How to Plant Privacy Trees: Spacing, Care, and Choosing the Right Trees

 

Creating privacy in your yard doesn’t have to mean installing a fence. Privacy trees offer a natural way to define your space while also adding greenery, reducing noise, and improving the overall feel of your landscape. The right privacy trees can make a lasting difference.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From planning and spacing to choosing the right varieties, you can plant with confidence and enjoy your space for years to come.

Planning Your Privacy Trees

Taking a little time to plan upfront makes a big difference in how your privacy screen looks and performs over time.

Define Your Purpose

Start by thinking about what you want your trees to do.

Are you looking for:

• Full privacy from neighbors?

• A softer backdrop for your garden?

• Wind or noise reduction?

• Year-round greenery or seasonal color?

Knowing your goal will help you choose the right type of tree and layout for your space.

Measure Your Space

Next, consider the area you want to cover.

• How wide is the space?

• How tall do you want your privacy screen to be?

• How much room do you have for growth?

Your answers will help determine how many trees you need, how far apart to plant them, and which varieties will work best.

For smaller yards, narrow or compact evergreens are often a good fit. Larger spaces allow for wider, fuller trees or staggered planting designs.

Evergreen vs. Deciduous Privacy Trees

Choosing between evergreen and deciduous trees depends on how much privacy you want throughout the year.

Evergreen Trees (Year-Round Privacy)

Evergreens keep their foliage all year, making them one of the most popular choices for privacy.

They:

• Provide consistent coverage in every season

• Create a dense, natural screen

• Add structure and color to your landscape

Popular Evergreen Privacy Trees:

• Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae: A fast-growing favorite for quickly creating a tall, dense screen

• Emerald Green Arborvitae: A more compact option, ideal for smaller spaces or tighter planting areas

• Leyland Cypress: Known for rapid growth and soft, full foliage

Popular options include arborvitae, cypress, and holly varieties.

Shop all evergreens

Deciduous Trees (Seasonal Privacy)

Deciduous trees lose their leaves in fall but still offer benefits like:

• Shade in summer

• Seasonal color in fall

• Sunlight exposure in winter

Deciduous Trees (Seasonal Privacy)

Deciduous trees lose their leaves in fall but still offer benefits like:

• Shade in summer

• Seasonal color in fall

• Sunlight exposure in winter

Popular Deciduous Trees:

• Willow Hybrid Tree – Low-maintenance, fast-growing choice that thrives in almost every condition 

• Tri-Color Dappled Willow – Unique and colorful foliage that adds privacy and color

• Red Rhododendron Shrub – Adds early spring color with vibrant red blooms

They’re a great option if you want a balance of privacy and seasonal change.

Shop shade trees

and shop shrubs

Choosing the Right Size and Growth Rate

Growth Rate

Privacy trees come in a range of growth speeds.

• Fast-growing trees provide quicker results but may require more maintenance  (like Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress)

• Slower-growing trees tend to be stronger and longer-lived  (like Emerald Green Arborvitae and Colorado Blue Spruce)

If you’re looking for faster coverage, fast-growing evergreens are a popular choice but it’s important to give them enough space to mature.

Mature Size

Always consider how large your trees will be at full maturity.

• Height affects how much privacy you’ll get

• Width affects spacing and layout

Avoid planting large trees too close to:

• Homes or foundations

• Fences and patios

• Utility lines

Giving trees enough space from the start helps prevent issues later on.

Privacy Tree Spacing Guide

Proper spacing is one of the most important factors in building an effective privacy screen.

Spacing depends on the type and size of tree:

• Smaller, more narrow evergreens (like Emerald Green Arborvitae): ~2–3 feet apart

• Larger, fuller trees (like Thuja Green Giant): ~5–6 feet apart

As a general rule, look up the mature width of your tree and divide by two—then plant your trees that far apart to allow for plenty of spacing for mature growth.

You can also plant your trees in an even row or a staggered hedge:

• Plant in a single row for a clean, uniform screen

• Use staggered rows for a more natural, layered effect

Staggered planting also improves airflow and reduces the risk of disease.

Soil, Sunlight, and Water Needs

Most privacy trees thrive in:

• Full to partial sunlight

• Well-draining soil

• Consistent watering during establishment. We’ve built a watering guide here to help you get started

Before planting, it can be helpful to test your soil’s pH. This gives you a better understanding of what nutrients your trees may need.

If your soil isn’t ideal, adding organic matter or planting mix can help improve growing conditions. Shop fertilizers and soil additives.

More questions about privacy tree care? Check out our Evergreen Tree Care Guide 

Planting Privacy Trees

Planting your trees correctly sets the foundation for long-term success.

Step-by-step planting:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball

2. Place the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil

3. Backfill and gently firm the soil

4. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets

After planting:

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch (keep it a few inches away from the trunk)

• Water regularly during the first few weeks

Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.

Common Privacy Planting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Planting Too Close Together

It’s tempting to plant trees close for faster results, but overcrowding can lead to poor airflow and weaker growth.

Instead, follow recommended spacing and allow trees to fill in naturally.

Using Only One Variety

Planting a single type of tree can create a uniform look, but it also increases the risk of pests or disease affecting your entire screen.

Mixing varieties can:

• Add visual interest

• Improve resilience

• Create a more natural look

Not Planning for Mature Size

Always plant with the future in mind. Trees that seem small now can grow significantly over time.

Fertilizing Privacy Trees

Privacy trees typically don’t need fertilizer right away—wait until they’ve established for about a year before fertilizing.

When you do:

• Use a balanced or nitrogen-focused fertilizer

• Apply during the growing season (spring to early summer)

• Avoid direct contact with leaves or stems

Organic fertilizers are often a good option for long-term soil health.

Shop fertilizers and soil additives.

Pruning Privacy Trees

Most privacy trees require minimal pruning, especially when young.

Focus on:

• Removing dead or damaged branches

• Maintaining natural shape

Avoid heavy pruning early on, as branches help support growth and structure.

Grow with Confidence

Privacy trees are one of the most effective ways to create a more comfortable, defined outdoor space.

With the right planning, spacing, and care, they’ll continue to grow and improve your yard year after year.

And if you’re not sure where to start, our Plant Experts are always here to help you choose the right trees for your space. Book a Plant Expert consultation here.