Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like watching your perfectly positioned privacy screen turn into a bare skeleton every November. You planted those trees for seclusion, not a seasonal striptease that leaves you waving awkwardly at the neighbors until spring.
If you’re tired of raking leaves and losing your privacy every fall, it’s time to think evergreen. These trees keep their foliage year-round, giving you consistent coverage through every season. No gaps, no guessing, no waiting six months to feel hidden again.
Why Evergreen Privacy Trees Are Worth It
Here’s the thing: deciduous trees have their place, but when you need privacy, you need it all the time. Evergreen trees deliver dense, persistent coverage that doesn’t disappear when the temperature drops. They block sightlines, muffle noise, and create that essential backyard sanctuary feeling—even in the dead of winter.
Plus, they’re often lower maintenance. No massive autumn leaf cleanup. No bare branches collecting snow. Just steady, reliable screening that looks good in every season.
What to Consider Before You Plant
Not all evergreens are created equal. Before you commit to a row of trees, think about:
Your climate zone: Some evergreens thrive in mild coastal areas, while others handle brutal winters like champions. Match your tree to your reality, not your wishful thinking.
Growth rate and mature size: A tree that hits 40 feet might sound great for privacy, but not if it swallows your yard or threatens your roof in ten years. Know what you’re signing up for.
Soil and drainage: Most evergreens prefer well-drained soil. If your yard is a swamp after every rain, you’ll need to amend or choose accordingly.
Sun exposure: Full sun? Partial shade? Some trees are flexible; others are picky.
Spacing: Don’t plant them too close together or they’ll compete for resources and thin out over time. Give each tree room to breathe.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff.
1. Leyland Cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii)
The Quick Overview: If speed is your priority, Leyland Cypress is your tree. This fast-growing hybrid rockets upward at 3–4 feet per year, quickly forming a dense, tall privacy screen.
Why It Works: Leyland Cypress has soft, feathery foliage that stays green year-round. Its columnar shape makes it perfect for tight rows, and it tolerates a range of soil types. Within just a few years, you’ve got a living wall.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-drained soil (it hates wet feet)
- Zones 6–10
- Space them 6–8 feet apart for a solid hedge
Pro Tip: Trim them lightly each year to maintain density and shape. Left unchecked, they can get leggy at the base. Also, watch for bagworms and canker diseases—Leylands are vigorous but not indestructible.
2. Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata)
The Quick Overview: This Pacific Northwest native is a powerhouse for privacy. Western Redcedar is tall, aromatic, and naturally pest-resistant, making it a low-fuss option for serious screening.
Why It Works: The flat, scale-like foliage is dense and fragrant, with a rich green color that deepens in winter. Western Redcedar can reach 50–70 feet at maturity, but it grows at a moderate pace and responds well to pruning if you want to keep it shorter.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moist, well-drained soil (it tolerates wet conditions better than most)
- Zones 5–9
- Space 8–10 feet apart
Pro Tip: This tree naturally repels moths and insects thanks to its aromatic oils. Plant it near patios or seating areas for that subtle cedar scent—it’s like aromatherapy for your backyard.
3. Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)
The Quick Overview: If you want elegance with your privacy, Portuguese Laurel delivers. This broadleaf evergreen has glossy, dark green leaves and a refined look that works in both formal and casual gardens.
Why It Works: Portuguese Laurel is incredibly versatile. It handles pruning like a champ, so you can shape it into a tight hedge or let it grow into a small tree. It also produces fragrant white flowers in spring—bonus points for pollinators.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-drained soil
- Zones 7–9
- Space 3–5 feet apart for hedging, 8–10 feet for trees
Pro Tip: This one tolerates urban pollution and coastal conditions, making it a solid choice for city gardens or properties near the ocean. Prune after flowering to keep it tidy.
4. Holly (Ilex species)
The Quick Overview: Holly is classic, hardy, and surprisingly diverse. From compact shrubs to towering trees, there’s a holly for almost every privacy need.
Why It Works: Those glossy, spiky leaves create a dense barrier that’s both beautiful and functional (deer and intruders both think twice about pushing through). Many varieties produce bright red berries in winter, adding color when everything else looks bleak.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Zones vary by species (3–9)
- Space 5–15 feet apart depending on variety
Pro Tip: For berries, you’ll need both male and female plants—most hollies aren’t self-pollinating. One male can pollinate several females, so plan accordingly.
5. Yew (Taxus species)
The Quick Overview: Yew is the workhorse of evergreen hedges. It’s been used for centuries in formal gardens, and for good reason—it’s dense, tolerant, and incredibly easy to shape.
Why It Works: Yew handles heavy pruning without complaint, making it perfect for tailored hedges. The dark green, needle-like foliage stays vibrant year-round, and it tolerates shade better than most evergreens.
Best Conditions:
- Partial shade to full sun
- Well-drained soil (it’s flexible on pH)
- Zones 4–7
- Space 3–5 feet apart for hedging
Pro Tip: All parts of yew are toxic to humans and pets, so skip it if you have curious kids or dogs who like to nibble. Otherwise, it’s nearly indestructible.
6. Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)
The Quick Overview: Holm Oak is the Mediterranean’s answer to privacy. This broadleaf evergreen has a sturdy, dignified presence and handles tough conditions like a pro.
Why It Works: The leathery, dark green leaves are durable and drought-tolerant once established. Holm Oak grows slowly but steadily into a substantial tree that provides serious coverage. It also tolerates coastal winds and salty air.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil (thrives in poor, rocky soils)
- Zones 7–10
- Space 15–20 feet apart
Pro Tip: This tree is perfect for Mediterranean or xeriscape gardens. Once it’s rooted in, you can practically ignore it—no coddling required.
7. Evergreen Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
The Quick Overview: If you want privacy with a side of showstopping flowers, Evergreen Magnolia is your tree. Those massive white blooms are legendary, and the glossy leaves provide year-round coverage.
Why It Works: The leaves are huge, leathery, and densely packed, creating a lush screen. In late spring and summer, the creamy white flowers fill your yard with fragrance. It’s a statement tree that happens to offer excellent privacy.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Zones 7–10
- Space 15–25 feet apart
Pro Tip: Evergreen Magnolia drops leaves year-round (they’re evergreen, but individual leaves still die off), so expect some cleanup. The tradeoff? Those flowers are worth it.
8. Privet (Ligustrum species)
The Quick Overview: Privet is the budget-friendly, fast-growing option for privacy hedges. It’s been a staple in European gardens for centuries, and it’s still a solid choice today.
Why It Works: Privet grows quickly, tolerates heavy pruning, and adapts to a wide range of conditions. The small, glossy leaves create a dense screen, and it produces fragrant white flowers in summer (though some people find the scent a bit intense).
Best Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Almost any well-drained soil
- Zones 4–8 (varies by species)
- Space 3–5 feet apart for hedging
Pro Tip: Privet can be invasive in some regions, so check local guidelines before planting. Also, plan to prune at least twice a year—this one grows fast and can get unruly.
9. Box Tree (Buxus sempervirens)
The Quick Overview: Boxwood is the classic choice for formal hedges. It’s compact, slow-growing, and incredibly easy to shape into crisp, geometric forms.
Why It Works: The small, dense leaves create a tight, uniform screen. Boxwood is perfect for low to medium-height hedges and tolerates shade better than most evergreens. It’s also deer-resistant.
Best Conditions:
- Partial shade to full sun
- Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil
- Zones 5–9
- Space 2–4 feet apart for hedging
Pro Tip: Boxwood blight is a real issue in some areas. Choose resistant varieties like ‘Green Velvet’ or ‘Green Mountain,’ and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
10. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
The Quick Overview: Bay Laurel is the culinary gardener’s dream—a privacy tree you can cook with. Those glossy, aromatic leaves are the same ones you toss into soups and stews.
Why It Works: Bay Laurel has dense, fragrant foliage that creates a solid screen. It grows slowly but responds beautifully to pruning, making it ideal for topiary or formal hedges. Plus, you’ll never run out of bay leaves.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-drained soil
- Zones 8–10
- Space 4–6 feet apart for hedging
Pro Tip: Bay Laurel does well in containers if you’re in a colder zone—just bring it indoors during winter. Harvest leaves sparingly while it’s establishing, then go wild once it’s mature.
11. Hedge Germander (Teucrium fruticans)
The Quick Overview: This Mediterranean shrub is underrated for privacy. Hedge Germander has silvery-green foliage and delicate blue flowers, bringing color and texture to your screen.
Why It Works: The compact, aromatic leaves create a dense, low-maintenance hedge. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and thrives in poor soils. Perfect for dry climates or low-water gardens.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun
- Well-drained, even rocky soil
- Zones 8–10
- Space 2–3 feet apart for hedging
Pro Tip: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. This one doesn’t need much water once established—overwatering is more of a threat than drought.
12. Ceanothus (Ceanothus species)
The Quick Overview: Also known as California Lilac, Ceanothus is a native favorite in the western U.S. It’s fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and covered in stunning blue flowers each spring.
Why It Works: The dense, evergreen foliage provides solid coverage, while the vibrant blooms attract pollinators. Ceanothus is perfect for water-wise landscapes and handles neglect better than most.
Best Conditions:
- Full sun
- Well-drained, lean soil (don’t over-fertilize)
- Zones 7–10
- Space 4–8 feet apart depending on variety
Pro Tip: Avoid overwatering—Ceanothus hates wet roots and can succumb to root rot. Once established, it’s practically hands-off. Just let it do its thing.
Making Your Privacy Screen Work
You’ve picked your trees. Now what?
Plant in rows or staggered patterns for maximum coverage. A single row works, but a double staggered row creates an even denser screen with more depth.
Water consistently during establishment—even drought-tolerant trees need help getting started. After the first year or two, most of these can fend for themselves.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Just keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Prune strategically. Some trees (like Leyland Cypress and Privet) need regular trimming to stay dense. Others (like Holm Oak and Western Redcedar) can mostly be left alone.
Be patient. Even fast growers need time. A few years from now, you’ll have the privacy you’ve been dreaming of—and you won’t think twice about those bare winter months again.
Final Thoughts: Privacy That Lasts
Evergreen privacy trees aren’t just functional—they’re an investment in your outdoor space. They create boundaries, reduce noise, and give you the freedom to enjoy your yard without feeling like you’re on display.
Whether you go for the classic elegance of Portuguese Laurel, the fast-growing utility of Leyland Cypress, or the aromatic charm of Bay Laurel, you’re building something that gets better every year.
Pick the trees that suit your climate, your soil, and your style. Plant them with care. Give them a season or two to settle in.
Then enjoy your yard like it’s truly yours—because it is.