Looking to make your backyard more private and more beautiful? Trees provide the best of both worlds, adding natural screening and interest wherever you plant them. Depending on your goals, you can use trees strategically to create a tree fence, block an unsightly view or shield your backyard from neighbors and street traffic.
Planting fast-growing privacy trees can help you gain valuable privacy more quickly and makes a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to a traditional privacy fence — and that’s only the beginning.
“The benefits of using trees for privacy are endless. They have low-maintenance qualities, help seclude you from nosy neighbors, provide lush green landscape year-round (especially if they are evergreen), shield your property from wind and noise, create shade and offer beautiful scenery to view.”
Alex Kantor | Perfect Plants
Missy Henriksen of the National Association of Landscape Professionals adds, “While traditional fences can be installed almost anywhere, a ‘green fence’ needs sunlight and water to thrive.” Space, growing conditions and climate are other important considerations when choosing the best trees for privacy. Find the right options for your backyard with this breakdown of popular privacy tree options.
Fast-Growing Privacy Trees to the Rescue
When on the hunt for good trees for privacy, growing time is a major consideration. While some of the trees on this list grow faster than others, one way to expedite your privacy goals is by purchasing mature trees, which are partially or fully grown.
Granted, this will cost more upfront — and there are special considerations when it comes to planting mature trees — but if you’re looking for results now, keep this option on your radar.
1. Eastern Redcedar
For a large, rugged privacy tree that provides full coverage, the Eastern redcedar is the conifer for you. “Evergreen plants like broadleafs or conifers are generally a good choice for year-round effectiveness,” according to Henriksen, making this durable juniper a great tree fence option. Its red, aromatic wood and thick foliage will give your backyard an earthy fragrance and attract local birds and other wildlife.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 40 to 60 feet
- Width Range: 10 to 20 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (4 to 8 hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: Eastern redcedars can reach 60 feet high and 20 feet wide at maturity, so they’re best suited for larger backyards. If you have the space, make sure to plant these about 20 feet apart and away from power lines or neighboring homes.
- Preferred Climate: 3-9 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. This fast-growing privacy tree is one of the hardiest and most tolerant options available, thriving in cold, hot, dry and wet areas across the U.S.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Natural or rustic
2. Weeping White Spruce
For elegant, year-round coverage, weeping white spruce trees deserve a special mention. With an average lifespan of 50 years, these impressive trees have blue-green foliage that drapes downward, creating natural screening. Weeping white spruce trees add striking interest to any backyard and are sometimes used as specimen trees.
For maximum privacy, consider using multiple weeping white spruce trees as the foundation of your tree fence. While they will get taller each year, their width stays compact, providing a nice alternative when you need attractive vertical coverage in a narrower space.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 30 feet to 50 feet
- Width Range: 6 to 10 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full sun or partial shade
- Planting Guidelines: Weeping white spruce trees grow very tall, so plant them in an area with unlimited overhead clearance, away from power lines. Once established, they will grow about 1 to 2 feet per year.
- Preferred Climate: 2-9 outdoor growing zone. Hardy down to -50 F, this evergreen can tolerate sandy soils along with moderate to dry conditions once established.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Natural or rustic
3. Leyland Cypress
One of the most popular trees for privacy, the Leyland cypress is a beautiful, fast-growing evergreen that is great for solid, full coverage in large backyards. They have been known to reach heights of 50 feet in just 15 years. When planted in a row, they create an impenetrable mass of branches that make them great trees for screening wind, snow and even noise.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 40 to 60 feet in rows, 70 feet alone
- Width Range: 15 to 20 feet in rows, 30 feet alone
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full (6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: Leyland cypress trees can handle droughts, pests and even air pollution, and their high tolerance to salt makes them good trees for privacy in coastal areas.
- Preferred Climate: 6-10 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to 0 F. These are one of the fastest growing evergreen trees and great for defining property lines as a tree fence. Due to their shallow root system, these trees are not well-adapted to hot summers and are susceptible to root rot. They do best in large, well-drained yards with mild to moderate temperature highs.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Mediterranean or traditional
4. Spartan Juniper
If your yard can’t accommodate some of the larger trees for privacy, the spartan juniper is a great option for mid-sized backyards. Planted in a row, Spartan junipers add a stately, uniform look to any backyard, and their compact foliage makes them effective windbreak trees.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 15 feet
- Width Range: 3 to 5 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full (6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: Spartan junipers prefer dryer soil and lots of sunlight. To prevent root rot and other ailments, make sure to not overwater them and plant them about 5 feet apart. These trees don’t do well with heavy pruning, so be sure to plant them in spaces they will fit naturally at their full size.
- Preferred Climate: 5-9 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -10 F. These are water-efficient trees, which can be watered by natural rainfall after the first year of planting, though if there is a drought you should water them 1 inch per week. The Spartan juniper can handle hot or cold temperatures and keeps its dark green color all year.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Contemporary, Mediterranean or zen
5. Sky Pencil Holly
Looking for good trees for privacy that take up very little space? Sky pencil holly is the right tree for you. With a mature height between 8 and 10 feet tall and a width of just 2 feet, sky pencil hollies act as the ultimate space-saving privacy trees while still providing solid protection from wind, noise and wandering eyes.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 8 to 10 feet
- Width Range: 2 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (3 to 6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: Sky pencil hollies thrive both in the ground and in decorative containers. Unlike their thorny cousin, the holly bush, their foliage is soft to the touch, making them among the best trees for privacy on patios, urban decks and small backyards.
- Preferred Climate: 5-9 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -10 F. These privacy trees prefer light, moist soil but are adaptable to different climates. Like many evergreens, these plants can develop root rot if overwatered, so be sure to give them a well-drained environment.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Contemporary or zen
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6. Green Giant Thuja (Arborvitae)
The Green Giant Thuja is widely considered one of the best trees for privacy, making it a fan favorite in many backyards. “Thujas are one of our most popular trees,” says Kantor. “They are extremely fast-growing, provide privacy quickly and are also cold hardy. They can survive in a multitude of climates and are not affected by many pests or diseases.”
Their uniform, cone-like shape and consistent annual growth rate of 3 to 5 feet make for a polished tree fence that requires very little pruning to maintain. You can trim the tops regularly for a classic, French Renaissance feel or leave them alone for a more natural look.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 30 to 40 feet
- Width Range: 5 to 8 feet in rows
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (3 to 6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: If you like the height and density of Leyland cypress but don’t have the conditions to maintain it, the Green Giant is a great alternative. Just be sure to have a defense against deer on hand, as their soft leaves and branches are irresistible to these native grazers.
- Preferred Climate: 5-9 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -10 F. These durable, fast growing privacy trees are tolerant of heat and humidity, as well as drought and different types of soil. However, the planting site must have proper drainage.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Contemporary, traditional or rustic
7. Emerald Green Thuja (Arborvitae)
With a mature height of just 12 to 14 feet, emerald green Thuja offers the classic beauty of its giant cousin at half the size. Their controlled growth rate of just 6 to 9 inches per year makes them a great choice for landscaping areas that are limited in space.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 12 to 14 feet
- Width Range: 3 to 4 feet in rows
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (3 to 6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: These beauties are a great choice for mid-sized yards, and their slender shape makes them ideal as foundation plants along the home — just be sure to give them enough room to grow vertically. When planting these trees for privacy or wind blockage, it’s best to space them about 2 feet apart for optimal coverage.
- Preferred Climate: 3-8 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -30 F. These privacy trees are very adaptable, resistant to snow and ice, drought-tolerant and will thrive in most climates.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Contemporary, Mediterranean, zen or rustic
8. Flowering Dogwood
Flowering dogwoods are good trees for privacy if you’re looking for seasonal coverage with a pop of color. Dogwoods come in a variety of colors including white, pink and red, and their ornamental berries will make your backyard popular with local robins, cardinals and blue jays.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 15 to 25 feet
- Width Range: 15 to 25 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (3 to 6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: Dogwoods do best in large to mid-sized backyards. Their beautiful, compact blooms are great for vertically extending an existing privacy fence when planted 20 feet apart. They can also be strategically placed for spot coverage — for instance, blocking your neighbor’s favorite view of your lawn chairs.
- Preferred Climate: 5-8 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -10 F. These trees prefer well-drained soil that is not too dry and can thrive year-round in both hot and cold climates.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Traditional or rustic
9. Weeping Podocarpus
These fast-growing, woody evergreens are among the best trees for privacy in places like Florida and California. Weeping Podocarpus trees have plush, billowing foliage and work well as spot privacy trees or in a full natural privacy tree fence.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 35 to 45 feet
- Width Range: 10 to 20 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (3 to 6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: These privacy trees do best on large properties and should be planted 10 to 15 feet away from homes and other buildings. When planting in a row, allow about 5 to 10 feet of space between each tree.
- Preferred Climate: 9-11 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to 20 F. This tree’s drought tolerance, preference for dry soil and ability to thrive in mildly salty conditions make it an ideal choice for southern and coastal areas.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Tropical, contemporary or rustic
10. Goldspire Ginkgo
For privacy trees that are as beautiful as they are functional, try lining your yard with Goldspire Ginkgo. These unique trees take on a narrow, pyramidal shape with their deep green summertime leaves giving way to stunning golden hues each fall.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 14 to 16 feet
- Width Range: 5 to 6 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (3 to 6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: The Goldspire Ginkgo is a durable, smog-resistant tree that will do well in mid-sized backyards. Just be careful not to confuse it for its cousin, the Ginkgo. Ginkgo trees can reach sizes of 40 to 60 feet, and their berries smell awful. Goldspire Ginkgos are specifically bred for their smaller, slender shape and lack the pungent fruit of their cousins.
- Preferred Climate: 4-9 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -20 F. This versatile, low-maintenance privacy tree thrives in a wide variety of climates. Natural rainfall should supply its water needs after the first year of planting, though the soil must have proper drainage.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Zen or traditional
What’s the Fastest Growing Privacy Tree?
When you need privacy quickly, but still desire a natural screening option, which tree is best? Look no further than the hybrid willow.
11. Hybrid Willow Tree
Hybrid willows have a growth rate of 6 to 10 feet per year, and this disease-resistant plant typically reaches its mature height in just five years. They were bred to quickly form a thick wall that blocks out neighbors and noise. These privacy trees grow well even in cold environments, and their dense foliage makes them great windbreak trees. They’re also great for drying out swampy soil.
What You Need to Know
- Height Range: 35 to 45 feet in rows, 75 feet alone
- Width Range: 20 feet
- Sunlight Guidelines: Full to partial (3 to 6+ hours of direct sun per day)
- Planting Guidelines: Hybrid willows require a lot of water but can withstand periods of drought with the right maintenance. These plants do best in mid-sized to large yards. If spaced incorrectly, they can reach a towering 75 feet in height, so to create a manageable hybrid willow tree fence, be sure to plant them about 5 feet apart.
- Preferred Climate: 4-9 outdoor growing zone, hardy down to -20 F. Considered to be the fastest growing privacy tree, it’s tolerant of a variety of growing conditions and can fill common trouble spots in the yard.
- Garden Styles Suited For: Traditional, contemporary or zen
What Are the Best Privacy Trees for Your Backyard?
“When selecting plants for a fence, it’s important to take into consideration the specific region of the country where you live,” says Henriksen. If you’re ever unsure about a tree’s fit, just ask a nearby landscape expert. They have extensive knowledge of trees that provide privacy and will also thrive in your local climate.
Take measurements and have a few pictures of your backyard on hand so they have some idea of the space you’re working with. And always remember that good privacy trees make good neighbors.
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It would have been great to include which zones or climates each tree prefers.
amen
Leyland cypress is subject to canker diseases here in the SE United States, so it may not be a preferred choice there. Older, larger Lwyland trees exhibit severe limb dieback.
Podocarpus is a native of Africa, and we have too many native plants to introduce another exotic here in the US.
If you plant a ginkgo, you’re right; the berries smell awful, as do the flowers to me. Keeping in mind that it, too, is an exotic, if you choose to plant these, be sure to get a male tree. They don’t stink.
Your hybrid willow is also a cross (hence the word “hybrid” with an exotic species, and therefore could develop into an exotic problem if they produce voluminous seed.
The other choices seem to be the best choice of the 10.
We love all of these trees! We grow quite a few of these varieties at our nursery here in North Florida and can ship across the US. Great choices!
U yes a Leyland cypress trees good Leyland cypress is a good privacy tree but it is not disease resistance it has small branches and limbs for its size it grows too fast for its root system so it ends up having a shallow root which can fall over easily and strong wind heavy rain snow it is bigger than the estimate that they given this article 70 feet tall to 30 wide
Hi Charlie, thanks for commenting!
You are correct, the Leyland Cypress can reach upwards of 70 feet when planted alone; we previously only listed its average height and width when planted in rows. We’ve updated the article to include this information.
will eastern white cedar grow in full shade?
Hi Deidre,
Because the Eastern White Cedar is a type of Arborvitae, it has similar sunlight needs to that of the Green Giant Thuja. Typically, these trees grow better in full to partial sunlight. However, you may want to chat with a local arborist or landscape expert before planting. Thanks for commenting!
No it does not in shade but in full sun and partial sun.
We need to consider a type of screening situation at the back of our yard. I liked some of your suggestions (except Arborvitae…I don’t like any of those). The issue is that most of these require more sun than I think we have because of the pine trees our neighbors have behind us. And yes, that sort of provides a screen already except they don’t care for any of it so I’d like to create a screen from that too.
The area really gets A LOT of shade, so what are my options?
Hi Betsy,
Many of these trees do best in full to partial sunlight, meaning they need more than three to six hours of sunlight each day. Skip laurel hedges may be an option for your yard as they can tolerate deeply shaded areas, though they may not grow to their full height without abundant sunlight. You may want to consult with a local arborist or landscape expert to find the right tree for you – take a few pictures of your backyard along with you to show them how much shade the area gets. Hope this helps – thanks for commenting!
Hey, hate bothering you but you sounded like you were describing my situation. I believe I have too much shade to support recommended trees due to neighbors pines. Trying to figure something for screening. I would even consider the arborvitae but not enough sun. Was wondering if you found a possible solution.
Could you tell me which of these trees are safe to plant by a septic tank? If any? Thank you
Hi Sheila,
Planting trees near septic tanks or water lines can be tricky and requires the advice of an expert before getting started. Regardless of the type of tree you plant, the general rule of thumb is to plant them as far away from the septic system as their height – that is, if your tree’s maximum height will be 20 feet, you should plant it at least 20 feet from your septic tank. To avoid any major issues down the line, I’d recommend finding a local arborist or landscaper to help you choose the best privacy trees for your situation. Take a few pictures and measurements in your backyard and have them handy for your chat – hope this is helpful, thanks for commenting!
We need a few tall (16-20’), very skinny trees to lightly screen our 2nd floor deck from the neighbor’s which is about 3’ away. (They are townhouses). The one in this list that looked best is the holly- hoping for something fast-growing, as the Alder Buckthorns that were there have petered out after 30 years. Upstate NY- cold and snowy here…
Hi, I have a side yard with pm sun in zip code 07032. , will sky pencil 10 foot trees possible to purchase full grown and how long will they last?
Hi Anthony, thanks for commenting!
Sky pencil hollies are typically sold at around 2-3 feet tall online, but may be available full-grown at a landscape center near you. They can adapt to full sun or partial shade, meaning they will need at least 3-6 or more hours of sun a day. Sky pencil hollies can grow within USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, and your zip code appears to fall within that range, but you might want to consult a local arborist or landscape expert to find out if these are the right privacy trees for you. Have a photo of your side yard handy for your chat so they can see the space you’re working with.
Hope this helps!
Great article. I just bought a new house on a corner lot in central Minnesota. I love the idea of adding trees for privacy instead of a wood privacy fence.
What is your definition of a small, medium, and large yard?
Thanks
Hi Nick, thanks for commenting!
Backyard sizes and layouts can differ from place to place, so there isn’t one solid definition for each size. The thing that’s most important to keep in mind when planting any tree is to make sure it has enough space to grow, both above and below ground. Tree roots can be a powerful force that can damage concrete sidewalks and foundations. This is why it’s important to plant large trees (those that grow larger than 40 feet) at least 5 feet away from sidewalks and 20 feet away from your home or other homes near yours. But also consider the tree’s mature height and width – if a tree’s maximum spread is 30 feet, you’ll want to leave even more space between it and your home, as well as any nearby power lines. And don’t forget your neighbors; to avoid any landscaping disputes down the line, remember that your tree should fit into your space without intruding into theirs.
Root systems can also cause damage to underground pipes, so to protect your water lines, you should generally plant trees as far away from the pipes as their height – so if your tree’s maximum height is 20 feet, you should plant it 20 feet from the nearest water line or septic system. Certain trees may be planted closer, others might have to be planted farther away; it all depends on the size and growth of their root systems. These are just a few basic tips for choosing the right tree size, but a local landscape expert can help you find the best one for your yard and your needs.
Hope this helps!
Hello, I am really interested in planting some trees for a “privacy” type of thing but I am wanting to do it in my front yard, so there’s not a lot of room between my neighbors house and mine. Is there any you would suggest that would work the best for a front yard, and also for my area? I was looking at the Spartan Juniper, but worry they would be too tall.
Hi Kylie,
The Spartan Juniper and Emerald Green Thuja may work for your yard, as they do not grow as large as some of the other trees listed. That said, you’ll want to consult a local landscape expert to get the best recommendation for your space. Take a picture of your front yard and the space between your home and the neighbors’ and have it on hand for your chat – hope this is helpful, thanks for commenting!
Hi
I am wondering why you haven’t recommended bamboo. Aside from their rapid growth without the proper root restrictions, what are the other downsides, if any? We would like something between our house and our neighbor’s house as it is an eye sore, however, we do not have a lot of space to accommodate trees per se and are looking for an alternative but we need the maximum height
Hi Sharon,
Bamboo is technically a grass plant, which is why it wasn’t mentioned on our privacy tree list, but they can be a great option for a privacy screen. Their fast growth rate is the biggest thing to keep in mind – some varieties can grow between 20 and 25 feet in less than a month. Talk with a local landscape expert to find the best one for your backyard – hope this is helpful, thanks for commenting!
Great info. How does the Green Giant Thuja hold up in warm weather. Specially in the Caribbean where there is frequent sun year round. Would it survive hurricane, drought or even coastal areas when the salty wind passes by? What type of tree would you recommend in this environment?
Hi Derek, thanks for commenting!
The Green Giant Thuja may not be the best choice for year-round, tropical temperatures. However, the Italian Cypress, which can grow in environments similar to that of arid southern California, would be a great alternative. If you live in a more humid area like southern Florida, the Leyland Cypress can handle the salty air and soil, though their shallow root systems can make the trees a fall risk during tropical storms. A Skip Laurel hedge fence may be a great privacy option if you’re looking for full coverage without the maintenance required for some of the larger tree options on this list. But always chat with a local landscape expert to make sure you’re picking the right tree for your yard and its environment. Hope this helps!
I have a neighbor that clean up 80 acres behind me and I have a pool and every time they hunt or ride carts I have a lot of dirt, and I don’t want to fenced because it cost to much I want something that will grow fast within a year and for me preventing to see the field; I live in Warner Robins
Just moved into a new home and my neighbor has installed a 6 ft high white stockade style fence and it looks awful. Looking for some suggestions to cover this mess but in a classy manor. Its in our front yard and we live in Myrtle Beach, SC. Was thinking about some Emerald Aborvatae but wanted to off set it with some colorful year round, maintenance free bushes.
Thanks….Dennis
Thanks for an interesting article. Do you know which of the above trees can tolerate winter temperatures of -20 centigrade? Thanks from a Canadian!
We live in Northwest Florida and somewhat in the country. Our new neighbors think it should be a subdivision with no privacy what so ever and have cleared all the trees that provided privacy between us. I am looking for fast-growing privacy tree/s ideas. We are on 2 acres so space is not a problem. I am looking at approximately 150 feet of coverage.
Thanks for an exceptional article for the garden tree. I think Leyland Cypress and spartan juniper both are the best tree for my backyard garden design.
I need an evergreen tree mature height to be approx 25ft / 10 to 12ft width at it’s mature growth.
It can be a tree with leafs no flowers or pine needle type…..thank you Billy
I have new neighbors who started encroaching taking down 2 of my trees that were on the line. Reposted my stakes and now looking to get some trees pretty to look at but perfect for privacy. I have over 50 green giants planted to block our home from the waking path looks gorgeous. The deer really don’t bother them. The emerald green was bothered by a Buck and has a bald spot now. So I have a new lilac to plant, and want to get a couple dogwoods would they work we’ll staggered by either emerald green arbs or green giants thank you.
Donna
I would like some privacy from my Neighbor and avoid seeing solar panels on her roof
Which trees that are skinny would work best ?
I would like to save as much free area for the kids to play
Need 15-24 feet upon maturation
Hi I just bought a house that gets some sun and have trees already around the back yard but I don’t get enough coverage to screen the neighbor’s house that directly above us, it is a hill and we are at the bottom of that hill. I was thinking about the flowering dogwood trees but not sure if it grows in our zip code 94563.
I live in England, have a 6 foot fence down my long back garden. But want to block out views from my neighbour along the top of my 6 foot fence so as they cannot see into my garden. Thought I could plant something (intermittently) along the line of the fence, but not too wide? something that will grown quite quickly I dont want more leylandii as have some at end of my garden.
Can you give me any idea’s please, I really would appreciate it?
Thanks
Cathy
Hi im looking to plant a privacy tree that grows 6 ft tall and 2 ft width in new hamshire in the spring any recomendation
Very informative! I’d love to have as many trees around my property but I’m concerned about pests becoming my unwelcomed neighbors lol. I’ll try to search for DIYs on how to prevent them, if DIY won’t work, I’ll get professional help as long as I get to keep my greens. Thanks a lot for this interesting article.
Hello, I live on a corner house and looking for privacy trees that look really good lined up, anyone have any suggestion the yard has plenty of sun? I live in zone 7 area code (22407 in virginia, thank all you you in advance for your suggestions.