Privacy Trees and Plants for Narrow Side Yards

Vines

• Evergreen vines grow up a trellis or on an existing fence, creating a screen of green foliage. Varieties that also produce colorful blooms or berries include star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), a twining vine that grows from 10 to 15 feet tall and tolerates wind, drought and heat. This fast-growing vine thrives in sun to partial shade and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. In spring, the star jasmine blooms with aromatic white flowers. For cooler climates, plant yellow star jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum). Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 8, this evergreen blooms with yellow flowers and prefers partial shade. The smilax (Smilax smallii) has glossy, dark foliage that grows along its arching branches. This evergreen is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 9 and grows to 9 feet long. It blooms with green flowers, followed by black fruits.

Shrubs

• Narrow shrubs include the "Gold Cone" juniper (Juniperus communis "Gold Cone"), a slow-growing evergreen that reaches heights of 5 feet with a 2-foot spread. When planted in rows, these shrubs create a screen of dense, golden spring foliage that matures to blue-green. "Gold Cone" junipers are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 7 and grow best in sunny, well-draining sites. For a tall screen, plant "Degroot's Spire" arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis "Degroot's Spire"). This columnar evergreen grows to 10 feet tall and has fine foliage. It's hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7 and prefers full sun and well-draining soil. The nandina (Nandina domestica), a broadleaved evergreen, grows to 8 feet tall with a narrow spread. This drought-tolerant shrub has blue-green leaves and blooms with panicles of white spring flowers, followed by orange-red berries that draw birds. Nandina is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and grows in sun to shade.

Small Trees

• Narrow trees less than 30 feet tall include the Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia "Fastigiata"), a 20-foot-tall evergreen that with a columnar shape. Hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9, this cultivar thrives in shady sites with moist, acidic soil. The "Skyrocket" cedar (Juniperus virginiana "Skyrocket") also grows to 20 feet tall with a narrow spread. Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, this sun-loving evergreen tolerates drought and a wide range of pH levels. Its blue or silver-green foliage is offset by the small, purple-gray cones it produces through winter.

Tall Trees

• Narrow trees over 30 feet tall include the Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), which grows to 50 feet and has a columnar form. This fast-growing tree has dark foliage and creates a dense screen. Plant the Italian cypress in USDA zones 8 to 10, where it tolerates sun to partial shade and moist to dry soil. The "Fastigiata" Western red cedar (Thuja plicata "Fastigiata") thrives in wet -- but well-draining -- soil and a range of pH levels. This 65-foot-tall conifer has dense, aromatic foliage and grows in USDA zones 6 to 7.