Did you know that when learning how to plant privacy trees, height potential varies dramatically? While American Pillar can reach up to 30 feet tall, Thuja Green Giant can tower to an impressive 60 feet.
Selecting the right evergreen trees for privacy requires careful planning, especially when it comes to spacing. For instance, Green Giant arborvitae trees perform best when planted 6-8 feet apart, however, Emerald Green Arborvitae—which grow just 15 to 20 feet tall—can be spaced closer together. In fact, for dense hedges, spacing trees about 2 feet apart is recommended. When I planted my own privacy screen, I chose to space my trees 3 feet apart from trunk to trunk.
The good news? These privacy investments are generally trouble-free. In my experience with evergreens, they've proven to be reliable additions to the landscape, with their conical shape and year-round green foliage (though some varieties develop a light bronze tint in winter).
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about planting privacy trees—from selecting the right varieties for your space to proper spacing techniques and essential care tips to ensure your living fence thrives for years to come.
Understand Your Space and Privacy Needs
Before purchasing your first privacy tree, taking time to properly assess your space needs saves both time and money. Successful privacy screening begins with careful planning and precise measurements.
Measure the area you want to cover
The first step in planting privacy trees is determining exactly how much space you need to cover. I recommend getting out a tape measure rather than eyeballing the distance to ensure accuracy. Measure the entire length of the area where you need privacy—whether it's along a property line, around a patio, or blocking a specific view.
For example, if you have 100 feet of space to cover and plan to plant Green Giant arborvitae trees 8 feet apart, you'll need approximately 12 trees (100 ÷ 8 = 12.5, rounded down to 12). Additionally, measure the width of your planting area to ensure you have enough room for the trees to mature without overcrowding.
Remember to allocate at least 10 to 15 feet between your house foundation and any trees you plant. Furthermore, maintain 4 to 5 feet of clearance from patios, fences, and other structures.
Consider fence lines, windows, and neighbors
Privacy needs often involve property boundaries, so be mindful of your neighbors when planning. If you're planting along neighboring property lines, ensure your trees have enough space to reach full width without encroaching on your neighbor's yard.
Prior to digging your first hole, check with local city zoning ordinances regarding height restrictions and required setbacks from property lines. Corner lots and driveways typically have special restrictions—ignoring these could result in having to relocate your newly planted trees.
Don't forget to evaluate site conditions including:
- Soil type and drainage conditions
- Underground utility lines and pipes
- Overhead power lines (critical if selecting tall-growing species)
- Walkways and driveways that must remain accessible
For upstairs windows that overlook a neighbor's space, you might opt for selective placement rather than a continuous hedge. Fast-growing options like Theves Poplar or Leyland Cypress (which grows up to 4 feet annually) work well for these targeted privacy solutions.
Decide on height and density of coverage
Determining the right height for your privacy screen is essential before selecting tree varieties. Consider what specifically you're trying to block—street traffic, neighbor views, or noise pollution.
Be aware that privacy trees vary dramatically in mature heights. While American Pillar reaches about 30 feet tall, Thuja Green Giant can soar to 60 feet. For smaller spaces or areas with overhead utilities, consider compact varieties like Emerald Green Arborvitae, which typically stays under 15-20 feet tall.
The desired density of your screen will influence how you space your trees. For a solid screen where plants grow together, plant them closer—about a foot less than half their mature width. Consequently, a tree with a mature width of 4 feet could be planted about 1 foot apart (half the width minus one foot) for a dense hedge effect.
Many homeowners underestimate how long it takes privacy trees to mature. Depending on the species and your urgency, you might wait anywhere from 3-5 years (with fast-growing varieties) to 10-20 years for a complete screen. Purchasing larger initial specimens gives you a head start but comes at a higher cost.
Choose the Right Privacy Trees
"The benefits of using trees for privacy are endless. They have low-maintenance qualities, help seclude you from nosy neighbors, provide lush green landscape year-round (especially if they are evergreen), shield your property from wind and noise, create shade and offer beautiful scenery to view." — Alex Kantor, Founder, Perfect Plants Nursery; recognized horticulture expert
Selecting the right trees for your privacy screen makes all the difference between a thriving natural barrier and a disappointing landscape investment. Let me walk you through the essential considerations to make your green fence both beautiful and functional.
Evergreen vs deciduous trees
The most fundamental choice when planting privacy trees is between evergreen and deciduous varieties. Evergreen trees maintain their foliage year-round, offering consistent privacy in all seasons. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, shed their leaves in winter.
Each type has distinct advantages. Deciduous trees typically handle cold weather better and grow larger, providing more shade during summer months. Nevertheless, evergreens excel in hot climates and smaller spaces where their year-round screening is invaluable.
For those seeking continuous privacy, evergreens like Thuja Green Giant or Leyland Cypress are clearly superior. However, if you value seasonal interest with brilliant fall colors and don't mind winter transparency, deciduous options might complement your landscape goals.
Best evergreen trees for privacy
Among the most popular privacy evergreens, Thuja Green Giant stands as the gold standard, growing an impressive 3-5 feet annually and reaching heights of 30-40 feet with widths of 15-20 feet. Similarly fast-growing is the Leyland Cypress, which matures to 40-60 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
For tighter spaces, consider these excellent options:
- Emerald Green Arborvitae: Reaches 15 feet tall and just 4 feet wide
- Italian Cypress: Grows to 70 feet tall but stays narrow at 3-6 feet wide
- Sky Pencil Holly: Perfect for small areas at 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Moreover, the elegant Blue Point Juniper offers attractive blue-green foliage and requires minimal pruning. For unique texture, Cryptomeria (Japanese Cedar) provides feathery foliage with a lovely scent.
I suggest you browse our selection of privacy trees to find the perfect match for your specific landscape needs and aesthetic preferences.
Climate and zone considerations
Understanding your USDA hardiness zone is crucial when selecting privacy trees. Each tree species thrives within specific temperature ranges, and planting outside these zones often leads to disappointing results.
For cold-climate gardens (zones 2-5), excellent choices include White Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, and various Arborvitae varieties that withstand harsh winters. In warmer southern regions (zones 7-10), Carolina Sapphire Cypress, Italian Cypress, and Nellie Stevens Holly perform exceptionally well.
Soil conditions equally impact success. Some evergreens, like Thuja Green Giant, adapt well to various soil types, whereas others have more specific requirements. Always match your tree selection to both your hardiness zone and soil conditions for optimal growth.
Deer resistance and pet safety
Even though no tree is 100% deer-proof, certain varieties are significantly less appealing to these persistent browsers. Deer typically avoid plants with strong scents, thick sap, or unpleasant textures.
Among the most deer-resistant privacy options are:
- Thuja Green Giant
- Blue Point Juniper
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Cryptomeria Radicans (Japanese Cedar)
Regarding pet safety, most common hedge plants are safe around animals, although there are important exceptions. Yews (Taxus species) contain toxic compounds that can cause serious illness if ingested. Similarly, Leyland Cypress and oleanders should be avoided in yards with pets.
For pet-friendly alternatives, consider Green Mountain boxwoods, cypresses, and Rocky Mountain Juniper. These provide excellent privacy without posing health risks to your furry companions.
By weighing these factors carefully, you'll select privacy trees that not only create the perfect natural screen but also thrive in your specific environment for years to come.
How Far Apart to Plant Privacy Trees
Proper spacing is the key factor that determines how quickly and effectively your privacy screen will develop. Many homeowners make the mistake of planting trees too close together, thinking it will create instant privacy, but this can actually harm long-term health and appearance.
Spacing guidelines for common species
Different tree species require specific spacing to thrive. For Green Giant Arborvitae, plant trees 5-6 feet apart for a dense screen. Leyland Cypress should be spaced 6-8 feet apart for a hedge-like effect. Skip Laurels work well at 3-5 feet apart, whereas Eastern Red Cedar needs more room at 6-10 feet apart.
Larger privacy trees naturally require more space. Subsequently, I recommend staying at least 10-15 feet away from your house foundation and 4-5 feet away from patios, fences, and other structures.
How far apart to plant arborvitae
Arborvitae spacing varies by variety due to their different mature widths. For Green Giant Arborvitae, the gold standard is 6-8 feet between trees. This spacing allows each tree to develop fully without competing for resources.
A common misconception is that planting trees too closely will cause them to "choke each other out." Actually, Green Giant Arborvitae can be planted as close together as desired without harming each other. Nonetheless, optimal spacing maximizes the value and effectiveness of each tree.
How far apart to plant emerald green arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae, being more compact than other varieties, can be planted closer together. Ideally, space these trees 3-4 feet apart from center to center. Since they grow only 3-4 feet wide at maturity, this spacing creates a seamless privacy screen without overcrowding.
For quick privacy, you might plant them as close as 2.5-3 feet apart, although spacing under 2.5 feet may harm tree health.
Single row vs staggered row vs zig-zag layout
Your planting layout fundamentally affects both appearance and privacy:
- Single Row: Most cost-effective approach requiring fewer trees, though it may take longer to create dense coverage
- Staggered/Zigzag Pattern: Creates immediate density by offsetting trees in two rows, essentially eliminating gaps
- Double Row: Provides the thickest barrier and works exceptionally well for windbreaks or noise reduction
Spacing calculator example
To determine how many trees you'll need, use this simple formula: Length of area ÷ spacing between trees = number of trees needed.
For example, if covering 40 feet with Emerald Green Arborvitae spaced 4 feet apart: 40 ÷ 4 = 10 trees needed. For staggered planting, calculate the number for each row separately, then add them together.
Step-by-Step Planting Process
The success of your privacy trees largely depends on proper planting techniques. Following these step-by-step instructions will help ensure your living fence establishes quickly and thrives for decades.
Prepare the soil and dig the right hole
The ideal planting hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. This wide, shallow approach allows roots to spread easily while preventing trees from sinking. For heavy clay soils, consider digging even wider holes to encourage establishment.
When preparing the hole, roughen the sides with your shovel to prevent glazing, which can inhibit root penetration. Instead of digging perfectly round holes, create irregular edges with jagged corners to encourage roots to break through into native soil.
Handle root balls and burlap properly
For balled and burlapped trees, carefully remove all twine and strapping secured to the trunk. Afterward, pull back or completely remove burlap from the top third of the root ball. If dealing with wire baskets, cut and remove the top portion.
It's important to note that while traditional burlap can remain underneath the root ball, synthetic or plastic burlap must be completely removed as it won't decompose. Verify burlap type by burning a small sample—synthetic materials typically melt rather than burn to ash.
Backfill and water thoroughly
Before backfilling, position your tree at the proper height—the root collar should sit slightly above ground level. Start backfilling with native soil, periodically watering to eliminate air pockets. Some experts recommend a 50/50 mix of existing soil and enriched topsoil for optimal results.
After planting, water again generously. This initial deep watering helps settle the soil and provides essential moisture for establishment. For larger trees, apply approximately 5 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter.
Apply mulch and starter fertilizer
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around each tree, extending at least 3 feet in diameter. Crucially, keep mulch 3-6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and disease. This mulch layer regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and inhibits weed growth.
Consider applying a quality starter fertilizer according to package directions. These specialized formulations encourage vigorous root growth and help reduce transplant shock. Unlike standard fertilizers, starter products contain balanced nutrients that are immediately available to young plants.
Caring for Your Privacy Trees After Planting
"While traditional fences can be installed almost anywhere, a 'green fence' needs sunlight and water to thrive." — Missy Henriksen, Vice President, National Association of Landscape Professionals
Proper aftercare transforms newly planted privacy trees into a thriving screen. Your maintenance routine directly impacts establishment speed and long-term health.
Watering schedule for new trees
Initially after planting, water privacy trees daily for the first 1-2 weeks. Throughout weeks 3-12, reduce to every 2-3 days, then transition to weekly watering until roots establish. Remember that rainfall alone typically isn't sufficient - only skip manual watering after substantial precipitation exceeding 1 inch.
Using soaker hoses and watering bags
Treegator watering bags offer remarkable efficiency, delivering 14-15 gallons slowly over 5-9 hours. These bags require refilling just once every 5-7 days for most new trees. Alternatively, soaker hoses excel at irrigating larger areas beyond the trunk. Position them in an S-pattern near root zones for optimal saturation.
When and how to fertilize
Apply fertilizer from early April through mid-July when trees actively absorb nutrients. Never fertilize after mid-July as this stimulates vulnerable new growth before winter. Always water drought-stressed trees before fertilizing to prevent root burn. For evergreens, use 1-2 pounds of low-analysis fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter.
Pruning tips for shape and health
Timing matters greatly with evergreen pruning. Schedule your first pruning in late spring after new growth appears. Perform a second light pruning in mid-fall to maintain shape. Importantly, avoid drastic cutting as most privacy evergreens won't regenerate from bare wood.
Conclusion
Privacy trees transform ordinary landscapes into serene, secluded retreats when planted correctly. Throughout this guide, we've explored everything you need to know about creating your living fence – from selecting the perfect tree varieties to ensuring proper spacing and providing essential aftercare.
Remember that successful privacy screening begins with thorough planning. Take time to measure your space accurately, consider your specific privacy needs, and select trees that match both your climate zone and aesthetic preferences. Your patience will certainly pay off as your green barrier matures.
Proper spacing remains perhaps the most critical factor in privacy tree success. While Green Giant Arborvitae thrives at 6-8 feet apart, compact varieties like Emerald Green work beautifully at just 3-4 feet spacing. This careful placement prevents future problems while maximizing your investment.
The planting process itself deserves equal attention. Wide, shallow holes with properly prepared root balls give your trees the best start possible. Additionally, thorough watering and appropriate mulching establish the foundation for healthy growth from day one.
Afterward, your commitment to consistent care determines how quickly your privacy screen develops. Daily watering during the first weeks, followed by a gradually reduced schedule, helps trees establish strong root systems. Likewise, proper fertilization timing and gentle pruning maintain both health and appearance for years to come.
My experience with privacy trees has shown they're among the most rewarding landscape investments. These living barriers not only create beautiful, natural boundaries but also benefit wildlife, reduce noise, and increase property value. Whether you choose towering Thuja Giants or compact Sky Pencil Hollies, your privacy screen will undoubtedly enhance your outdoor space for decades.
Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently plant your own privacy trees with the right spacing, techniques, and care routines. Soon enough, you'll enjoy the privacy, beauty, and tranquility that only a thoughtfully designed living fence can provide.
FAQs
Q1. What is the ideal spacing for privacy trees? The ideal spacing depends on the tree species. For example, Green Giant Arborvitae should be planted 6-8 feet apart, while Emerald Green Arborvitae can be spaced 3-4 feet apart. Larger trees generally need more space between them.
Q2. How quickly do privacy trees grow? Growth rates vary by species. Fast-growing varieties like Thuja Green Giant can grow 3-5 feet annually, while slower-growing species may take 10-20 years to form a complete screen. Purchasing larger initial specimens can provide quicker privacy.
Q3. Are privacy trees safe for pets? Most common privacy trees are safe for pets, but there are exceptions. Yews and oleanders can be toxic if ingested. Pet-friendly alternatives include Green Mountain boxwoods, cypresses, and Rocky Mountain Juniper.
Q4. How often should I water newly planted privacy trees? Water daily for the first 1-2 weeks after planting. Then reduce to every 2-3 days for weeks 3-12, and transition to weekly watering until roots are established. Adjust based on rainfall, but don't rely solely on natural precipitation.
Q5. When is the best time to prune privacy trees? For most evergreen privacy trees, schedule the first pruning in late spring after new growth appears. A second light pruning can be done in mid-fall to maintain shape. Avoid drastic cutting, as many privacy evergreens won't regenerate from bare wood.