The Best Trees to Plant for Privacy

The best trees to plant for a privacy screen are trees that are attractive when planted closely together and have low maintenance requirements. They should be resistant to disease and insects and be appropriate for planting in the United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone in which you live. Before planting a privacy screen, check with neighbors that may be affected by excessive shade, and be aware of all overhead and underground utility lines.

In the United States, the eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a native plant from North Dakota to Texas and all points eastward. It is relatively fast growing and can reach 7 feet in three years under optimal conditions. It is drought and disease tolerant and provides shelter and food for many bird species. It matures to 40 feet tall and spreads to 20 feet. Plant 3-gallon-sized eastern redcedar trees 5 to 7 feet apart for a solid screen 10 feet tall or taller in about five years.

The Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a fast-growing -- up to 3 feet a year -- with a mature height of 70 feet and width of 20 feet. It is appropriate for planting in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 through 10. Plant 3-gallon-sized Leyland cypress trees 5 to 7 feet apart for a dense screen between 10 and 15 feet tall in five years.

The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a large, slow-growing evergreen tree that should only be used as a privacy screen where space permits. Growing to 80 feet or more, it can spread as much as 40 feet when mature. The southern magnolia produces large, fragrant white flowers in the spring followed by seed pods with colorful bright red seeds. It's range is limited to the moist acidic soils of the southeastern United States in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 through 10.

The thuja green giant (standishii x plicata) is appropriate for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 7. It is highly adaptable to most soils as long as supplemental moisture is available until it is established in two to three years. The thuja green giant is fast growing to 60 feet and spreads to 20 feet or more at maturity. It has an attractive pyramidal shape and bright green color. Plant 3-gallon trees 4 to 8 feet apart for dense screen in as little as five years.

The Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is appropriate of planting in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. It grows to 70 feet tall with a spread of over 30 feet at maturity in deep moist soil. For a privacy screen, plant Canadian hemlock trees 3 to 5 feet apart for a fast-growing hedge or screen. Canadian hemlock can be sheared to form a dense hedge at whatever height desired. It is one of the few trees appropriate for privacy screens that will perform in partial shade.