The Best Privacy Trees to Block Neighbors & Create Your Private Oasis

May 7, 2025 / Written by: Signature Landscape

May 7, 2025
Written by: Signature Landscape

Key Takeaways:

  • Evergreens work year-round - Trees like Leyland Cypress and Emerald Green Arborvitae keep their leaves all winter, giving you constant privacy with their dense foliage.
  • Fast-growers block views quickly - The Thuja Green Giant can shoot up 3-5 feet per year, creating a natural barrier faster than most trees.
  • Small spaces need narrow options - Slim trees like Emerald Green stay just 3-4 feet wide, perfect for tight spots while still giving full coverage.
  • Shrubs can be privacy fences too - Plants like Holly and Schip Laurel grow 6-15 feet tall, offering great screening without towering over your yard.
  • Professional help saves time - At Signature Landscape, we'll pick the right fast-growing privacy trees for your yard's specific soil conditions and sun exposure.

Let's face it—sometimes you just want to enjoy your outdoor space without feeling like you're on display. Whether you're tired of nosy neighbors or just want a cozy, secluded spot, planting the right privacy trees can make all the difference. The good news? You don't have to wait years for results. There are plenty of fast-growing privacy trees that block views, reduce noise, and make your yard feel like your own private escape.

Evergreen Trees for Year-Round Privacy

If you want year-round coverage, evergreen trees are the way to go. They keep their leaves (or needles) all year, so you never have to worry about gaps when winter comes. One of the most popular choices is the Leyland Cypress. This fast-growing privacy tree shoots up fast—sometimes 3 feet per year—and can reach 60 feet tall at mature height. It forms a thick, dense foliage wall that's perfect for privacy screens. Just give it well-drained soil and plenty of sun, and it'll do the rest.

Narrow Options for Small Spaces

Another great option is the Emerald Green Arborvitae. This sleek, narrow tree grows in a pyramidal shape, making it ideal for tight spaces. It tops out around 15 feet tall and stays a neat 3-4 feet wide at mature size, so it won't take over your yard. Its rich green color adds aesthetic appeal, and once established, it's surprisingly drought tolerant. Plant a row of these, and you'll have a natural privacy screen in no time.

The Fastest Growing Privacy Solutions

For something even bigger, the Thuja Green Giant lives up to its name. These Green Giants can grow 3-5 feet per year, reaching 50-60 feet in height with a spread of 12-20 feet wide. They're tough, adaptable to different soil conditions, and resist pests and diseases. If you need a natural barrier fast, this is one of the best fast-growing trees out there.

Shrubs That Work Like Privacy Fences

Not all privacy trees need to be towering giants. If you prefer something smaller, evergreen shrubs like the Schip Laurel or Holly work great. They grow 6-15 feet tall, form thick dense foliage, and can be trimmed to fit your space. Plus, some varieties produce white flowers in spring or colorful berries, adding extra beauty to your backyard privacy solutions.

Deciduous Options for Quick Coverage

If you're okay with losing leaves in winter, deciduous trees like Hybrid Willow or Bamboo can also create quick privacy. They grow 8-10 feet per year and form a natural screen faster than most evergreen trees. Just keep in mind they won't block views in winter like evergreen foliage does.

What to Consider Before Planting

When choosing trees for privacy, think about your soil types and space. Some trees thrive in sandy soils, while others need moist soil. Measure your area to ensure the tree's mature size won't crowd your yard. And if you're planting near fences or structures, pick varieties with a narrow spread, like Emerald Green Arborvitae.

Let the Professionals Handle It

Want help designing the perfect privacy screens for your yard? That's where professional landscape design comes in. At Signature Landscape, we'll help you pick the best fast-growing privacy trees for your space, whether you need towering Green Giants or compact evergreen shrubs. We consider your soil conditions, sun exposure, and style to create a natural privacy screen that looks great and works perfectly.

Ready to turn your yard into a private retreat? Give us a call or visit our website to explore our backyard privacy solutions. With the right trees for privacy from neighbors, you can enjoy your outdoor space in peace—no prying eyes allowed!

Signature Landscape
Moe has remained committed to excellence in both design and customer service ever since day one. Today, seeing clients from many years back who are still enthusiastic and appreciative fuels his fire. Knowing he has such a positive effect on his clients and the beauty of the city he lives in drives Moe daily to strive for excellence.

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