Backyards
Front Yards
Privacy Plants
Top 10 plants for hedging and screeningPlanting a living fence is one option for creating privacy in your yard. You can grow either a hedge or a screen. A hedge typically consists of a densely planted row of one shrub variety that is sheared to create a formal look. While a screen consists of tall, narrow trees planted in a tight row.
Top 10 Privacy Plants
Japanese/Texas privet (Ligustrum)
A fast-growing evergreen shrub that produces white flowers
Red Tip Photinia
A mid-size evergreen shrub with red foliage in spring
Podocarpus (yew, icee blue, gracilior)
A slow growing evergreen tree that is nearly litter free
Juniper (Juniperus)
A columnar evergreen that can grow to more than 12 feet tall
Arborvitae (Thuja)
A fast growing evergreen that can reach 15 feet in height
Vibernum
A semi-evergreen shrub with fragrant flowers and red fruit
Wax Myrtle (Myrica)
A fragrant evergreen shrub that is great for an informal hedge
Rhododendron
A dense shrub with showy flowers that can reach 7 feet in height
Bamboo
A fast growing and spreading evergreen, great for use in a modern or tropical garden
African Boxwood
A medium evergreen shrub that is drought-resistant
When deciding on plants for privacy it is important to know the desired characteristics for your space and purpose. This way you will be able to determine which plants are best suited for your property and will provide the best screen.
Desired Traits for Privacy Plants:
- Fast-growing
- Evergreen
- Broad, dense leaves
- Able to tolerate trimming
If the area you plan to grow your screen in is narrow, opt for a columnar variety. If your area is more spacious you can use pyramidal varieties.
