If you are sick of that rickety fence that surrounds your yard, you might want to plant evergreen shrubs in its place as opposed to installing yet another fence. Well-maintained evergreen shrubs are beautiful, and as their name says, they stay green all year. This means they give you privacy and natural interest all year. Here are some evergreens that are good privacy screens and easy to maintain.

Cryptomeria Radicans

Also called the Japanese cedar, this fast-growing tree isn’t really a cedar. It can grow between 30 and 40 feet tall with a 15- to 20-foot spread. It does well in the sort of clay soil that can defeat other shrubs and needs medium watering, full sun, and some protection from the winds of winter. Its evergreen needles are pointed, but they’re also soft and fragrant.

Emerald Green Arborvitae

This beautiful evergreen with a pyramidal habit can grow to 10 to 15 feet tall with a 4-foot spread. Its growth rate is considered moderate, and its needles are soft, dense, and feathery. It’s also very cold-tolerant and can thrive as far north as hardiness zone 3.

Leyland Cypress

This evergreen has a more rounded form than the arborvitae, and its needles are a deeper green. It is fast growing and quite heat tolerant.

Nellie Stevens Holly

There are many species of holly, but the Nellie Stevens holly is just right for hardiness zone 6. This evergreen is prized not just for its glossy green leaves but also for its cheerful red berries. It is one of the easiest shrubs to grow and needs minimal care after it’s established. Not only this, but it holds up well under high humidity, heat, and cold. It also resists diseases.

Thuja Green Giant

Of the same genus as the emerald green arborvitae, the thuja green giant can grow between 40 and 60 feet tall with a 10- to 15-foot spread, so it’s best to plant saplings 5 to 8 feet apart for a good privacy hedge. This pyramidal shrub grows very quickly and handles heat so well that it can thrive in hardiness zone 9. It tolerates drought and resists diseases and pests.

Types of Yews

Like the holly family, there are many species of yew, but the hicks yew and other cultivars of Taxus baccata are just the things for hardiness zone 6. Though it grows slowly, over time this yew makes a famously dense hedge that springs back after hard pruning. The hicks yew is much wider than it is tall and usually grows to about 6 feet in height but 16 feet in width. It does well in full sun to full shade. Like the holly, the yew produces attractive red berries.

Learn More About Easy-to-Grow Evergreen Shrubs

These are only a few of the evergreen shrubs that can make a screen that both adds beauty to your yard and protects your privacy. To learn more about functional landscaping or to set up an appointment for tree trimming or another service, give us a call at Nationwide Tree Service in Pasadena, Maryland.

Adding evergreen shrubs as privacy screens to your landscape offers a lasting solution for seclusion and natural beauty. These shrubs not only provide year-round greenery but are also often more cost-effective and visually appealing than traditional fences. Here are some additional insights into why these low-maintenance evergreens are a popular choice for privacy screens, as well as tips on planting and maintaining them.

Benefits of Evergreen Privacy Screens

Evergreen shrubs are particularly effective as privacy screens because they maintain their foliage year-round, unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter. This continuous coverage ensures that your yard remains shielded from prying eyes regardless of the season. Beyond privacy, evergreens also serve as windbreaks, reducing the impact of strong winds, which can be especially beneficial during the colder months. Their dense foliage additionally helps reduce noise, making them ideal for properties near busy roads or noisy neighbors. Plus, these shrubs provide a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife, adding life and vibrancy to your garden.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Evergreen Shrubs

When planting evergreen shrubs as a privacy screen, it’s important to consider their growth rate, mature size, and spacing. For instance, while fast-growing varieties like the Leyland cypress quickly fill in gaps, they may require more frequent pruning to keep them in check. On the other hand, slower-growing shrubs like yews take time to establish but reward you with low maintenance needs in the long run.

Ensure that your chosen evergreens are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. For instance, cryptomeria radicans thrive in clay soils, while emerald green arborvitae can handle colder zones. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than its depth to encourage proper drainage. Water the shrubs deeply after planting and during dry spells until they are well-established.

Regular pruning is key to maintaining the shape and health of your privacy screen. While many evergreen shrubs naturally grow in a uniform manner, occasional trimming helps them stay dense and tidy. Additionally, mulching around the base of your shrubs retains moisture and suppresses weeds.

Choose the Right Evergreen for Your Needs

Selecting the right evergreen shrubs for your privacy screen depends on your specific landscape goals and regional climate. Whether you prefer the towering elegance of the thuja green giant or the berry-laden charm of Nellie Stevens holly, there is a variety to suit every taste and need. With proper care and maintenance, these evergreens will provide your yard with beauty, privacy, and protection for years to come.

For more personalized advice on selecting and caring for evergreen privacy screens, or if you’re ready to enhance your landscape, Nationwide Tree Service in Pasadena, Maryland, is here to help. Contact us today to explore your options and schedule a consultation.