By purpose
Trees for Backyard Privacy
Backyard privacy usually needs a narrower, more manageable tree than a field windbreak. This page favors privacy trees that stay in a more residential scale while still screening effectively.
Matching trees
Privacy trees sized more naturally for residential lots and side-yard screening.
American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'
3 ft/yr (fast) · 20–30 ft tall · Zones 3–8
Best for: privacy · windbreak
Nellie Stevens Holly
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'
2–3 ft/yr (fast) · 15–25 ft tall · Zones 6–9
Best for: privacy · ornamental
Taylor Juniper
Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor'
1–2 ft/yr (moderate) · 15–30 ft tall · Zones 3–9
Best for: privacy · windbreak
Little Gem Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
1–2 ft/yr (moderate) · 15–20 ft tall · Zones 6–10
Best for: ornamental · privacy
Skip Laurel
Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'
1–2 ft/yr (moderate) · 10–18 ft tall · Zones 5–9
Best for: privacy · ornamental
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
1–2 ft/yr (moderate) · 10–15 ft tall · Zones 3–8
Best for: privacy · windbreak
Similar pages
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