Privacy Trees for Backyard: Best Fast-Growing, Evergreen & Low-Maintenance Options

Introduction

Backyard privacy is one of the biggest reasons homeowners plant trees. Whether you want to block a neighbor’s view, soften a fence line, screen a patio, or create a more peaceful outdoor space, the right privacy trees can completely change how your yard feels.

But not every privacy tree works in every spot. Some trees are best for wide backyard borders. Others are better for narrow side yards, patios, fence lines, or smaller spaces. The key is choosing the right tree for the exact privacy problem you are trying to solve.

This guide walks through the best privacy trees for backyard screening, including fast-growing trees, evergreen privacy trees, low-maintenance options, narrow trees for tight spaces, and trees that work well along fences and property lines.

Best Privacy Trees for Backyard Screening

The best privacy tree is the one that fits your yard long term. A tree that grows quickly may be useful for fast coverage, but it still needs enough room to mature. A narrow evergreen may be better for tight yards, while a fuller tree or shrub may work better for large property lines.

Start With Where You Need Privacy

Before choosing a tree, look at your yard and ask:

• Are you trying to block a neighbor’s second-story window?
• Do you need privacy along a fence line?
• Are you screening a patio, pool, or deck?
• Do you have a narrow side yard?
• Do you want fast coverage or a more polished, compact look?

Once you know the purpose, it becomes much easier to choose the right privacy tree for your backyard.

Best Fast-Growing Privacy Tree: Thuja Green Giant

Thuja Green Giant is one of the best privacy trees for homeowners who want fast coverage and a tall evergreen screen. It is commonly used along property lines, fence lines, large backyards, and open spaces where privacy is needed quickly.

Thuja Green Giant works best when you have enough room for a larger tree. It is not the right choice for very tight spaces, but it is excellent for creating a tall, full living wall where space allows.

Best uses for Thuja Green Giant:

• Large backyard privacy screens
• Property line plantings
• Fence line coverage
• Windbreaks
• Evergreen backdrops

Choose Thuja Green Giant if your top priority is fast-growing evergreen privacy and you have enough room for a larger screen.

Best Fast-Growing Alternative: Leyland Cypress

Leyland Cypress is another fast-growing evergreen that works well along wide fence lines, large property borders, and open backyard spaces.

It has soft, feathery foliage and can create a tall green screen when planted in a row. Like Thuja Green Giant, it is best for areas with enough room for a larger evergreen privacy tree.

Best uses for Leyland Cypress:

• Large properties
• Fast-growing screens
• Windbreaks
• Backyard borders

Choose Leyland Cypress if you want a fast-growing evergreen screen for a larger planting area.

Best Privacy Tree for Smaller Yards: Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a strong option when you want evergreen privacy but do not have room for a very wide tree. It has a narrower, more compact shape than many large privacy trees, making it useful for smaller yards, patios, side yards, and formal rows.

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows more slowly than some larger evergreens, but its tidy shape makes it easier to fit into residential landscapes.

Best uses for Emerald Green Arborvitae:

• Smaller backyard privacy screens
• Patio screening
• Formal evergreen rows
• Fence line plantings with limited width
• Compact privacy hedges

Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae if you want a clean evergreen screen with a narrower footprint.

Best Decorative Evergreen Privacy Tree: Emerald Colonnade Holly

Emerald Colonnade Holly is a great option if you want privacy with a more decorative, polished look. Unlike conifers, it has glossy broadleaf evergreen foliage, which gives it a refined landscape feel.

It works well when you want backyard screening, but also want something more ornamental than a traditional evergreen hedge.

Best uses for Emerald Colonnade Holly:

• Decorative screening
• Backyard borders
• Patio privacy
• Polished evergreen structure
• More refined landscapes

Choose Emerald Colonnade Holly if you want a broadleaf evergreen privacy tree with a more finished, ornamental look.

Best Evergreen Hedge for Backyard Privacy: Skip Laurel

Skip Laurel is a dense broadleaf evergreen that works well as a privacy hedge. Its glossy green leaves create a softer look than needled evergreens, making it a good choice for homeowners who want thick coverage without a rigid conifer row.

Skip Laurel is especially useful for hedges, backyard borders, and screening around patios or outdoor living areas. It can be pruned to maintain a hedge shape or allowed to grow more naturally for a relaxed evergreen screen.

Best uses for Skip Laurel:

• Evergreen privacy hedges
• Soft backyard screens
• Patio privacy
• Property line borders
• Mixed evergreen plantings

Choose Skip Laurel if you want dense evergreen coverage with a leafy, hedge-like look.

Best Full Evergreen Backdrop: Carolina Cherry Laurel

Carolina Cherry Laurel is another strong broadleaf evergreen for backyard privacy. It can create a full, green backdrop and works well when you want a natural screen with dense foliage.

Carolina Cherry Laurel is useful for larger privacy hedges, property lines, and backyard edges where you want year-round coverage. It has a fuller look than many narrow evergreens, so give it enough space to grow without crowding fences, walkways, or structures.

Best uses for Carolina Cherry Laurel:

• Dense evergreen screens
• Backyard borders
• Property line privacy
• Natural green backdrops
• Mixed privacy hedges

Choose Carolina Cherry Laurel if you want a leafy evergreen screen with a fuller, more natural look.

Best Natural Privacy Tree: Southern Wax Myrtle

Southern Wax Myrtle is a great choice for homeowners who want privacy that feels natural, relaxed, and less formal. It has an upright growth habit and can be used as a screen, hedge, or informal border.

Southern Wax Myrtle is especially useful when you want to soften a fence line or create privacy without the look of a perfectly clipped hedge. It can blend well with native-style, coastal, cottage, or informal landscapes.

Best uses for Southern Wax Myrtle:

• Informal privacy screens
• Natural backyard borders
• Fence softening
• Mixed shrub screens
• Low-maintenance evergreen structure

Choose Southern Wax Myrtle if you want a softer, more natural privacy screen instead of a formal evergreen wall.

Best Narrow Privacy Tree: Taylor Juniper

Taylor Juniper is a tall, narrow evergreen that works well where vertical privacy is needed but horizontal space is limited. Its slim shape makes it useful along side yards, driveways, narrow borders, and fence lines where wider trees would take up too much room.

Taylor Juniper is also a good option when you want structure and height without creating a bulky screen. It can be planted in rows for privacy or used as a repeated vertical accent.

Best uses for Taylor Juniper:

• Narrow backyard privacy
• Side yards
• Driveway borders
• Vertical accents
• Property lines with limited width

Choose Taylor Juniper if you need height, structure, and evergreen privacy in a narrow planting area.

Best Very Narrow Privacy Tree: Blue Arrow Juniper

Blue Arrow Juniper is one of the best options for very tight spaces. Its extremely narrow form makes it useful where you need upright evergreen structure but have limited room between a fence, walkway, driveway, or planting bed.

Blue Arrow Juniper is best for narrow screening, formal accents, and vertical structure rather than large-scale privacy. It can help block specific sightlines without taking over the yard.

Best uses for Blue Arrow Juniper:

• Very narrow planting strips
• Small backyard accents
• Driveway or walkway borders
• Screening tight sightlines
• Formal vertical structure

Choose Blue Arrow Juniper if you need one of the slimmest evergreen privacy options available.

Best Formal Privacy Accent: Italian Cypress

Italian Cypress is a tall, narrow evergreen known for its formal, Mediterranean-style look. It is often used as a vertical accent, driveway planting, poolside screen, or structured evergreen row.

Italian Cypress is best when the landscape style fits its strong vertical shape. It is not the softest privacy tree, but it can create dramatic structure and height in the right setting.

Best uses for Italian Cypress:

• Formal evergreen rows
• Poolside privacy
• Driveway accents
• Mediterranean-style landscapes
• Vertical screening in warm climates

Choose Italian Cypress if you want a tall, elegant privacy tree with a more formal architectural look.

Best Privacy Trees by Backyard Goal

Different privacy problems need different trees. A tree that works beautifully along a large property line may not work near a patio. A fast-growing tree may be useful for open spaces, while a narrow tree may be better for tight side yards.

Best Trees for Fence Line Privacy

Fence line privacy trees can make a yard feel softer and more secluded. They can add height above a fence, cover gaps, and create a more natural look than a hard boundary alone.

When planting near a fence, do not plant directly against it. Leave enough room for the tree’s mature width, airflow, and maintenance access. Also think about whether branches may eventually press into the fence or extend into a neighbor’s space.

Good fence line trees include:

• Thuja Green Giant for large fence line screens
• Leyland Cypress for fast-growing evergreen coverage
• Emerald Green Arborvitae for narrow evergreen rows
• Skip Laurel for leafy hedge-style coverage
• Southern Wax Myrtle for soft natural screening
• Taylor Juniper for tight property lines

Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy

Evergreen privacy trees keep their foliage through the seasons, making them the best choice when you want privacy in winter as well as summer. They are especially useful around patios, pools, property lines, and outdoor living spaces that need year-round screening.

Best evergreen privacy trees include:

• Thuja Green Giant
• Leyland Cypress
• Emerald Green Arborvitae
• Skip Laurel
• Carolina Cherry Laurel
• Southern Wax Myrtle
• Taylor Juniper
• Blue Arrow Juniper
• Italian Cypress
• Emerald Colonnade Holly

If year-round coverage is the goal, evergreen trees and shrubs should be the foundation of your privacy planting.

Best Low-Maintenance Privacy Trees

Low-maintenance privacy trees are usually evergreens that hold their shape naturally and do not need frequent pruning. These are good choices for homeowners who want privacy without constant trimming.

Good low-maintenance options include:

• Thuja Green Giant for large, low-maintenance evergreen screens
• Emerald Green Arborvitae for tidy formal rows
• Taylor Juniper for narrow vertical structure
• Blue Arrow Juniper for slim, structured accents
• Southern Wax Myrtle for a natural, informal look

The biggest maintenance need usually happens during the first year. New trees need consistent watering while they establish. After that, many privacy trees become much easier to care for.

Where to Plant Privacy Trees in Your Backyard

Placement matters just as much as the tree itself. The right tree in the wrong spot may not solve the privacy problem, while a smaller tree in the right location can make a big difference.

Along the Back Fence

This is best when you want to block neighboring yards or create a green backdrop.

Good options:

• Thuja Green Giant
• Leyland Cypress
• Emerald Colonnade Holly
• Carolina Cherry Laurel

Along Side Property Lines

This is best when you need privacy from nearby homes, driveways, or side windows.

Good options:

• Taylor Juniper
• Blue Arrow Juniper
• Italian Cypress
• Emerald Green Arborvitae

Around Patios and Decks

This is best when you want privacy where you actually spend time outdoors.

Good options:

• Emerald Green Arborvitae
• Blue Arrow Juniper
• Emerald Colonnade Holly
• Skip Laurel

In Backyard Corners

Backyard corners are great places to plant privacy trees because they soften the space and block angled views.

Good options:

• Thuja Green Giant
• Emerald Colonnade Holly
• Italian Cypress
• Southern Wax Myrtle

How Far Apart Should You Plant Privacy Trees?

Spacing depends on the tree variety and the type of privacy screen you want. Closer spacing creates faster coverage, while wider spacing gives each tree more room to grow naturally.

For a detailed spacing example, read the Thuja Green Giant Privacy Screen Spacing & Planting Guide.

How Close Can You Plant Privacy Trees to a Fence?

Privacy trees should usually be planted far enough from a fence to allow for mature growth, airflow, and maintenance. Planting too close can cause future crowding, uneven growth, poor airflow, and branches pressing into the fence.

The right distance depends on the tree’s mature width. Narrow trees can usually be planted closer than wide trees, but they still need space. Before planting, look at the mature size of the specific variety and leave room for the tree to grow without being squeezed.

Fence planting tips:

• Leave enough space for mature width
• Do not plant directly against the fence
• Consider access for pruning and maintenance
• Check property line rules before planting
• Use narrow trees where space is limited
• Use staggered planting for a more natural screen

How to Plant Privacy Trees

Proper planting helps privacy trees establish faster and grow into a healthier screen. Many privacy tree problems start with planting too deeply, poor drainage, or inconsistent watering after planting.

Basic planting steps:

1. Choose a tree that fits your space and sunlight.
2. Plan spacing based on mature size and privacy goals.
3. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball.
4. Keep the hole about the same depth as the root ball.
5. Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
6. Backfill with native soil and gently firm around the roots.
7. Water deeply after planting.
8. Add mulch around the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

For step-by-step planting help, read the Simply Trees Guide to Planting.

How to Water New Privacy Trees

Watering is especially important during the first growing season. Newly planted privacy trees need consistent moisture while their roots establish, but they should not sit in soggy soil.

Water deeply so moisture reaches the root ball and surrounding soil. Light sprinkling is usually not enough for newly planted trees. Check the soil regularly and adjust based on rainfall, heat, soil type, and drainage.

Watering tips:

• Water deeply after planting
• Keep soil evenly moist during establishment
• Check the soil before watering again
• Avoid constantly soggy soil
• Water more during hot, dry, or windy weather
• Reduce watering once trees are established

For more guidance, read the Simply Trees Guide to Watering.

Example Backyard Privacy Layouts

Layout 1: Fast Full Backyard Screen

This layout is best for homeowners who want maximum privacy quickly and have enough room for larger evergreen trees.

• Back row: Thuja Green Giant or Leyland Cypress
• Use: Along the back fence or wide property line
• Goal: Fast, dense, evergreen coverage

Layout 2: Narrow Side Yard Screen

This layout is best for tight spaces where you need privacy but do not have room for a wide hedge.

• Tree options: Taylor Juniper, Blue Arrow Juniper, or Italian Cypress
• Use: Along side yards, narrow fence lines, or property edges
• Goal: Vertical privacy without taking up too much width

Layout 3: Patio Privacy Screen

This layout is ideal when you do not need to screen the whole yard, only the space where you relax or entertain.

• Tree options: Emerald Green Arborvitae, Emerald Colonnade Holly, Blue Arrow Juniper, or Skip Laurel
• Use: Around patios, decks, pools, or seating areas
• Goal: Create a more private outdoor room

Layout 4: Layered Backyard Privacy Screen

This layout is best for a more natural, designed look with depth from top to bottom.

• Back row: Thuja Green Giant or Leyland Cypress
• Middle layer: Emerald Colonnade Holly, Carolina Cherry Laurel, or Southern Wax Myrtle
• Front layer: Privacy shrubs, flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, or smaller evergreens

A layered privacy screen often feels softer and more natural than a single row of trees.

Common Privacy Tree Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong Tree for the Space

A tree that works in a large backyard may be too big for a small yard or patio area. Always match the tree to the space.

Planting Too Close Together

Tight spacing may seem like the fastest way to get privacy, but overcrowding can lead to poor airflow, stress, and weaker growth.

Ignoring Mature Size

Privacy trees look small when first planted, but many grow much larger over time. Plan based on mature height and width.

Planting Too Close to a Fence

Leave room between trees and fences so branches, roots, and airflow have space. Planting directly against a fence can create long-term crowding.

Only Thinking About Height

Good privacy is not just about height. Density, width, and placement all matter. A shorter tree in the right spot can sometimes provide better privacy than a tall tree planted in the wrong place.

Forgetting About Winter Privacy

If you need year-round screening, choose evergreen trees. Deciduous trees may provide privacy in summer but lose coverage in winter.

Which Privacy Tree Should You Choose?

Choose Thuja Green Giant if you want fast, full backyard privacy and have enough space.

Choose Leyland Cypress if you want another fast-growing evergreen for larger screens.

Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae if you have a smaller backyard or want a compact hedge.

Choose Skip Laurel if you want dense, leafy evergreen hedge coverage.

Choose Carolina Cherry Laurel if you want a fuller broadleaf evergreen backdrop.

Choose Southern Wax Myrtle if you want a softer, more natural privacy screen.

Choose Taylor Juniper if you need narrow vertical privacy in a tight space.

Choose Blue Arrow Juniper if you want a slim, low-maintenance evergreen with a modern look.

Choose Italian Cypress if you want tall, elegant privacy with a narrow footprint.

Choose Emerald Colonnade Holly if you want a broadleaf evergreen with a more decorative look.

FAQ: Backyard Privacy Trees

What is the best tree for backyard privacy?

The best tree depends on your space and goals. Thuja Green Giant is a strong choice for fast evergreen privacy, Emerald Green Arborvitae works well in smaller yards, and Skip Laurel is a good option for dense hedge-style coverage.

What are the fastest-growing privacy trees?

Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress are popular fast-growing evergreen privacy trees. Carolina Cherry Laurel and Southern Wax Myrtle can also provide strong screening in suitable landscapes.

What privacy trees stay green all year?

Evergreen privacy trees stay green year-round. Good options include Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Skip Laurel, Carolina Cherry Laurel, Southern Wax Myrtle, Taylor Juniper, Blue Arrow Juniper, Italian Cypress, and Emerald Colonnade Holly.

What is the best privacy tree for a small backyard?

Emerald Green Arborvitae, Taylor Juniper, and Blue Arrow Juniper are good options for smaller yards because they provide evergreen structure without becoming as wide as many larger privacy trees.

What trees are best for privacy along a fence?

Good fence line privacy trees include Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Skip Laurel, Southern Wax Myrtle, and Taylor Juniper. Choose based on available width, sunlight, and the style of screen you want.

How far apart should privacy trees be planted?

Spacing depends on the variety and your privacy goal. Closer spacing creates a denser screen, while wider spacing gives each tree more room to develop naturally. Always consider mature width before planting.

Can privacy trees be planted close to a property line?

They can be planted near a property line, but leave enough room for mature growth and maintenance. Check local rules, HOA requirements, and neighbor considerations before planting.

Are evergreen trees better for privacy?

Evergreen trees are usually best when you want year-round privacy. Deciduous trees may provide seasonal screening but lose leaves in winter.

What is the lowest-maintenance privacy tree?

Thuja Green Giant, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Taylor Juniper, and Blue Arrow Juniper are generally low maintenance once established, especially when planted in the right location with proper spacing.

How do I make privacy trees grow faster?

Choose the right tree for your site, plant correctly, water deeply during establishment, mulch properly, and make sure the trees receive enough sunlight. Avoid overwatering, poor drainage, and planting too deeply.

Ready to Create Backyard Privacy?

The best backyard privacy tree depends on where you need coverage. For wide backyards and fence lines, fast-growing evergreens like Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress are strong choices.

For patios, side yards, and smaller spaces, compact or narrow trees like Emerald Green Arborvitae, Taylor Juniper, Blue Arrow Juniper, and Italian Cypress may be better fits.

Browse privacy trees from Simply Trees to find the right option for your backyard layout.

Final Thoughts

Backyard privacy works best when you choose the tree based on the location. A wide fence line may need a fast-growing evergreen screen. A patio may need a smaller, more polished tree. A side yard may need a narrow columnar option.

Once you know where privacy is needed, choosing the right tree becomes much easier. With the right tree, spacing, planting, and watering, your backyard privacy screen can become a beautiful living backdrop for years.