10 Stunning Trees for Privacy Screens (That Actually Work)

What’s up, everybody? if you’re tired of feeling like your backyard is on display, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re trying to block a nosy neighbor, quiet some street noise, or just carve out your own peaceful outdoor space, I’ve got 10 amazing trees that’ll do the job—fast-growing, low-maintenance, and beautiful.

Let’s jump right into it.

10. Green Giant Arborvitae – The Reliable Classic

This one’s been around forever, and for good reason. Green Giant Arborvitae grows fast (we’re talking 2–3 feet per year once it’s settled), stays dense all year, and hits 25 ft tall by 10 ft wide.

It’s a total workhorse and much tougher than something like a Leyland Cypress—resistant to pests, rust, bagworms, and all the usual suspects.

If you’ve got a lot of space to cover, this is the privacy wall you’ve been looking for.

9. American Pillar Arborvitae – Narrow but Mighty

Not to be confused with Green Giant, American Pillar is the new kid on the block—and it’s quickly becoming a favorite.

You still get all the hardiness and height (up to 25 ft), but this one stays super narrow—only about 3 to 4 feet wide.

Perfect for tight spots where you need height but don’t have the room to spread. Plus, it grows up to 3 ft per year. Boom.

8. Carolina Sapphire – Silvery and Stunning

This one’s a showstopper. With its soft, silvery-blue, lace-like foliage, Carolina Sapphire adds texture and privacy.

It grows 20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, loves full sun, and is extremely drought-tolerant—so if you’re not the best at watering, no worries.

Bonus: deer usually leave it alone. Double win.

7. Waxy Leaf Privet (Ligustrum Recurvifolium) – Dense and Compact

This is a compact, tough little privacy screen that’s also easy on the eyes.

It grows about 8 ft tall and 6 ft wide, thrives in part to full sun, and is super drought-tolerant.

It’s evergreen, has beautiful curled, waxy leaves, and gives off fragrant white blooms in spring. Perfect if you want a privacy screen that’s not a giant tree.

6. Cherry Laurel ‘Bright & Tight’ – Shade-Tolerant Superstar

Got a shady spot to fill? This one’s your buddy.

Bright and Tight Laurel grows well in sun or shade (even on the edges of a wooded area) and tops out at around 8–10 ft tall and 6–8 ft wide.

Glossy leaves, white flowers in spring, and a super dense growth habit make this one ideal for smaller yards or mixed light conditions.

5. Nellie Stevens Holly – Classic with a Twist

Love a little pop of color? This evergreen shrub gives you gorgeous red berries in winter and glossy green leaves year-round.

It grows to 20 ft tall and 15 ft wide, handles both sun and shade, and even has a little prickliness—great for creating a natural barrier.

Perfect for adding privacy and a little winter cheer.

4. North Pole Arborvitae – Sleek and Stylish

Similar to the popular Emerald Green, but with a better central leader (translation: it grows straighter and cleaner).

North Pole Arborvitae reaches about 10 ft tall and just 3 ft wide, making it awesome for narrow spaces or small lots.

It’s dense, dark green, and resistant to heat, drought, and deer—just keep it watered until it settles in.

3. Shrubby Yew Podocarpus – Coastal Champion

Looking for something low-maintenance and salt-tolerant? The shrubby yew podocarpus is a slow grower, but it’s worth the wait.

It reaches around 8–10 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide, resists pests and diseases, and thrives in both sun and shade.

Great option for coastal or southern zones where salty air can be a problem.

2. Taylor Juniper – The Narrow Space Lifesaver

If you’ve got barely any room, Taylor Juniper is your hero. It only needs a few feet of ground space but still gives you 20 ft of height.

Think of it as the better, hardier version of an Italian Cypress—but it performs well in more regions.

Tolerates drought, deer, and full sun, and adds a formal, elegant look to patios, fence lines, and driveways.

1. Crippsii Golden Hinoki Cypress – Color in the Cold

Let’s finish strong with a golden beauty. Crippsii lights up your yard in winter with bright golden foliage when everything else is looking blah.

Over time, it reaches 12–15 ft tall and about 8 ft wide, forming a beautiful pyramidal shape as it matures.

It prefers full sun (for the best color), but it’ll tolerate some shade too. Low-maintenance, eye-catching, and totally worth planting.

Conclusion

And there you have it—10 awesome trees that can turn your yard from “wide open” to “peaceful and private.” Whether you’ve got acres to fill or just a skinny strip of space, there’s something on this list that’ll fit the bill.

Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite—or if you’re already growing any of these!