10 Best Shrubs for Privacy in Your Yard

Table of Contents

Why Use Shrubs for Privacy?

Privacy is an important aspect of any residential property. It provides a sense of security and seclusion from the outside world. The use of shrubs for privacy is ideal as they offer natural screening with their thick foliage.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Privacy Shrubs for Your Yard

Choosing the right privacy shrubs can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Several factors need consideration when choosing which shrubs will work best for your yard. We recommend always considering the following:

• Sunlight and shade requirements
• Type and quality of soil
• Tolerances to extreme temperatures and weather conditions
• Maintenance level needed
• Color, texture and appearance

Main Content

If you are looking for privacy shrubs that will grow thick and tall to provide privacy, the following top ten shrubs in no particular order might just be the right fit for you!

1. Emerald Green Arborvitae

Low Maintenance Evergreen

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a sturdy and fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 14 feet with 3 to 4 feet of width. They do best in USDA zones 2 to 8 and require full sun exposure. Additionally, this shrub requires little maintenance and is deer resistant.

Ideal for Screening

Due to its growth rate and denseness, the emerald green arborvitae is among the best shrubs for creating a privacy screen, shielding wind and noise.

2. Hicks Yew

Tolerates Shade Well

Hicks Yew is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 8-10 feet in height and 5-6 feet in width. This shrub is ideal for shaded areas and does well in USDA zones 4 to 7.

Dense and Compact Growth

This shrub has thick foliage and grows compactly from the ground, making it perfect for creating hedges or screens that can provide complete privacy.

3. Privet

Blooms Fragrant Flowers

Privet is an excellent choice of shrubs if you are looking for one that blooms aromatic flowers resulting in a beautiful fragrance. It grows up to 12 feet in heights with similar spread width and prefers full sun exposure. This shrub is perfect for USDA hardiness zones 5 – 8.

Easy to Maintain

The Privet requires pruning twice a year, making them easy to maintain for those who want an attractive hedge without a lot of effort.

4. American Holly

Spectacular Foliage and Berries

American Holly is one of the beauties of shrubs due to its spectacular red berries that give an attractive look. This evergreen shrub grows up to 15 to 20 feet in height and spread and prefers full sun exposure.

Attracts Birds

Aside from being an eye-catching plant, American Holly is also vibrant in welcoming birds.

5. Nova Zembla Rhododendron

Bright Colorful Blooms

If you desire bright and stunning blooms for your privacy screen, then Nova Zembla Rhododendron is a fantastic option. It grows up to 6 to 8 feet with a similar width and thrives in USDA zones 4 to 9.

Tolerates Shade and Cold Weather

This rhododendron variety tolerates chilly weather conditions and not picky on soil quality, allowing ease of cultivation. It also has no complications regarding pruning making it a hassle-free maintenance shrub.

6. Burning Bush

Colorful Leaves in Fall

Burning Bush is a deciduous shrub that features red and orange leaves in the fall, adding color to your yard attraction. This medium-sized hedge grows up to 10 ft tall and wide, ideal for USDA zones 4-9.

Drought-Tolerant

Burning bush shrub is also drought-tolerant, making it easy to maintain even when rain is rare.

7. Viburnum

Fragrant Flowers and Berries

If you want fragrance from your privacy shrub, then Viburnum is an ideal pick for you. This shrub has fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring followed by attractive black berries in autumn. It grows up to 8-10 feet and does well in USDA zones 5 – 8.

Attracts Birds and Butterflies

Viburnum attracts lots of birds and butterflies due to its aromatic scent and produces nutritious fruit which they feed on.

8. Boxwood

Dense Evergreen Growth

Boxwood is a small evergreen plant that can be easily manipulated into all kinds of shapes if you're looking for topiary design ideas. It grows up to 12' tall and wide and thrives in USDA zones 4 to 9.

Suitable for Topiary Design

Due to their dense growth rate and versatility in shaping, Boxwoods are perfect for creating decorative hedges or topiary that serve as a privacy-enhancing feature.

9. Rose of Sharon

Colorful and Drought-Tolerant

Rose of Sharon is a stunning looking plant with bright and attractive flowers. It grows up to 8-12 feet tall and wide, thriving in hot, dry areas such as USDA zones 5 – 9.

Tall and Fast Growing

If you want fast-growing shrubs that will reach impressive heights quickly for privacy purposes, the Rose of Sharon could be a great choice.

10. Leyland Cypress

Fastest Growing Privacy Tree

If you're looking for a fast-growing evergreen tree to increase your privacy, you can't go wrong with the Leyland Cypress. It grows to a height of about 60ft with an average spread width of 20ft and prefers full sun exposure.

Low Maintenance

This privacy tree requires low maintenance, enabling you to enjoy hassle-free screening within no time.

Choose the Right Shrubs for Your Privacy Needs

When choosing privacy shrubs, it's crucial to consider factors like size, color, type of soil, and maintenance needs. Understanding such aspects will help ensure you select the right shrubs that can meet your privacy needs without compromising on aesthetics.

Maintain Your Privacy Shrubs for Optimal Performance

It is vital to keep the shrubs well-maintained for optimal performance throughout the year. Ensure that you prune when necessary, check irrigation systems and fertilize according to the plant's need.

FAQ

What is a good privacy shrub for shade?

Hicks Yew is an appealing option for anyone who wants privacy and prefers shade conditions. This evergreen shrub grows up to a height of 8-10 feet, creating an effective screen.

Do all evergreen shrubs provide privacy year-round?

Yes, evergreen shrubs are excellent for year-round privacy as they maintain dense foliage even during winter.

What are the fastest growing privacy shrubs?

If you want fast-growing shrubs that will provide ample privacy quickly, consider plants like Leyland Cypress or Rose of Sharon.

How tall can privacy shrubs grow?

The average height of most privacy shrubs ranges from 6ft tall to 20ft in height when they achieve maturity, depending on the plant's variety and growth rate.

How often do you need to prune privacy shrubs?

Pruning your shrubs twice is enough yearly. Over-pruning could hamper plant development not advisable.

Can you plant a privacy shrub near your property line?

Unless you run it by your neighbor or read about rules governing your area, planting your shrubs close to your property line shouldn't be any problem.

Do I need to fertilize my privacy shrubs?

Fertilizing your shrubs is important for its optimal growth and development, especially during the growing season.

What is the best time to plant privacy shrubs?

It is better to plant privacy shrubs at the beginning of fall or early spring as transplanting in hot climate tends to dry out the plant's root system.

How much space should be between privacy shrubs?

Maintain at least 5-7 ft spacing between different variety of shrubs for satisfying looks and ensure each one receives enough airflow and sunlight.

Will deer eat my privacy shrubs?

Yes, hungry deer are notorious for nibbling on privacy shrubs. Thus it's practical to have basic protection mechanisms like repellants or barriers around shrubs in susceptible areas.