In this article, I’ll be looking at the trees for privacy from neighbors.
I’m sure you wouldn’t want your neighbors staring at your every move or gawking at that cutie that visited you. Some trees can give you the privacy you desire.
Best Trees For Privacy From Neighbors
I think most people would prefer a living wall (trees) to a non-living one (fence). Trees are great because they clean the air and provide shelter for tiny little creatures. A privacy tree fence also looks a lot more beautiful than a regular fence.
So why not get some today!
Don’t know where to start looking or you’re not so sure what to look for? Not to worry, I’ll be giving you some great recommendations. If you need shrubs instead, here is a list to consider.
Before I do, I have to remind you to check the plant label before you buy, to make sure it will survive in your USDA hardiness zone.
If you’re buying trees, find out how large they will grow when they are fully matured. By doing this, you will know how best to space them out and avoid an overcrowded yard in the future.
So, let’s get into it, shall we?
Privacy Trees For Neighbors
Here are my top picks –
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Chaste Tree
I am surprised that this tree is not 10 times more popular than it is. I say this because it has a very elegant look, thanks to its nice-smelling purple blooms and its gray-green foliage.
This tree is a fast grower and it has a spreading multi-trunk display. Prune when necessary to maintain its looks.
At full maturity, this tree will provide you with as much as a 15 feet widescreen.
USDA hardiness zones – 5 to 9
You can try these varieties –
- Montrose purple
- Shoal Creek
-
Yew
Yew trees come in different species, there are low growing types as well as the tall-growing species. In this case, we will be looking at the tall, pyramid-shaped yews.
These are cold-hardy trees and some don’t even mind part shade.
They look great and they provide excellent screens.
USDA hardiness zones – 4 to 7
You can try these varieties –
- Capitata
- Stonehenge
-
Junipers
These privacy trees can thrive in very cold climates. They come in several types and colors, including gold and blue-green.
The upright species of this tree provide great screens and you can find some clusters of blue-green fruits.
USDA hardiness zones – 3 to 9
You can try these varieties –
- Gin Fizz
- Hetzii Columnaris
-
Serviceberry
This privacy tree displays beautiful white blossoms and green foliage during the spring season.
They grow pretty fast and can reach up to 25 feet at full maturity.
They don’t maintain a constant form so you have to prune to keep them in shape.
USDA hardiness zones – 4 to 9
You can try these varieties –
- Autumn brilliance
- Spring flurry
-
Arborvitae
These trees can reach heights of up to 30 feet!
When they grow, they take a pyramid-like shape and don’t need to be trimmed to maintain their shape.
The good news is they are hardy and fast-growing so they are perfect for hedges.
USDA hardiness zones – 5 to 8
Varieties to try –
- North Pole
- Degroot’s spire
-
Blue Holly
This tree is unique for its sharp pointy leaves, also for its beautiful red berries. They are not just an effective screen from your neighbors, they are also beautiful to look at.
USDA hardiness zones – 5 to 7
You can try these varieties –
- Castle wall
- Blue prince
- Blue princess
-
Rhododendron
These plants have a nice deep green foliage, as well as bright spring blooms.
They are also tolerant of cold and they love the dappled shade.
USDA hardiness zones – 4 to 9
You can try these varieties –
- Dandyman color wheel
- Raise the roof huskymania
-
False Cypress
For those who love low-maintenance plants, this would be a good choice.
They have fern-like needles and they come in several variations.
Your best bet is the ones with a pyramid-like shape.
USDA hardiness zones – 4 to 8
You can try these varieties –
- Gracilis
- Soft serve
-
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are usually considered to be shrubs, but there are very fast growers among them. These fast growers are excellent for providing an adequate screen for your yard.
A great feature of this tree is that its flowers last from early summer to late in the fall season.
Some species of hydrangea can be pruned into a pyramid shape.
USDA hardiness zones – 3 to 8
You can try these varieties –
- Limelight
- Firelight
-
Spruce
Last on my list is the Spruce tree. They come in a wide range of sizes. Some can be as short as a dwarf, while others can be gigantic.
They are very cold-hardy trees, and they work well as walls when they are planted in clusters.
USDA hardiness zones – 2 to 8
You can try these varieties –
- Well’s weeper
- Baby blue
Also, Spruces are one of the commonly planted evergreen trees in landscaping.
Other Simple Ideas For Privacy In Your Yard
These include –
Bamboo
They are one of the fastest-growing plants in the world and can be planted directly into the ground. The good thing is, you can buy bamboo that’s already grown up to 30 feet tall.
Now that’s instant privacy!
The small-sized bamboo shoots only need a few years to grow into ideal privacy screens.
Remember, bamboos have different species, so be sure to buy the ones that can thrive in the climate of your region.
Acmena Smithii
Also known as the Lilly Philly, you can grow this plant as a shrub or in hedgerows.
They can reach up to 16 feet or more in height, they can also grow to widths of up to 20 feet.
In the summer periods, you could spot some beautiful off-white flowers that later bear fruit in the winter.
What makes the Acmena great for privacy screens is that its foliage is very thick.
Fence Trellis
This is a mixture of man-made and natural privacy. They are beautiful, simple looking fences that are covered with a variety of plants or creeping vines. They are a popular choice for those seeking privacy.
You first install the trellis fence in your desired position, then plant the creeping vine plant of your choice. Try honeysuckle or ivy.
With time, the plants will grow and fill in the blank spaces. With this, you will have your much-needed privacy, as well as a really beautiful fence!
How To Plant Privacy Trees As A Hedge
Before you proceed to plant, consider some things first.
Decide On the Type of Privacy Tree
This is the very first step you will need to take, especially when there are so many options to pick from.
If you can’t decide on your own, then I suggest you go to a local nursery and seek professional opinions.
Calculate The Number Of Trees Needed
The area you will need to cover and the mature size of the tree will ultimately determine how many trees you will need for the screen.
When you have gotten your statistics right, you can now determine the amount of space the trees will need to be planted apart.
Follow these steps –
Mark The Distances
When it’s time to plant, you need to mark out the distances where the center of each tree will be rooted. This helps to keep your trees in a straight line. If you’re not looking to plant them in a straight line, then mark according to the way you want them arranged.
Measure Your Root Ball
Once you’re done with marking, you can proceed to measure how deep the root ball of the tree is.
Don’t be deceived into thinking that trees of the same height will automatically have the same size of root balls because it is not always so.
Dig The Hole
Get a shovel and start digging!
Use a tape rule to measure the hole, just so you’re sure you are getting the accurate width and depth.
When you’ve dug to the right size, put some water in the hole, and plant your tree.
Maintaining Your Privacy Trees
Having your privacy trees planted doesn’t mean the work is done. You still have to care for them and make sure they maintain a strong and healthy form.
Here are some maintenance tips for your privacy trees.
Use Mulch
Mulching is one of the most tested and trusted means for your privacy trees to retain moisture. It keeps them from drying out.
Trim When Necessary
Some species of privacy trees grow out of form, and such growth can take beauty away from your tree-wall.
This means now and then, you have to trim the trees so they maintain a nice, beautiful shape.
You wouldn’t want a horrid looking wall, would you?
Conclusion
I trust this guide on choosing the best trees for privacy from neighbors has been informative enough.
Good luck.