Best Privacy Trees for American Backyards

Isaac Olson
2026-02-27T06:58:45-05:00

Privacy is not just about blocking a view. It is about creating a space that feels secure, calm, and yours. Whether you are screening neighbors, reducing street noise, or increasing backyard value, choosing the right privacy trees makes a major difference.

If you are searching for privacy trees, fast growing privacy trees, backyard privacy plants, or hedge trees USA homeowners rely on, this guide breaks down exactly what to plant, where to plant it, and how to get a dense screen as quickly as possible.

This is a high intent purchase category. Done correctly, privacy landscaping increases property value, improves curb appeal, and transforms how your outdoor space feels.

Why Privacy Landscaping Increases Property Value

Buyers consistently value privacy. A well designed privacy screen offers:

• Reduced noise from streets or neighbors
• Improved backyard usability
• Better visual appeal from the street
• Defined property boundaries
• Enhanced security

Mature hedge trees USA homeowners plant today can significantly increase resale value. Even if you are not selling, a private backyard feels more like an outdoor living room rather than an exposed space.

Fast Growing vs Long Term Structural Privacy Trees

When choosing backyard privacy plants, you need to decide whether you want speed, structure, or both.

Fast growing privacy trees deliver quick coverage but may require more pruning.

Long term structural trees grow slightly slower but create thicker, more permanent screens.

Many homeowners combine both:

• Fast growers for immediate coverage
• Slower structural trees for long term density

Understanding the growth habit of each species prevents future issues like overcrowding or root competition.

Top Fast Growing Privacy Trees in the USA

These are the highest performing privacy trees for American backyards.

Green Giant Arborvitae

One of the most popular fast growing privacy trees in the country.

Why homeowners choose it:

• Grows 3 to 5 feet per year
• Mature height 40 to 60 feet
• Dense evergreen foliage
• Tolerates heat and cold
• Low maintenance

Best for:

• Large backyards
• Long property lines
• Zones 5 through 9

Spacing guide:

• Plant 5 to 6 feet apart for a tight hedge
• 8 to 10 feet apart for natural growth

Leyland Cypress

Extremely fast growing and commonly used for quick screening.

Key benefits:

• Grows 3 to 4 feet per year
• Forms a tall, solid green wall
• Handles full sun well

Best for:

• Southern states
• Zones 6 through 10
• Large scale privacy barriers

Spacing guide:

• 6 to 8 feet apart for a dense screen

Note: Requires pruning to maintain structure long term.

Emerald Green Arborvitae

A narrower, more compact option for smaller yards.

Why it works:

• Mature height 12 to 15 feet
• Slim profile
• Excellent for tight spaces
• Maintains uniform shape

Best for:

• Suburban backyards
• Narrow side yards
• Zones 3 through 8

Spacing guide:

• 3 to 4 feet apart for solid screening

Nellie Stevens Holly

An evergreen hedge tree USA homeowners rely on for a classic look.

Benefits:

• Fast growing at 2 to 3 feet per year
• Glossy dark green leaves
• Bright red berries
• Dense branching habit

Best for:

• Zones 6 through 9
• Formal privacy hedges
• Southern climates

Spacing guide:

• 5 to 6 feet apart for a full hedge

Best Privacy Trees by Climate Type

Not every privacy tree performs the same across the country. Climate matters.

Cold Climates Zones 3 to 6

Best options:

• Emerald Green Arborvitae
• Green Giant Arborvitae
• Norway Spruce
• Techny Arborvitae

Avoid heat sensitive species.

Warm Humid Climates Zones 7 to 9

Best options:

• Green Giant Arborvitae
• Nellie Stevens Holly
• Leyland Cypress
• Wax Myrtle

Choose disease resistant varieties for high humidity areas.

Hot Southern and Coastal Zones 8 to 10

Best options:

• Leyland Cypress
• Podocarpus
• Southern Magnolia for structured screening
• Wax Myrtle

Prioritize heat tolerance and proper irrigation.

Dry Western Climates

Best options:

• Arizona Cypress
• Italian Cypress
• Certain Juniper varieties

Focus on drought tolerance and soil drainage.

Privacy Tree Spacing Guide

Correct spacing determines how quickly your screen fills in.

General spacing rules:

• Small hedge trees under 15 feet tall: 3 to 4 feet apart
• Medium hedge trees 15 to 25 feet tall: 5 to 6 feet apart
• Large screening trees over 30 feet: 6 to 10 feet apart

Planting too close can cause competition and root stress.

Planting too far apart leaves gaps for years.

Measure from trunk center to trunk center when spacing.

How to Plant for Instant Screening

If your goal is fast results, follow these steps.

1. Choose larger container sizes.
Plant in a straight line using string for alignment.
Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball.
Backfill with native soil mixed with compost.
Water deeply immediately after planting.
Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around each tree.

For immediate visual density:

• Stagger trees in a double row for wider coverage
• Combine fast growers with structural evergreens
• Maintain consistent watering during the first growing season

Most fast growing privacy trees establish within one to two seasons when properly cared for.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting without checking mature width
Ignoring zone compatibility
Overcrowding trees
Underwatering during establishment
Choosing species that require constant pruning

Privacy trees are a long term investment. Select species suited to your climate and available space.

Final Thoughts

The best privacy trees create more than a barrier. They create comfort, value, and a sense of enclosure that transforms your backyard.

Whether you choose Green Giant Arborvitae for rapid height, Emerald Green for compact structure, or Nellie Stevens Holly for a dense evergreen wall, selecting the right backyard privacy plants ensures long term success.

When chosen correctly and planted with proper spacing, hedge trees USA homeowners rely on can create a beautiful, private outdoor retreat within just a few growing seasons.