Plants That Make a Good Fence

Evergreen Trees

• Evergreen trees are among the most popularly used fence plants. Ideal evergreens are dense growing, with narrow leaves and a uniform shape. Planted together, these trees create a thick boundary. Commonly used evergreen conifers include Leyland cypress, arborvitae and white fir.

Evergreen Shrubs

• Tall-growing evergreen shrubs are well adapted to use as privacy screens in smaller-sized lots that would not accommodate tall growing trees. Shrubs are generally low maintenance, but do require regular pruning to keep in shape. Evergreen shrub choices for fences include privet and juniper.

Flowering Shrubs

• You can use evergreen or deciduous flowering shrubs as privacy fences for the added seasonal color that these plants provide. The flowers of many flowering hedges are followed by equally colorful fruit that invites birds and other wildlife to the landscape. Flowering shrubs come in a variety of colors including purpleleaf sandcherry and silky dogwood.