Plants for Privacy

If you have an area in your yard where you want to create a border between property lines, reduce noise from busy streets, or soften a fence line, we have a solution!

Hedgerows, also known as shelter belts, wind breaks, or privacy screens, are living fences of trees, shrubs, and vines strategically planted to act as a barrier. Fences are commonly installed to create privacy on your property. Plants are a great alterative that provide a visual separation and may also require less maintenance than a fence. 

Plants are also a great buffer to wind, noise, and dust reaching your house. Placing trees and shrubs on the north side of the property buffers homes from winter winds and reduces winter heating costs!

There are many plants that can be used to create a barrier. Both evergreen and deciduous trees can be used to create a privacy screen. Here are just a few options of trees, bushes, and vines that make great buffers. 

Large trees:

Southern magnolia, American holly, red maple, sweet gum, sycamore, water oak. 

Small trees:

Persimmon, crab apple, redbud, ironwood, river birch, Eastern red cedar. 

Large shrubs:

Gallberry holly, sweet olive, elderberry, groundsel bush.

Vines:

Cross vine, yellow jessamine, morning glory, greenbriar, coral honeysuckle.

Pampas grass can also be a great choice. The grass can often get up to 7 feet wide and tall, and the feathery flowers can extend upward of 10 feet tall! When picking plants, remember not to purchase invasive varieties of certain plants. 

When planning a plant barrier, it’s tempting to plant the same type of tree in a row. Instead, consider planting a variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses to achieve a lush environment. When planting, plant two rows in a zigzag pattern resembling clumping that might occur naturally. You can also plant trees or shrubs in groups of threes or fives.  

Trees and shrubs are commonly planted during the dormant season, meaning winter months. If you’ve never planted a tree, it’s not hard! Check out this blog post on how to plant a tree in your landscape! 

For more information on great trees, shrubs, and vines that can be used for hedgerows, be sure to check out this Smart Landscapes article!