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The Best Trees and Shrubs for Privacy Fences

Does your backyard need more privacy? Are you looking for ways to cut down on noise pollution or wind exposure? Trees and shrubs provide natural screening if tailored to fit your home or individual needs. We have listed some of the best trees and shrubs to use for privacy.

Potted plants for pool and deck areas

A pool or deck is a great place to entertain, relax or catch some rays. But can you achieve privacy without blocking the sun? Consider shielding a specific, small area with a row of potted, high-height plants. Look for plants that quickly grow vertical and do not wither under direct sunlight.

Lemongrass does well in small confined spaces. It grows anywhere from 2 feet in height to 9 feet, depending on the region. If using a container, make sure it is at least 5 gallons and supports regular watering. Lemongrass grows quickly, but may need to be brought indoors during the winter months. An added bonus to Lemongrass is that it emanates natural scents keeping your space free from bugs, like mosquitoes.

Plants around a patio or deck create a stylish yet functional shield from the wind and increase your privacy, while still giving you the perfect spot for a dinner party.

Natural tree and shrub screening

If your yard requires shielding a large area of yard, a tree or shrub fence could be your best solution for added privacy. There are many types of trees and shrubs to consider, but first determine what’s most important to you. Is it year-round privacy, the overall appearance of the area or easy maintenance? From there you can decide whether you prefer flowering or evergreen flora.

Evergreen

Evergreen trees and shrubs are affordable and fast-growing hedges. The popular leylandii grow over 100 feet in height, but they are easily maintained through regular cuttings. Evergreen means the foliage will remain throughout the year, so privacy is never compromised by the seasons.

Flowering shrubs

If you want privacy while maintaining your aesthetic, consider a flowering shrub. While it provides an appealing look there can be drawbacks; feather reed grasses get over 8 feet, but will die off during winter months and other flowering plants will have several months of no growth, which can leave a landscape looking bare in some areas.

Evergreen and flowering combination

Planting a row of evergreen trees and staging a row or two of flowering shrubs may provide the perfect balance of beauty and functionality. You can also create a line of evergreens or grasses for extra privacy in lieu of fencing.

Talk to one of our landscape professionals to determine the best option for your home. Our experts can handle your privacy needs from idea to inception.