12 Best Privacy Trees for Peace and Solitude—No Fencing Required
Relaxing in your backyard or lounging on the deck can be a great way to recharge on the weekends or at the end of a long day. If you crave solitude or want to block out neighborhood noise and activity, using trees as a privacy barrier is an earth-friendly (and diplomatic) solution that can also make your property look prettier and more vibrant. This is a great option when you want to have a little privacy from neighbors or passers-by, but perhaps are seeking an alternative to a dull, unsightly fence. And we've got the 12 best trees for privacy for you to check out and shop!
Things To Consider When Choosing Privacy Trees
Space. Think about whether you want your privacy tree barrier to be tall or wide (or both). Some trees grow to lofty heights, while others tend to be broad and full. If you are planting seeds or young trees, be sure to research how tall or wide that particular type of tree might be when fully grown.
Maintenance. Trees like arborvitae tend to be a “set it and forget it” type of choice, while some flowering trees might require more pruning and other care.
Climate. Certain trees thrive better in particular climates, so you should research the varieties that would do best in your area. This is especially important if you live in an area that’s extremely dry or frequently experiences extreme weather conditions.
Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
12 Best Trees for Privacy
1. Arborvitae
Live plant from Green Promise Farms Thuja occidentalis 'North Pole' (Arborvitae) Evergreen, 3-Size Container, Green Foliage
Sometimes also called an emerald green thuja tree, arborvitae trees don’t grow as tall as some other privacy trees, but instead grow full and wide. When planted with strategically planned spacing, at maturity a row of these trees can provide a continuous wall of privacy.
2. Leyland Cypress
7 Gal, Leyland Cypress with Soft Green Foliage
Leyland cypress trees are among the most popular choices for privacy because they grow quickly and reach towering heights. It’s not unusual for this tree to skyrocket up to a height of 50 feet or more. It does require some basic annual pruning if you want it to grow narrow and straight instead of taking on a triangular shape.
3. Cryptomeria Radicans
The Cryptomeria Radicans tree is known by several other names including Cryptomeria japonica 'Radicans' or Japanese cedar. Whatever name you call it, this tree grows with impressive speed and can easily reach a height of 30 feet or higher. It’s low-maintenance and tends to have lush, full foliage.
Related: Cloudy Day? No Problem! 19 Best Vegetables and Plants To Grow in the Shade
4. Thuja Green Giant
Green Giant Arborvitae (2.5 Gallon) Fast Growing Evergreen Thuja Tree - Full Sun Live Outdoor Plant
As the name implies, these trees grow tall – much larger than their little sibling, the emerald green thuja (arborvitae) tree. They can grow 3-4 feet each year until reaching their peak height, often 40+ feet high. This is a robust, durable tree – and since deer tend to dislike munching on it, this tree can have a long lifespan, even in areas with a high deer population.
5. Nellie Stevens Holly
Another fast-growing variety, the Nellie Stevens Holly is a sturdy tree (often referred to as a shrub) that grows full and wide in a pyramid shape. Its dense foliage makes it an excellent privacy screen. This type of tree sprouts red berries, and people will sometimes trim some of its branches to use for holiday décor.
6. Flowering Dogwood
Pink Kousa Japanese Dogwood - Spring Flowering Tree - Live Plant Shipped 3 Feet Tall by DAS Farms (No California)
Dogwood trees in general are effective for privacy, and the flowering dogwood varieties—which may have red, white, or pink flowers—offer an attractive bonus because their blooms are both pretty and fragrant. Their beautiful appearance and expansive limb spans make them a popular choice for front yards.
7. Austree Willows (AKA Hybrid Willow Trees)
50 Hybrid Willow Trees -Fastest Growing Trees in The World - Austree Grow 10 Ft/Yr - 50 Live Tree Plants
Unlike the distinctive (and closely related) weeping willow tree with its drooping limbs, the branches of Austree or hybrid willows tend to grow in a more upright manner. This tree grows with amazing speed—an average of 6 to 10 feet a year, before reaching its full height of around 50 feet tall. They are adaptable and can survive in many types of climates and varying weather conditions.
8. Cherry Blossom Trees
Kwanzan Cherry Tree Live Plant, Pink Cherry Blossom Plant Live from 6 to 12 Inc Height, 3 Inc Container
Cherry blossom trees are easy to recognize—and beloved by many—because of their striking pink blossoms that appear every spring. They can grow up to 35 feet tall, but there are also dwarf cherry blossom trees that have pink or white blossoms and max out at about half that height. This is a terrific pick if you want a privacy barrier that also offers pretty flowers.
Related: Sunshine Is on Its Way—Here Are the 50 Best Springtime Quotes for This Season of Hope
9. Jacaranda Trees
Beautiful Flowering Blue Jacaranda Tree Plant 5-11" Tall Potted (no California)
One of the distinctive characteristics of these trees is their eye-catching flowers, typically in a bright blue or violet color. They can grow 60 feet high or more, but they’re not an option for everyone. They need a sunny, warm climate – not surprising, given their sub-tropical origins.
10. Japanese Maple
Tatoo Dwarf Japanese Maple 1 - Year Live Plant
Japanese maple trees are a great choice if you have a relatively small yard or want a moderate level of privacy. They don’t get as large as some other options – usually reaching 15 to 20 feet tall – but have a beautiful look with their broad limbs covered in vibrant burgundy leaves. They don’t need a lot of maintenance (although if you want to limit their growth, regular pruning can help), and can survive in a variety of climates.
11. Spartan Juniper
Spartan juniper trees grow quickly until reaching their maximum height of around 15 to 20 feet. They are a durable type of tree that can adapt to many weather environments, and their full, thick branches make these trees an effective privacy barrier.
12. Hicks Yew
Taxus x media 'Hicksii' (Hicks Yew) Evergreen, #3 - Size Container
While Hicks Yew trees can reach a fairly tall height (usually around 10 to 15 feet), property owners commonly trim them to serve as hedges. Their full, densely packed foliage makes them a very effective privacy shield. Planted closely together, a row of Hicks Yew shrubs can look like one continuous wall of greenery.
Next up, find out how to create your own butterfly paradise with these 35 plants and flowers that attract butterflies.
