Your Backyard Concierge

Green Screens: The Best Plants for Backyard Privacy

Creating Natural Privacy Screens with Arborvitaes and Hedge Plants

In today’s world, outdoor spaces are more important than ever—a place to relax, entertain, and unwind. But with homes built closer together and outdoor living gaining popularity, privacy can sometimes be hard to come by. That’s where natural privacy screens come in. Using plants like arborvitaes and other hedge varieties, you can create a beautiful, green barrier that not only offers seclusion but also enhances the overall look of your landscape.

Why Choose Living Privacy Screens?

Unlike fences or walls, plant-based privacy screens blend into the natural environment, soften the landscape, and provide a sense of tranquility. They can also reduce noise, block wind, and offer habitat for birds and pollinators. Over time, they grow fuller and more attractive, making them a long-term investment in both aesthetics and functionality.

Arborvitaes: The Green Giant of Privacy

One of the most popular choices for a living privacy wall is the Green Giant Arborvitae. These fast-growing evergreens can shoot up to 3 feet per year under the right conditions and reach heights of 20-30 feet. Their dense foliage stays lush and green year-round, making them ideal for full coverage even in winter.

Benefits of Arborvitaes:

  • Fast growth and year-round privacy

  • Low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established

  • Natural resistance to deer and most pests

  • Adaptable to various soil types and climates

Plant them about 5-6 feet apart for a tight hedge, or space them wider for a more open, staggered effect.

Other Excellent Hedge Plant Options

If you're looking to mix things up or want a different look, here are a few other great options for privacy hedges:

1. Viburnum (like Shasta Viburnum):
A deciduous shrub that bursts with white flowers in spring and offers a dense, structured shape perfect for lower privacy barriers. It’s also low-maintenance and deer-resistant.

2. Boxwood:
Ideal for more formal gardens, boxwoods are slow-growing but provide a timeless, manicured appearance. They can be shaped to suit your design and work well in partial shade.

3. Privet:
Fast-growing and easy to trim, privet is a classic hedge plant that quickly forms a solid green wall. Some varieties are semi-evergreen, keeping some of their foliage through winter in mild climates.

4. Holly (such as Nellie Stevens or Inkberry):
Evergreen, with glossy leaves and red berries for seasonal interest. Many holly varieties form dense barriers that are both beautiful and functional.

5. Leyland Cypress:
Another fast grower, Leyland Cypress trees form tall, thick screens in a short amount of time. Just be mindful of spacing—they can get quite large if not kept in check.

Tips for Planting a Successful Hedge

  • Plan for Growth: Know the mature size of your plants and give them enough room to thrive without overcrowding.

  • Start with Healthy Soil: Good soil preparation makes a huge difference. Add compost or topsoil if needed to encourage strong root development.

  • Water Consistently: Especially in the first year, consistent watering is key to helping your hedge establish.

  • Prune Thoughtfully: Some hedge plants benefit from occasional trimming to encourage fullness and shape. Know your plant’s growth habits before pruning.

Let Our Outdoor Backyard Concierge Help

Not sure where to start or which plants are right for your space? Our Outdoor Backyard Concierge Service is here to make the process effortless. From design and planning to sourcing materials and coordinating installation, we handle everything so you don’t have to.

We’ll work with you one-on-one to understand your vision, evaluate your property, and recommend the best privacy screen solutions tailored to your needs. Whether it’s a full property transformation or a simple hedge installation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—so your backyard feels like a private oasis.

Final Thoughts

Using arborvitaes and other hedge plants to create natural privacy screens is a smart, sustainable way to enhance your outdoor space. Whether you’re aiming for a lush evergreen wall or a flowering seasonal hedge, these plants offer beauty, function, and a lasting sense of peace.

Ready to create more privacy in your yard? Let our team help you design and build the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of.

Bradley Mazzone