When it comes to planting something to hide your neighbor’s view, evergreens are usually the best choice. These trees and shrubs keep their foliage year-round, providing you with constant privacy. While most deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall, evergreens maintain their greenery, ensuring your privacy screen remains intact throughout the year.
One exceptional option for creating a privacy screen is the copper beech. This particular tree is known for its stunning deep red-purple leaves, which remain on the tree for a long period, even during winter. Copper beech can be easily pruned to maintain a compact shape, making it a popular choice for privacy screens.
In my personal experience, I have found evergreens to be highly effective in creating privacy screens. One of my favorite choices is the Leyland cypress, a fast-growing evergreen with dense foliage. Its rapid growth rate means you won’t have to wait too long for your privacy screen to become established. Another excellent option is the thuja green giant, which is known for its impressive height and ability to create a dense barrier.
If you prefer a more natural look, consider planting a row of arborvitae. These evergreen trees have a conical shape and soft foliage, providing both privacy and a lovely aesthetic. You can choose from various cultivars, such as Emerald Green or Techny, depending on the desired height and width of your privacy screen.
For smaller spaces or if you prefer a shrub instead of a tree, the boxwood is an excellent choice. It is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be easily pruned into a compact form. Boxwoods come in different varieties, such as Winter Gem or Green Velvet, offering options for different sizes and shapes.
If you are looking for something more unique, consider the Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). This evergreen tree has beautiful, feathery foliage that adds an interesting texture to your privacy screen. It can grow quite tall and wide, providing ample coverage.
In addition to planting evergreens, you can also create a multi-layered privacy screen by combining different plants. For example, you can start with a row of tall evergreen trees at the back, such as Leyland cypress or thuja green giant, and then add some medium-sized shrubs in front, like boxwoods or arborvitae. you can plant some flowering perennials or ornamental grasses in the foreground to add color and texture to your privacy screen.
When planting your privacy screen, it is essential to consider the specific conditions of your garden, such as sunlight exposure, soil type, and available space. Some evergreens prefer full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade. Additionally, make sure to choose plants that are suitable for your climate zone to ensure their long-term success.
When looking to create a privacy screen, evergreens are generally the best option due to their year-round foliage. Copper beech is a unique choice that can be easily pruned to maintain a compact form. However, there are various other evergreen trees and shrubs, such as Leyland cypress, thuja green giant, arborvitae, boxwood, and Japanese cedar, that can also serve as effective privacy screens. By combining different plants and considering your garden’s specific conditions, you can create a beautiful and functional privacy screen that meets your needs.
