15 Attractive Vegetation Species to Augment Privacy in Your Property Boundaries
If you're aiming to transform your backyard into a tranquil sanctuary away from the daily grind, you might be seeking methods to introduce cozy seclusion areas without the need for unsightly constructions like fences and walls. Plantlife is an excellent substitute, especially if your goal is to establish a more organic, private retreat near your home, all while keeping costs minimal.
To help guide your selection of backyard privacy plants, we collaborated with landscape professionals to discover the top choices from towering trees to compact shrubs. They even suggested creative uses for trellising plants and container varieties. The key is to establish the height your plant needs for maximum privacy while considering the space it needs to thrive. Below, find the top plants to transform your outdoor space into a secluded haven.
- Frank Leloia, president of Custom Landscaping and Lawncare
- Debbie Neese, the Lively Root horticulture expert and landscape designer
- Tzvi Rauch, CEO and founder of Tier II Landscape Design
01 of 15## Emerald Green Arborvitae
Consider the emerald green arborvitae for taller plants with minimal ground coverage. "This species is extremely dense and can reach up to 15 feet tall while being 3 to 4 feet wide; minimal pruning or shearing is required, and it flourishes in full sun to partial shade," shares Frank Leloia, president of Custom Landscaping and Lawncare. "This is an excellent option for creating a hedge or allowing it to grow naturally."
02 of 15## Leyland Cypress Tree
The Leyland cypress tree can serve as an extensive obstacle when planted as a border. "This species can grow up to 40 to 60 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide; it is actually a very fast-growing plant with a growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year," says Leloia. "This species favors full sun and is another fantastic option for creating a hedge or allowing it to grow more naturally."
03 of 15## Green Giant Arborvitae
This species can reach up to 30 to 40 feet tall and 12 feet wide, as per Leloia. It's another swift-growing plant, expanding at a pace of 3 to 5 feet annually, which makes the green giant arborvitae an ideal choice if you're seeking more seclusion around your home but don't have a lot of time to wait for a slower-growing shrub to establish. "This species thrives in full to partial sun, allowing you to establish a hedge or allow it to grow more naturally on its own," advises the expert.
04 of 15## Norway Spruce
Use this species of spruce to obstruct views from the road or hide the neighbors' sight lines with a height of up to 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide. However, it grows slower than some other varieties, at a rate of merely 1 to 2 feet per year. Consequently, it may not be the finest choice for someone who needs immediate seclusion. "This species can thrive in sun, shade, or partial shade," says Leloia. "It is not an ideal option for a hedge; however, if spaced properly, it will provide you with the seclusion you desire."
05 of 15## American Holly
For a slower-growing plant that delivers plenty of vertical seclusion, the American Holly is an excellent choice. "This can grow up to 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide and is another slow grower with a growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year," reveals Leloia. "This species thrives in full sun and is another excellent choice for establishing a hedge or allowing it to grow more naturally on its own."
06 of 15## Star Jasmine
Shrubs may seem the obvious choice to add seclusion to your outdoor space, but Debbie Neese, the Lively Root horticulture expert and landscape designer, proposes trellised plants as worth considering. Climbers like the star jasmine are a great option when trained to grow on a trellis or fence and will delight you with their white pinwheel-like blossoms. "Star Jasmine grows quickly and is a bonus; it will quickly grow up any trellis or fence." Plant it in an area with full sun or shade for the best results.
07 of 15## Gardenia Veitchii
Add fragrance to your yard with the gardenia, which can grow between 6 and 8 feet tall. Neese recommends the gardenia for its aroma and seclusion-providing properties. Position it in an area with bright but indirect light with both eastern and southern exposure.
08 of 15## Westringia (Coastal Rosemary)
A potted shrub is an excellent option for adding seclusion to elevated decks or patio spaces, like the fragrant, flowering coastal rosemary bush. "These grow up to 4 to 5 feet in ideal conditions," shares Neese. "This plant also smells fantastic!" Place yours in a well-draining soil area that receives full sun for optimal growth.
If you're seeking something out of the ordinary, give a palm tree a thought. As Neese explains, "A lot of people use palms in their yard for a more tropical vibe." The cat palm is a fantastic pick if you aim to establish a privacy screen, thanks to its large fan-like leaves that sufficiently obstruct the view from the street. Make sure it gets bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
10 of 15## Palmetto Palm
Adore the tropical atmosphere of palms but lack the ample space for planting one? Check out the palmetto palm. "If you're searching for a palm tree that thrives in partial shade, the palmetto palm would be perfect,"states Neese. "Lush and deep green, this palm tree will grow to around seven to 8 feet tall, making it an ideal privacy screen." If you reside in a cold climate, you can relocate this palm indoors until after the frost threat has passed.
11 of 15## Bamboo
Thanks to its rapid root system, bamboo is an excellent option for a privacy screen that will quickly reach its full potential. As Tzvi Rauch, CEO and founder of Tier II Landscape Design, points out, "If you choose to go this route, be cautious and plant them in raised containers, as they can quickly overtake large landscaped areas." "Bamboo can be used to create a more exotic-styled living fence with its rich, lush leaves," adds Rauch.
12 of 15## Boxwood
A classic evergreen, boxwoods are excellent for creating privacy due to their versatility and ability to be used for manicured designs. Some varieties can grow up to 20 feet tall,"says Rauch. Plant in full to partial sun for the best results.
13 of 15## Euonymus
Add a splash of color with euonymus, a plant with shades of silver, gold, and green. They can grow up to 6 feet tall. "They're also tall and sturdy," explains Rauch, who considers these versatile plants (they can grow in both full sun and shade) among his favorites.
14 of 15## Skip Laurel Shrub
Skip laurel is a deep, evergreen shrub that blossoms white flowers in the spring and works well in shaded areas, according to Rauch. Under ideal conditions, which include full sun and moist, well-draining soil, skip laurel can grow three feet per year before reaching its maximum height of 10 to 18 feet.
15 of 15## Privet
Construct your own backyard privacy wall with this fast-growing shrub. Unlike many other evergreens, this shrub will grow 2 to 3 feet per year, according to Rauch, before it reaches its maximum height of 8 to 10 feet. Plant in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
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- Martha Stewart suggests using the emerald green arborvitae, a tall and dense plant recommended by Frank Leloia, for creating privacy in your backyard without the need for unsightly constructions.
- Tzvi Rauch, CEO and founder of Tier II Landscape Design, recommends using bamboo for its rapid root system to create a privacy screen that quickly reaches its full potential, as an alternative to slower-growing evergreens.
