Landscaping Ideas: Living Privacy Fences

Leyland Cypress

• When it comes to living privacy fencing, this coniferous evergreen tree is a popular option. With a growth rate of 3 or more feet per year and thick and hardy needles, the leyland cypress is an economical and efficient choice that provides privacy year-round privacy. In addition to providing discretion for your yard, the trees also help to drown out noise that you may experience from roadways or noisy neighbors. These trees are medium to dark green in color, grow in a pyramidal shape and can reach heights of 50 feet or more once they've reached maturity.

Rose of Sharon

• If you're looking for a living fence that not only provides privacy but also provides attractive and colorful foliage, consider the Rose of Sharon. This deciduous shrub reaches heights of 8 to 10 feet and spreads approximately 4 to 6 feet wide. It has green leaves and blooms of red, white, pink, blue or purple. It is a hardy shrub that does not require much care, other than an occasional pruning. It blooms in mid- to late summer and does well in sun and excessive heat. The only drawback to using this plant is that it will not provide year-round privacy, as it sheds its leaves in the fall. Nevertheless, it is something to consider if you only seek privacy during the warm weather months.

American Holly

• These trees supply eye-catching year-round privacy. Reaching a height of 40 to 50 feet and a width of 10 to 20 feet, the American holly tree has spiky leaves that remain dark green all year and produce bright red berries during the winter months. The trees grow in a pyramidal shape and have branches that begin at ground level. Their winter berries attract winter birds, adding even more interest to your yard.