Top privacy trees to create a natural barrier

Privacy trees are a preferred substitute for privacy in open areas. They prevent the view from both sides, cut down noise, and contribute to the overall beauty of the yard.

When selecting trees for privacy, take into account their mature height, how quickly they grow, how much care they require, and what they will look like year-round. Some grow quickly and grant instant privacy, while others take time and care to mature but remain attractive all year round.

Growcycle also provides different types of privacy trees, including arborvitae to provide privacy around our homes. The following are some of the pros and cons of privacy trees.

Benefits of Having Privacy Trees in the Garden

Landscaping around the outside of a house can be quite rewarding, but it does have its hang-ups. Topping the wall with privacy trees, on the other hand, could be a much better choice. They add on to the beauty of the garden and provide many services. Here are a few reasons why privacy trees are a smart landscaping option for the garden or landscape:

• Increased Privacy: Outdoor living spaces are lovely, but they can feel a little too wide open. It’s not easy to relax when neighbors are watching, or when cars continue to come and go. Privacy trees can conceal the view, making it a more private and natural space.
• Reduce Noise: A yard feels quieter with thick plants. They won’t render the space absolutely silent, but they can help make it more peaceful. Privacy trees also contribute to lowering the sounds from the outside, thus making it more private when having private conversations.
• Improve Curb Appeal: The look of a home from the outside is extremely important – first impressions count. When the exterior of a home looks good and fresh, it can increase curb appeal and the overall value of the property, improve resale opportunities, impress visitors, and make the people who live there feel pride. Landscaping with privacy trees can add features of interest, like an entryway or drive area.
• Block Wind: When it's windy outside, talking to someone can be difficult, and outdoor activities can be ruined. High, dense privacy trees are great for breaking the force of the wind, ensuring that time spent outdoors is significantly more pleasant even in high winds.

Provide Shade: Tall privacy trees block sunlight to the degree that they create shade on patios or porches, which can help keep your outdoor space cooler. This is especially beneficial to places including pools or outdoor dining areas, and encourages more people to spend time outdoors. Strategically positioned trees can even block harmful UV rays from entering your windows, which is an added layer of protection.

Top Privacy Trees to Grow

When choosing privacy trees for a garden or yard, it is important to pick tall and thick varieties, offering both beauty and effective privacy. Here are some of the best options for privacy trees:

1. Leyland Cypress Tree

Leyland cypress trees are known for their height and dense foliage, which makes them an ideal choice for creating a privacy hedge around the yard. Also called leylandii, they are quick-growing evergreen conifer-type trees used extensively in horticulture to provide privacy and screen undesirable views.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Cupressaceae
• Order: Cupressales
• Genus: Cupressus
• Common Name: Leyland Cypress
• Botanical Name: Cuprocyparis leylandii
• Plant Type: Tree

Characteristics

• Leaves of Leyland cypress are about 1 mm long and scale-like, pressed along the twig. Their flaky branches smell good. They have a dark green top while the underside is of a lighter color, but the color can vary based on their variety.
• The male flowers are tiny cones, dusted in pollen, and the female cones become brown after starting out green and soft. They aren’t particularly showy, but they blend in with the foliage.
• Leyland cypress likes the sun but can tolerate heavy pollution as well as salt spray. It has roots in different soils and places and is a hardy, fast-growing hybrid. It’s frequently used as an ornamental tree, because it grows fast and is excellent for boundary or shelter hedges.
• The trees are perfectly suited for parks and gardens. Leyland cypress trees are commonly used for a fast-growing fence or to form a protective hedge. Still, these trees can grow quickly (up to 1 m a year), create a lot of shade, and grow to quite a height (usually over 20 m in the garden and in the wild, reaching at least 35 m), which can lead to problems.

2. Arborvitae Tree

Arborvitae is an evergreen tree or shrub in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It is popular in landscaping because it looks attractive and has practical benefits.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Cupressaceae
• Order: Cupressales
• Genus: Thuja
• Common Name: Eastern white-cedar, or arborvitae
• Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
• Plant Type: Tree

Characteristics

• The leaves of Arborvitae exhibit a scale-like structure that overlaps tightly, resulting in a flattened, fan-shaped appearance. These leaves remain green throughout the year; however, certain species may display yellow or bronze tones during winter.
• Arborvitae trees typically exhibit a pyramidal or columnar form, while some varieties present a more rounded or spreading growth habit. The height of these trees varies significantly depending on the specific cultivar, ranging from 3 feet for dwarf varieties to over 60 feet for larger species.
• The trees produce small, elongated cones measuring 0.5 to 1 inch long. They begin green and transition to brown as they mature.
• It has a shallow yet widespread root system, which renders the tree less tolerant to drought conditions. Implementing proper mulching practices is beneficial for retaining moisture and protecting the roots.
• This species is commercially utilized for rustic fencing, lumber, poles, shingles, and log cabins. Its wood is favored for constructing structural elements, including the ribs and planking of birchbark and wooden canoes.

3. Dahoon Holly Tree

Dahoon holly trees are an evergreen species that can grow to approximately 15 feet tall. They feature green leaves, white flowers, and small red berries. While holly trees are commonly associated with the holiday season, they are also a beautiful and aesthetic addition to any property throughout the year.

Additionally, their relatively rapid growth rate compared to other tree species makes them an excellent choice for increasing privacy outdoors.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Aquifoliaceae
• Order: Aquifoliales
• Genus: Ilex
• Common Name: Dahoon Holly
• Botanical Name: Ilex cassine
• Plant Type: Tree

Characteristics

• Dahoon Holly is a species indigenous to the southeastern region of North America and the Caribbean. It is typically found along the edges of waterways and wetlands, extending from Virginia to the Colorado River in Texas.
• A large shrub or small tree can reach a height of up to 39 feet. Its leaves are evergreen and glossy dark green color. Some leaves feature small spines near the apex. 
• The plant produces white flowers that possess a four-lobed corolla. Its fruit consists of red drupes, measuring 5 to 6 millimeters in diameter, each containing four seeds. 
• This species is widely cultivated in warmer climates for its ornamental value, particularly due to the striking contrast of its vibrant red berries against the lush green foliage. 
• Additionally, the leaves of the Dahoon Holly tree contain measurable quantities of the stimulants caffeine and theobromine, which are utilized in preparing the Native American beverage known as cassena, commonly referred to as the Black drink.

4. Little Gem Magnolia Tree

Little gem magnolias are a smaller type of evergreen magnolias. They grow to about 25 feet tall but are just as gorgeous. These trees produce big, saucer-shaped white flowers that stick around for six months, from May to October. Planting several little gem magnolias together can create a stunning look for any garden.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Magnoliaceae
• Order: Magnoliales
• Genus: Magnolia
• Common Name: Little Gem Magnolias
• Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora
• Plant Type: Woody flowering evergreen

Characteristics

• Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the little gem magnolia, is a medium-to-large evergreen tree that typically grows to 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters) in height. It is characterized by a single stem (or trunk) and a pyramidal shape.
• Its leaves are simple and broadly ovate, ranging from 12 to 20 centimeters in length and 6 to 12 centimeters in width. They feature smooth margins, a dark green color, and a stiff and leathery texture. The leaves often display a scurfy underside accompanied by yellow-brown pubescence.
• Seed production may commence in approximately ten years, although the seed yield peak is around 25 years. It is important to note that around 50% of seeds have the potential to germinate, and their dispersion is facilitated by various birds and mammals, including squirrels, opossums, quail, and turkeys, which consume the seeds.
• Magnolia grandiflora is esteemed as an ornamental tree across its native range, which encompasses the coastal plains of the Gulf and South Atlantic states. It is cultivated for its visually appealing, glossy green foliage and its fragrant flowers, possessing a longstanding significance in the Southern United States.

5. Flowering Dogwood Tree

Flowering dogwood trees produce lovely little white flowers that brighten any space for a few months. In the summer, they showcase vibrant green leaves; in the fall, they bring cheerful red berries, making the property beautiful year-round. With their lush foliage, flowering dogwood trees are a fantastic choice for adding some privacy while also creating a delightful view.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Cornaceae
• Order: Cornales
• Genus: Cornus
• Common Name: Flowering Dogwood
• Botanical Name: Cornus florida
• Plant Type: Flowering Tree

Characteristics

• Cornus florida, the flowering dogwood, is a flowering tree in the Cornaceae family native to eastern North America and northern Mexico. Its bracts and interesting bark make it popular for yards and public spaces.
• This tree doesn’t get too huge. It typically grows to about 33 feet high and often spreads wider than it is tall as it matures. Its trunk can be around 1 foot wide, and a 10-year-old tree usually stands about 16 feet tall.
• Its leaves are simple and oval-shaped, ranging from 2.4 to 5.1 inches long and 4 to 1.6 to 2.4 inches wide. They might look smooth around the edges but have very fine teeth. In the fall, these leaves turn a nice, rich red-brown color.
• These trees thrive in the Upper South and sometimes reach 40 feet tall. Further north, they usually get about 30 to 33 feet. They need hot, humid summer weather to help new growth prepare for fall.
• Gardeners typically find flowering dogwoods at the edges of forests and often on dry ridges. While most wild trees have white bracts, some cultivated varieties have pink bracts, and a few even come in red.
• Their fruit comes in clusters of two to ten separate drupes, each measuring about 0.39 to 0.59 inches long and around 0.31 inches wide. They ripen in late summer and early fall, turning bright red or sometimes yellow with a bit of rosy blush.

6. Wax Myrtle Tree

The Pacific Wax Myrtle is a fantastic evergreen shrub. It boasts beautiful, glossy green leaves and produces charming little white berries that are edible and have medicinal uses. It is also drought-tolerant, grows quickly, and is highly resistant to deer, making it a wonderful choice for any garden.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Myricaceae
• Order: Fagales
• Genus: Myrica
• Common Name: Wax myrtle, southern bayberry
• Botanical Name: Myrica cerifera
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Characteristics

• Wax Myrtle is a small tree or a big shrub that can grow up to about 46 feet tall.  
• It can adapt to all sorts of environments and is found in wetlands, close to rivers and streams, dunes, fields, hillsides, pine barrens, and coniferous and mixed forests.  
• The leaves are long, a bit grainy, leathery to the touch, and have serrated edges.
• This plant has separate male and female flowers. Male flowers appear on one plant and female ones on another. The males have three or four stamens and are surrounded by short bracts.  
• The female flowers turn into round fruit covered in a waxy coating.  
• Many birds munch on its fruit, like wild turkeys and northern bobwhite quails.  
• In the winter, its seeds become important snacks for birds, such as myrtle warblers and tree swallows.  

7. Wax Leaf Privet Tree

The wax leaf privet is a great choice for a hedge and requires way less care than most other hedges. People use it as a shrub between homes for privacy or as a windbreak. It's perfect for big plantings, and gardeners will often see it shaped into cool pyramid forms for topiary gardens and lining walkways.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Oleaceae
• Order: Fagales
• Genus: Ligustrum
• Common Name: Wax leaf privet
• Botanical Name: Ligustrum japonicum
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Characteristics

• Wax leaf privet is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow to about 2 to 5 meters tall, occasionally up to 6 meters. Its branches have smooth, pale grey-brown bark. 
• The leaves are between 5 and 10 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide, with a shiny dark green on top and a lighter greenish color underneath. They have a thick, leathery feel and nice smooth edges. 
• In early summer, it produces white flowers with a four-lobed shape, each about 5 to 6 mm long. The flowers grow in clusters 7 to 15 cm long. 
• The fruit looks like a little oval drupe, around 10 mm long, turning purple-black with a waxy finish in early winter. In Japan, people often joke that they look like mouse or rat droppings. The fruit is used in herbal medicine for things like heart health, flushing out fluids, as a laxative, and as a tonic. 
• People worldwide love using Ligustrum japonicum as an ornamental plant. It’s valued for its evergreen leaves and white flowers, ability to grow in various conditions, ease of trimming, and disease resistance. It is widely available.

Things to Consider While Choosing Privacy Trees

When picking out privacy trees, consider the type, how fast they grow, and how well they can adapt to the local climate. The right tree can create a thick and effective privacy screen for years. Here are some things to consider. 

Evergreen vs. Deciduous Trees

Evergreen trees provide steady privacy and a nice green view in every season. Deciduous trees drop their leaves during certain times of the year but usually grow quicker and show off some colorful changes as the seasons pass, so choose wisely.

Tree Size and Growth Rate

When picking a tree, it is important to consider how big it gets and how fast it grows to fit in any space. Fast-growing options, like the Arborvitae Tree, can shoot up three to five feet each year, which means it needs to be pruned more often but gives privacy quicker.

Maintenance and Pruning

Tree care can vary greatly. For example, a Privet tree can grow a couple of feet every year and needs regular trimming to stay looking good. Low-maintenance trees are probably a better choice if gardeners want something easy to care for in their yard for privacy.

FAQs

What is the fastest-growing tree for privacy?

The Leyland Cypress is one of the quickest trees to grow for privacy, putting on 3-5 feet yearly. Its thick leaves and tall stature make it perfect for setting up a natural barrier in no time.

What is the best tree for blocking the view?

The Arborvitae, or Thuja, is a fantastic tree for creating privacy. Its dense, lush foliage and fast growth make it perfect for blocking views. These trees can reach 30 to 40 feet and form a lovely evergreen barrier.

What plant is best for blocking neighbors?

Bamboo is great for keeping neighbors out of sight because it grows fast and has tall, thick stalks. It quickly sets up a natural and stylish privacy screen.

The Bottom Line

Privacy trees are a great and stylish way to improve any outdoor space. They offer benefits like privacy, noise reduction, wind blocking, and boosting the yard's appearance. Choosing the right trees, such as Leyland Cypress, Arborvitae, or Little Gem Magnolia, is simple. These trees can create a peaceful and beautiful outdoor space that has been properly cared for for many years.

Growcycle provides different ways to grow and manage trees, including organic pest control. Homeowners or gardeners can use their guide to keep the property healthy and private.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.