What Is a Good Plant to Use As a Privacy Screen?

Evergreen Trees for Privacy Screen

• Evergreen trees that grow higher than 12 feet, can be planted closely, provide excellent screening capabilities and grow in most of the United States include the Leyland cypress, cherry Laurel, holly and thuja trees. Some trees, like willow and poplar trees, grow fast but are short-lived. The best choice in this category for overall performance is the Leyland cypress. Plant the trees 6 feet apart in average garden soil.

Shrubs for Privacy

• Evergreen shrubs that grow up to 12 feet and are adaptable to most growing conditions in the United States include the yew, Chinese Privet, wax myrtle, Yaupon holly, sweet olive and arborvitae. The best choice in this category for overall performance is the Chinese privet. Plant them 4 feet apart in average garden soil and prune to shape, as needed.

Vines for Privacy

• If you have a structure in place and would like evergreen or semi-evergreen vines to cover it for privacy screening, choose the highly-adaptable English ivy, crossvine, Boston ivy, clematis, honeysuckle or jasmine. The best choice for quick, dense cover is the crossvine, an American native plant. Plant them 2 feet apart in average garden soil. Prune in the winter.