent on hand, because Treeland notes deer like to munch on the leaves.
Livingetc believes the emerald green arborvitae is a fantastic choice if you want a slower-growing option. This tree reaches about 15 feet at maturity but still provides plenty of privacy. Also, it’s easy to hedge if you like that look.
To help these trees thrive and create the backdrop you want, plant them at least three feet apart and water them twice a week. Good Housekeeping suggests cutting back on watering after about three months. These trees do best in full sun or partial shade.
4. Thuja Giant Green
Gardening expert Erinn Witz tells Livingetc that these evergreen trees are the “classic border trees” and form a “robust hedge to screen you off from the outside world.” Sign me up! They grow fast but require minimal maintenance – just fertilize and trim them once or twice a year.
You won’t need to water this tree constantly since it’s drought and cold-tolerant, and deer aren’t attracted to it. According to Good Housekeeping, it’s also resistant to most insects and diseases, so once planted, it should last a lifetime. It thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9 and once established, Garden Betty says rainwater is enough to keep it happy.
5. Weeping Willow
If you want an elegant look in your backyard the weeping willow is a perfect choice. Their beautiful, arching branches add drama and sophistication to any space, large or small. Weeping Willows thrive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6-8 and can grow up to 50 feet tall. Good Housekeeping points out you must prune them in their younger years.
Your neighbors may want to join you under this tree on hot summer days. The tree starts thin but grows into a wide, sweeping canopy. According to Garden Betty, it provides ample shade, creating a cool, serene spot to relax with a good book.
Just a heads-up: willows drop their leaves in the winter but grow fast and thrive in almost any climate. Best of all, they only need extra water during droughts. According to Fast Growing Trees, willow hybrids are champs in swampy and super wet areas.
6. Spartan Juniper
Tall and slender, this regal tree is perfect if you’re short on space but still want plenty of privacy. Despite its slim profile, its dense foliage offers excellent coverage. According to Treeland, it’s ideal for planting among other trees or as a standout accent tree.
These trees are real champs, thriving in extreme heat and cold weather. According to Fast Growing Trees, they add a lush, green touch to your yard all year round! Livingetc notes that they make excellent alternatives to thuja or cypress trees.
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