You love your backyard. But there’s something about sipping coffee in your robe on the patio in the morning or wrangling a kiddie pool full of squealing toddlers that just calls for a little more privacy. Fences can do the job, but trees? Trees provide a green, living barrier that says, “This is my Zen zone” without a single nail or HOA form. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re on display during summer barbecues, it might be time to start planting with purpose. Privacy trees aren’t just for secret gardens—they’re for everyday life. Let’s dig into the leafy lineup of natural privacy trees.
Top Tree Species for Natural Privacy Screens
Eastern Redcedar—The Evergreen Wall Nobody Talks About
This tree’s got attitude. It grows fast, spreads wide, and its leaves stick around all year long. Once it gets comfy in your soil, it’s not going anywhere.
You’ll start with a skinny little sapling, and before you know it, you’ll have a dense, dark green curtain that blocks everything. It grows to the perfect height and width, so you can now steer clear of prying eyes. Plus, you can avoid that neighbor who insists on grilling shirtless in January.
Redcedars thrive on drama. Dry soil? No problem. Annoying wind? They’ve got it covered—literally.
Arborvitae—The Green Soldiers of Suburbia
You’ve probably seen these trees standing in a perfect row like they’re guarding a palace. These evergreen trees are tall, narrow, and unapologetically uniform.
Arborvitae are the go-to for people who want instant order without any yard committee meetings. They’re like the living equivalent of vertical blinds, only fluffier.
These trees don’t like to party alone, so give them some friends. Plant them close enough, and they’ll grow into one massive hedge.
American Holly—Natural Privacy Trees For Those Who Like Their Privacy Spiked
Want your screen to come with a little “edge?” American Holly doesn’t mess around. With its glossy leaves and signature red berries, it adds a touch of glitz and glamour to your green wall. But touch those leaves the wrong way, and you’ll meet their prickly personality.
Birds love the berries, which means you might turn your backyard into a five-star bird buffet. Just watch out, you’ll go from peaceful retreat to feathered frenzy if you’re not ready for the chirping.
Bamboo—The Fast and the Furious
Okay, before you roll your eyes and shout, “Isn’t that stuff invasive?”—hear this out. Not all bamboo is the kind that breaks out and takes over your neighborhood like a green zombie apocalypse.
Clumping bamboo keeps to itself, so it works in small backyards. It’s tall, it’s lush, and it grows so fast you’ll wonder if it’s been hitting plant steroids. You’ll get that tropical, Zen look in no time. And the rustling sound it makes in the wind?—Underrated backyard soundtrack right there.
Black Hills Spruce—The Cool-Weather Champion
If your winters slap hard and your summers come with a side of surprise hail, this tree isn’t going to flinch. Black Hills spruce doesn’t drop its needles, doesn’t fade into sad twig territory mid-winter, and smells like a pine-scented candle. It’s slow to grow, so you’ll need a little patience. But once it fills out, you’ve got privacy that stands up to the wildest gusts and then some.
Leyland Cypress—The Overachiever of Natural Privacy Trees
You plant it. You blink—It’s 30 feet tall. Leyland cypress doesn’t like waiting around. This fast-growing plant rockets up and fills out faster than any other tree on this list.
Got a neighbor with a second-story deck who likes to wave during dinner? Then, planting this fast-growing tree is for you.
Keep an eye on it, the speedy growth comes with a caveat. When it comes to space and water, it’s kind of needy. If you’re into instant gratification and can give it a decent start, you’ll have a screening wall of green foliage faster than expected.
Bonus Tip—Mix It Up
You don’t need to plant the same species in a line like you’re fencing in livestock. You can create a visual interest to your screening option by:
- Blending a few varieties
- Tossing in some flowering shrubs
- Adding low-maintenance grasses around the base
Suddenly, your privacy screen feels like a natural forest edge instead of a hedge parade.
Go for texture, color, and the kind of mix that lets you breathe easy while blocking out the chaos in your outdoor space. Your backyard is more than a basic border—it deserves to feel like a retreat you want to hang out in.
Tree Services of Omaha – Tree Removal Services
Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and shrubs Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Emerald Ash Borer Treatment, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injection (Tree Healthcare).
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