The greatest trees for privacy offer a lovely, organic method to screen your yard, as well as structure and interest throughout the year. One of the best backyard ideas is to plant privacy trees, which provide a lovely sense of seclusion and make a rich background for planting.
The greatest trees for screening give a softer method to achieve this and are ideal for partnering with more solid boundaries, even though fencing and walls are useful for practicality and security.
Decide where you want them positioned concerning the home and how that works with your ideas for outdoor dining because some of the finest trees for privacy are also the best trees for shade.
Table of Contents
Best Small Trees for Privacy
- Crabapple (Malus)
- Cotoneaster (Cornubia)
- Birch (Betula)
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
- Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)
- Yew (Taxus Baccata)
- Cherry Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus)
- Red Robin (Photinia X fraseri ‘Red Robin’)
- Colorado Blue Spruce Trees (Picea Pungens)
- Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
- Field maple (Acer campestre)
- Snowy Mespilus (Amelanchier lamarckii)
- Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) ‘Rosea Plena’
- Hornbeam tree (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’)
- Tree privet (Ligustrum japaponicum)
- Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)
- Tree ferns and palms
- Ornamental pear (Pyrus calleryana)
- Golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
1. Crabapple (Malus)
Crabapples are among the most decorative trees for seclusion and are adored by wildlife. They have lovely spring blossoms, appealing and delicious fruits, and good autumn colors.
Crab apple trees are medium-sized trees that can reach a height of 39 feet over several decades and are suitable for both urban and rural settings. The Prairifire crabapple is one of the greatest trees for small gardens since it grows to a more manageable 20 feet tall.
It is a spectacular, disease-resistant tree that provides landscape beauty all year long. With glossy reddish-maroon trees, dark red buds in the spring bloom into reddish-pink flowers.
Its foliage changes from dark green to a lovely bronze color in the autumn, when small ornamental purple fruits draw wildlife. Grow it in full sun or partial shade, in moist yet well-draining soil.
2. Cotoneaster (Cornubia)
Cotoneaster ‘Cornubia’ is typically planted as a medium-sized tree, even though it is a sizable semi-evergreen shrub. If you’re searching for an attractive type, it’s one of the best trees for privacy and screening because it’s also one of the most striking trees with red berries in the autumn (which birds adore).
The Cotoneaster ‘Cornubia’ is a semi-evergreen plant with lovely oval leaves and a lovely arching habit. Before they fall, the oldest leaves turn bronze.
Cotoneaster ‘Cornubia’, with a maximum height of 26 feet, is one of the greatest trees for front yards because it grows slowly and won’t take over your yard. Although it prefers a cooler temperature, it enjoys full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Birch (Betula)
Birch trees have lovely bark, which is especially evident in the winter. For a magnificent effect, they can be arranged in a small grove, and they look lovely when planted beneath perennials that like shade or spring bulbs.
Both Betula ‘Doorenbos’ and the popular, but massive, chalk-white paper birch (Betula papyrifera) look fantastic as single examples in expansive yards.
Choose the dome-shaped Betula ‘Youngii’ for yards with limited space because it only gets to be 26 feet tall. You can arrange numerous kinds of birch trees with variously colored bark together if you have the space. Despite having some of the greatest white bark among trees, not all birch bark is pure white.
The Chinese red birch has an orange-red color, Betula ‘Parkwood’ has a dark purple leaf with thin white bands, and Betula ‘Mount Zao’ has a dark purple and orange leaf, and peeling bark. Depending on the species, birch trees can be grown in either full sun or partial shade.
4. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
The blooming dogwood, a smaller tree with a rounded growth habit, is one of the best trees for privacy and screening in a small yard and can be planted as near to the home as 10 feet away.
Flowering dogwood is a fantastic plant for any landscape, regardless of the season. To the delight of all, showy white bracts emerge in the spring, the foliage turns a vivid red-purple in the autumn, and glossy red fruits draw winter finches.
When placed among pink or red dogwoods, with larger evergreens in the backdrop, this tree provides a wonderful contrast.
Flowering dogwood can grow up to 25 feet tall and can be cultivated in USDA zones 5-9. Plant in full sun or medium shade, in moist yet well-drained soil.
5. Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)
Looking at the greatest fast-growing trees, such as the Eastern white pine, will help you quickly create privacy. It grows up to 24 inches taller every year until it matures at a maximum height of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 20 to 40 feet.
It offers an excellent windbreak in the winter environment, where this robust, valuable evergreen is stunning. In full sun or some shade, acidic, moist, but well-draining soil is ideal for the Eastern white pine. For USDA zones 3 to 8, it’s a fantastic choice.
6. Yew (Taxus Baccata)
The English yew, commonly referred to as the common yew, is regarded as the original evergreen tree. If clipped in the early spring, it rejuvenates itself astonishingly well and is exquisite and long-living, according to the specialists at Practicality Brown.
Taxus baccata, one of the greatest trees for seclusion and mass planting to construct hedging can reach heights of up to 40 feet (12 meters). It can take both sun and shade and does best in well-draining soil. Some cultivars also yield tiny red berries, which serve as a favorite food source for wildlife.
7. Cherry Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus)
Cherry laurel is a vigorous spreading evergreen with glossy, dark green leaves. Because of its upright and bushy appearance, cherry laurel is one of the greatest trees for screening and seclusion.
It produces erect, white blooms in the spring, and in the autumn, it produces fruits that resemble cherries. These mature and change from crimson to black. Additionally, it comes in pleated versions.
This tree can reach a height of 26 feet (8 meters), prefers slightly acidic soil, and does well in both sun and shade. Also available in the pleached form, the cherry laurel is fantastic for screening in smaller areas.
8. Red Robin (Photinia X fraseri ‘Red Robin’)
Photinias are often small, year-round-appealing trees or shrubs that are evergreen. The Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ variation is exceptionally lovely, with striking red new growth. If not pruned, it produces a froth of white blooms in the summer.
It can be purchased as a lovely peached tree or lollipop tree. It can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) tall and spread out similarly, although it is readily clipped to a smaller size. Red robins are fully hardy and thrive best in moist, well-drained soil in the sun, though they may also tolerate some shade.
9. Colorado Blue Spruce Trees (Picea Pungens)
The Colorado blue spruce trees, which eventually reach heights of approximately 8 feet and have blue, pine-needle-like foliage that packs tightly into a pyramid form, offers year-round interest. They are particularly well-suited to small gardens.
According to the specialists at Ornamental Trees, “It is a very hardy small tree that will grow in most soils, except dry soils; it is also best to avoid full exposure.” Although it grows slowly, this evergreen can be mixed with others that grow more quickly and serves as a wonderful contrast to other plants.
10. Italian cypress (Cupressus semperivrens)
Italian cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens), which are tall and slender, are among the best trees for tall building screening. It has a modern, Mediterranean appearance. For the first several years, water during dry conditions and trim frequently.
This tree thrives in a protected area with sun or moderate shade and reaches a height of 10 meters.
11. Field maple (Acer campestre)
The field maple, Acer campestre is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded, bushy crown that is typically found growing in woodlands and hedgerows.
It features lovely lobed leaves that become golden yellow in the autumn, as well as tiny flowers in the spring that are followed by samaras, which are papery-winged fruits. Field maple is a native of Britain and is great for animals.
They can tolerate urban pollutants as well. This tree thrives in wet, well-drained soil in sun or part shade and grows to a height of 12 meters. It is great for wildlife, medium to large gardens, urban gardens, and fall colors.
12. Snowy Mespilus (Amelanchier lamarckii)
Amelanchier lamarckii, sometimes known as the snowy Mespilus, is a lovely little tree. The branches burst into a froth of star-shaped blooms in March, just as the coppery pink new leaves are beginning to emerge. These turn yellow-green in the summer but subsequently turn scarlet and crimson before dropping.
The tree is covered in dark red berries in July, which turn purple-black as they mature. It’s frequently marketed as a tree with several stems.
This tree thrives in a moist but well-drained neutral to acidic soil, in small gardens, and provides year-round appeal, in full sun to partial shade. Amelanchier trees, which can reach a height of 10 meters, make good potted trees.
13. Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) ‘Rosea Plena’
Hawthorns (Crataegus) are a symbol of the end of spring because their white and pink blossoms signal the passing of the year. Numerous wildlife species consume their fall fruits, popularly known as “haws,” and birds can safely nest among their dense thorny growth.
Hawthorns fit well in limited places since they are compact. They are hardy trees that can survive in harsh environments. This tree thrives in wet, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade and grows to a height of 8 meters. It is best suited for small gardens, exposed areas, and animals.
14. Hornbeam trees (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’)
Autumn brings out the apple green, pleated leaves, which often remain on the Carpinus betulus hornbeam tree through the winter in protected areas. Winged nuts, sometimes known as samaras, or green catkins, emerge in the autumn. Hornbeams are hardy trees that may survive in harsh environments. They begin with a pyramidal shape before rounding out.
‘Fastigiata’ naturally forms columns, whilst ‘Frans Fontaine’ only grows to a height of 6 m x 2 m. In the winter, hornbeams frequently retain some fallen leaves. This tree thrives in sun or part shade, wet but well-drained soil, and grows to a height of 10 meters. It is suitable for pleaching, dappled shade, medium and large gardens.
15. Tree privet (Ligustrum japaponicum)
Ligustrum japonicum, often known as tree privet, is frequently sold as a standard or stilted tree and is good for screening a boundary without taking up garden space. You could also plant it next to some structures or walls.
It blooms in the autumn with white flowers and long, pointed leaves. This tree thrives in most soils, sun, or part shade, and grows to a height of 7 meters. It is suitable for planting as a standard and for screening around a boundary.
16. Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)
Arbutus unedo, often known as the strawberry tree, is a huge, bushy, tiny tree with rough bark and dark green, leathery leaves. Its fruits resemble strawberries, and its bell-shaped autumn blooms resemble the lily of the valley flowers.
At the same time, the flowers and fruit appear. This tree thrives in a sheltered place in wet but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade and is best suited for growing in small gardens and coastal settings. It may grow to a height of 8 meters and tolerate chalky soils.
17. Tree fern and Palms
Dicksonia antarctica, the tree fern, is not technically a tree, but it certainly resembles one thanks to its tall “trunk” and striking crown of fronds. It’s worth taking into account for creating a resting area or patio that feels more private because of its wide, arching fronds’ ability to create isolation and dappled shade.
It remains evergreen in moderate climates; in other locations, wrap the crown with wool or straw to keep it safe. Another palm that can offer solitude in a limited area is the Canary Island date palm.
This tree thrives in partial or complete shade and grows to a height of 4 meters. It is best suited for growing in urban gardens, jungle gardens, shaded gardens, and small gardens.
18. Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’, an ornamental pear, is reputed to be the first deciduous tree to go into leaf in the spring and the last to shed its leaves in the autumn. It has a compact, pyramidal shape, lovely white blossoms in the spring, and lovely foliage in the autumn.
It is a well-liked street tree and is tolerant of pollutants. This tree thrives in full sun, and wet but well-drained soil, and grows to a height of 5 meters. It is perfect for growing in small gardens and urban gardens, and it has beautiful spring blossoms and fall colors.
19. Golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
The golden rain tree, also known as the Pride of India, has a variety of features, including lantern-shaped seed pods that follow stunning yellow summer flowers that draw pollinating insects. In spring, the lovely foliage is pink-bronze, and in the autumn, it turns yellow.
The crown of this medium-sized tree is rounded. It can withstand pollution and thrives in a sunny location. This tree thrives in full sun, and moist but well-drained soil, and grows to a height of 6 meters. It is best suited for medium gardens, urban gardens, and summer flowers.
Conclusion
Trees that are easy to grow, hardy, and tolerant of most soils and environmental conditions make effective privacy screens. Instead of picking trees that require a lot of upkeep, choose ones that are largely self-sufficient and may only need the occasional pruning to stay in form.
Choose a nice variety of evergreens that won’t shed its leaves, has dense foliage, and will flourish when planted near together if you want privacy all year long. To add seasonal interest and color, you can intersperse these with a few deciduous plants.
Several possibilities will grow much taller than 8 feet, which is the minimum height required for the best trees for seclusion.
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A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
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It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.