Natural Alternative to Privacy Fences

Evergreens

• Evergreens, such as Canadian Hemlocks, are best for families who want a dense privacy fence. These trees can grow up to 14 feet tall and have a 3-foot-wide spread. They don't shed their leaves in the fall, so you'll have a thick fence throughout the year. The trees thrive in full or partial sunlight, but do not do well during droughts, so in periods of little rain, you may need to provide irrigation for them. Evergreens can be pruned to maintain their shape and stay in a confined area, so you won't have to worry about overgrowth with this option.

Rose of Sharon

• Rose of Sharon is a shrub that produces beautiful, tropical-looking flowers and it makes an excellent natural privacy fence. Growing up to 10 feet tall, this shrub can be pruned to create a low hedge, or you can allow it to grow for a more natural, overgrown look. The plant features white, red, blue and lavender flowers. These flowers attract bees, though, so this plant should be avoided if anyone in the family is allergic to this insect. Additionally, the shrub loses its leaves in the fall, so this option is best for families who wish to have privacy only during the warmer months.

Bamboo

• It may sound exotic, but bamboo does make an excellent privacy fence. There are many bamboo varieties that can withstand cold temperatures; Macon Rivercane is one such example. The branches are thick and grow close together, making it a dense privacy fence.

Privet

• Privet shrubs are popular hedge plantings and are a good choice for families who want year-round privacy. Available in semi-evergreen and evergreen varieties, these plants will quickly become established after you plant them. You can easily prune and shape them to create the look you want. They do best in partial to direct sunlight, and you should expect to water them frequently.