If you’ve ever felt your backyard is a little too exposed or you simply want a private haven, planting a living fence of privacy trees can be an effective and visually appealing solution. By choosing the right varieties, you can block unwanted views, reduce noise, and beautify your landscape all at once.
Top Picks: Best Trees for Privacy
1. Arborvitae (Thuja Species)
Arborvitae trees are a staple for lush, green privacy screens. Known for their tall, narrow growth habit, they fit well in many gardens—especially the Green Giant Arborvitae, prized for its rapid growth (3 to 5 feet per year under optimal conditions) and adaptability to various soils. Their dense, attractive foliage provides year-round coverage.
Why Choose Arborvitae?
- Fast growth rate
- Minimal pruning required
- Tolerant of cold climates
2. Leyland Cypress
A swift-growing evergreen, Leyland Cypress can quickly reach lofty heights, making it a top pick for fast coverage. It thrives in well-drained soil, tolerates drought once established, and boasts feathery foliage that forms an effective visual and sound barrier.
Why Choose Leyland Cypress?
- Extremely fast growth
- Excellent windbreak
- Relatively low maintenance
3. American Holly or Nellie Stevens Holly
Beyond their holiday connotations, hollies such as American Holly or Nellie Stevens Holly are excellent for year-round privacy. They feature dense, glossy green foliage and bright red winter berries. Most holly varieties thrive in diverse soil types and remain relatively disease-resistant.
Why Choose Holly?
- Evergreen leaves for steady privacy
- Vibrant berries that boost winter curb appeal
- Can deter wildlife with mildly spiny leaves
4. Skip Laurel (Cherry Laurel)
Skip Laurel (also known as Cherry Laurel) is a favorite in more formal or manicured landscapes. Glossy dark-green leaves, fragrant springtime blooms, and a moderate growth rate make it a versatile choice for shaping into a hedge.
Why Choose Skip Laurel?
- Dense foliage for a thick screen
- Works well in partial shade
- Fragrant blossoms add seasonal interest
5. Eastern Red Cedar
A tough, native evergreen, Eastern Red Cedar endures challenging conditions such as dry or poor soils. Its foliage varies from dark green to bluish-green and often exhibits a reddish tint on needle undersides. This species also carries a pleasant aroma and offers natural pest resistance.
Why Choose Eastern Red Cedar?
- Extremely hardy, tolerates poorer soils
- Naturally repels certain insects
- Unique coloration and fragrance
Growing Privacy Trees in New Jersey
For gardeners in the Garden State (USDA Zones 6–7), most of these evergreens can thrive. Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, American Holly, Skip Laurel, and Eastern Red Cedar are well-adapted to New Jersey’s moderate winters and humid summers. Italian Cypress is more cold-sensitive, so it does best in southern or coastal areas where winters are milder. Since deer are a concern in many parts of NJ, consider netting or repellents—especially for younger plantings. Testing your soil (sandy, loamy, or clay-based) and providing regular watering during the first growing season can make all the difference in establishing a healthy, long-lasting privacy screen.
If you live in New Jersey, check out the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station resources for additional guidance on choosing the best trees for privacy,. Their “What to Plant” section, which you can find at https://njaes.rutgers.edu/home-lawn-garden/what-to-plant.php, offers region-specific information and practical tips on selecting, planting, and maintaining trees and shrubs suited to local soil and climate conditions.
Why Plant Privacy Trees
Beauty and Function
Privacy trees do more than block prying eyes. They can drastically enhance a lackluster landscape by adding visual layers, shade, and a serene backdrop for outdoor gatherings. The natural barrier also buffers noise, creating a more intimate space where you can enjoy family time or entertain guests without disturbance.
Year-Round Appeal
With evergreen varieties, you’re guaranteed a steady screen throughout all four seasons. This consistency is especially appealing in colder climates where deciduous trees lose leaves and leave gaps. Even for those who love seasonal color changes, mixing a few evergreens into the arrangement ensures privacy remains uninterrupted.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
Adding trees to your property helps filter the air and sequester carbon dioxide, aiding environmental sustainability. Additionally, privacy trees invite beneficial wildlife—such as birds and pollinating insects—further enriching your landscape’s ecosystem. Choosing native species like Eastern Red Cedar can also bolster local habitats.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Privacy Trees
Growth Rate
Speed matters if you need quick coverage. Fast growers like Leyland Cypress or Thuja Green Giant can fill in within a few years, but they may require more pruning to maintain shape.
Mature Height and Width
Think long-term. An evergreen that eventually spans 15 feet wide will need proper space or regular trimming. Tall, slender varieties like Italian Cypress work well in narrow yards or near structures.
Climate and Soil
Research the hardiness zones of each species. Cold-hardy trees like Green Giant Arborvitae excel in cooler regions, while heat-tolerant hollies manage well in warmer climates. Match your tree to your yard’s soil type—some species thrive in moisture-rich soils, while others prefer drier conditions.
Maintenance Needs
From watering and fertilizing to pruning and pest management, every privacy tree requires some care. If you want a lower-maintenance option, consider resilient evergreens like Eastern Red Cedar or American Holly that resist pests and adapt to less-than-ideal soils.
Designing with Privacy Trees
When incorporating privacy trees into your outdoor space, visualize how they’ll look from multiple angles—both from your home and from neighboring viewpoints. A single row of uniform trees often yields a classic, formal aesthetic. If you prefer a naturalistic vibe, stagger various species to create layers of height and texture, mixing evergreens with flowering shrubs or ornamental grasses for added visual interest. Consider how sunlight, wind patterns, and focal points (e.g., patio, pool area) might influence tree placement so you can achieve both function and beauty.
Final Thoughts
Planting the best trees for privacy can instantly transform your yard into a quiet retreat while boosting the overall appeal of your property. From the swift-growing Leyland Cypress to the resilient Arborvitae and the holiday-chic Hollies, there’s a variety for nearly every region, style, and level of gardening expertise.
In New Jersey’s moderate climate, most of these evergreen options thrive—just be mindful of deer and local soil conditions. Across the board, remember to factor in growth habits, spacing requirements, and maintenance commitments before planting. With thoughtful planning and a little routine care, your living fence will reward you with shade, serenity, and a touch of natural elegance for many seasons to come.
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