Are you considering buying a home on a busy street? Are you a landscaper wondering how you can grant a client’s wish of privacy on a busy street? Evergreen trees might be the solution for you!
Evergreen trees can provide privacy throughout the whole yard, but for now, we will focus on baffling the line of sight and sounds of street traffic. Planting a hedge, or straight row of the same species tree is a common method of adding privacy. Arborvitaes can be planted as tightly as 3 feet apart while larger varieties must be planted 6 to 10 feet apart. Where evergreens grow together, the needles or foliage will turn brown and die back for better airflow, which is normal. Keep in mind that if one tree in a hedge dies, it is very difficult to find an appropriate replacement. Once an evergreen hedge grows above eye level, it’s incredibly hard to control the size, so be sure to choose the right sized tree for your space.
A more modern method of planting for privacy is to plant a few different species of trees at different depths in your yard to create a more natural baffle. Around the base of each evergreen, you can plant smaller shrubs and perennials to create thick plantings. This tactic works better in larger yards.
Evergreens that make great privacy screening tend to be fast-growing. Be sure to plan for the future and give your investment proper space so that they can maintain optimum health for years to come.
Varieties that make great privacy screening:
Emerald Green Arborvitae is often used for a reason, it gets the job done! Plant in full sun, zones 3-8. Height 12’ Width 4’
Concolor Fir is a great option for zones 2-7, eventually getting 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
Leyland Cypress is a good option for zones 6 to 10 in full sun. They grow quickly, reaching 25 feet wide by 60 feet tall.
Norway Spruce is a common solution for privacy seekers. A great option for zones 2-7, Norway Spruce can reach 50 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
