A living fence of trees provides privacy, shade, sound suppression, beauty, and a peaceful environment. Constant clipping, pruning, spraying, and raking are time-consuming and expensive–if you hire a yard maintenance firm. Choose low-maintenance tree varieties to plant.
What To Consider Before Planting Low-Maintenance Privacy Trees
Good privacy trees share many of the same characteristics. Some of these include:
- Evergreen Foliage. Provide year-round privacy. Eliminate raking deciduous leaves.
- Full Coverage. Grows branches from the ground to the top.
- Fast Growing. Grows 2 – 5 feet per year.
- Low Maintenance. Require minimal upkeep.
- Little Pruning. Maintains its shape without costly yearly work.
- Pest and Disease Resistant. Resist local pests and diseases.
- Adaptability. Should be able to thrive in your soil and climate conditions.
- Shade. Taller trees provide more shade but size may become a problem over time.
6 Of the Best Low-Maintenance Privacy Trees
Choose the variety of trees that grows best in your environment and that you find pleasing. Of the many types of privacy trees available, the following group best matches the list of preferable characteristics.
Arborvitae
There are about 30 different arborvitae species–from small globe-shaped shrubs to 60-foot trees. They are very popular privacy trees because it is easy to find the size and style that fits individual preferences and situations.
Emerald Green Arborvitae
The emerald green is technically a shrub well suited for smaller yards that provide full sunlight. It will grow in partially shaded areas.
- Mature Size. 10’ – 15’ tall. 3’ – 4’ wide.
- Growth Rate. 1’ – 2’ per year.
- Privacy Screen Spacing. 5’ – 6’ apart.
- USDA Growing Zones. 3 -8.
Green Giant Arborvitae
Shaped like a Christmas tree with thick lush branches, the giant arborvitae may be the best privacy screen option. They prefer full sunlight but will grow well even if partially shaded. Green giants often do not require pruning. They can be topped at any time in their life cycle to produce thicker fuller branches.
- Mature Size. 40 – 60’ high. 12’ – 20’ wide.
- Growth Rate. 3’ – 5’ per year.
- Privacy Screen Spacing. 5’ – 6’ apart.
- USDA Growing Zones. 5 -8.
Leyland Cypress
Leyland cypress grow well and usually thrive in almost any soil–acidic or alkaline, loam, clay, or sandy conditions. They are drought-tolerant and prefer well-drained soils. They are more susceptible to certain pests and diseases than other privacy trees. Leyland cypress require very little pruning.
- Mature Size. 60’ – 70’ high. Up to 25’ wide.
- Growth Rate. 3’ – 4’ per year.
- Privacy Screen Spacing. 6’ – 8’ apart.
- USDA Growing Zones. 6 – 10.
Spartan Juniper
Spartan junipers are Christmas tree shaped trees with branches that grow tight to the trunk. Not tall but durable–capable of surviving extreme heat, cold, and drought. The trees retain their tall sender shape without pruning. They grow best in full sunlight and must have well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Mature Size. 20’ high. 5’ wide.
- Growth Rate. 1’ – 2’ per year.
- Privacy Screen Spacing. 3’ – 5’ apart.
- USDA Growing Zones. 5 – 9.
Holly Trees
Holly trees are available in over 18 varieties. Very fast growing with dense tight foliage. They can be pruned and shaped into dense hedges or can be grown without any maintenance. Holly trees prefer moist soil and full sunlight.
The following information is for smaller holly trees. Larger trees (up to 40’ high) have different requirements.
- Mature Size. Up to 25’ high. Up to 15’ wide.
- Growth Rate. Up to 10’ per year.
- Privacy Screen Spacing. 5’ apart.
- USDA Growing Zones. 6 -9.
Wax Myrtle
Wax myrtle is a short dense shrub that is easily pruned and shaped. Yearly pruning to keep it at your chosen height is all the maintenance it needs. They produce fragrant flowers and berries. Wax myrtles grow best in full or partial shade.
- Mature Size. 15’ – 20’ high. 8’ – 12’ wide.
- Growth Rate. 3’ – 5’ per year.
- Privacy Screen Spacing. 5’ – 6’ apart.
- USDA Growing Zones. 7 – 11.
Cherry Laurel
Cherry laurels tolerate all types of light conditions–full sunlight to shady locations. They also grow in most types of soil. The trees produce fragrant flowers but no fruit. Cherry laurels adapt to most types of soil but prefer them to be well drained.
- Mature Size. Up to 20’ high. 6’ wide.
- Growth Rate. 2’ per year.
- Privacy Screen Spacing. 3’ – 5’ apart.
- USDA Growing Zones. 5 – 9.
