Creating natural privacy screens around your property doesn’t have to be complicated. The right evergreen trees can transform your outdoor space into a secluded retreat while adding year-round beauty to your landscape. Whether you’re blocking an unsightly view, creating a windbreak, or simply seeking more privacy from neighbors, selecting the appropriate evergreen species makes all the difference.
At J&J Nursery and Garden Center in Layton, we help homeowners find the perfect evergreen trees for privacy that thrive in Utah’s unique climate. The key lies in understanding your specific needs, available space, and the characteristics of different evergreen varieties.
Understanding Your Privacy Needs
Before selecting evergreen trees for privacy, assess your specific requirements. Consider the height of privacy you need—some situations call for tall screens reaching 20-30 feet, while others only need 6-8 feet of coverage. Think about how quickly you want results, as some evergreens grow rapidly while others take years to mature.
The width of your planting area also matters significantly. Narrow spaces require columnar varieties, while broader areas can accommodate wider-spreading species. Additionally, consider whether you need year-round privacy or seasonal screening.
Top Evergreen Tree Types for Privacy
Arborvitae: The Privacy Champion
Arborvitae stands out as one of the most popular choices for privacy screening. These dense, columnar evergreens create excellent natural barriers with minimal maintenance requirements.
Green Giant Arborvitae grows exceptionally fast, reaching 3-5 feet per year until maturity. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates various soil conditions. Space these trees 5-6 feet apart for a solid privacy screen.
Emerald Green Arborvitae offers a more compact option, growing 1-2 feet annually to reach 10-15 feet at maturity. Its naturally pyramidal shape requires little pruning, making it perfect for formal landscapes. Plant them 3-4 feet apart for optimal coverage.
Pine Trees: Sturdy and Adaptable
Pine varieties provide excellent privacy while withstanding harsh weather conditions. Their needle-like foliage creates dense screening, and many species adapt well to Utah’s climate.
Austrian Pine develops into a large, dense tree perfect for blocking views and wind. It grows moderately fast and tolerates drought conditions once established. Space Austrian pines 8-12 feet apart, depending on desired density.
Mugo Pine works well for lower privacy barriers, typically reaching 4-8 feet in height. Though slower growing, it creates excellent foundation plantings and requires minimal care.
Spruce Trees: Classic Elegance
Spruce trees offer traditional evergreen beauty with excellent privacy benefits. Their conical shape and dense branching create effective visual barriers.
Colorado Blue Spruce provides stunning silvery-blue foliage that adds visual interest while creating privacy. It grows slowly to moderately, reaching 30-60 feet at maturity. Space these impressive trees 10-20 feet apart for individual specimens or 6-8 feet for screening.
Norway Spruce grows faster than most spruce varieties, making it ideal when quicker results are needed. Its drooping branches create a distinctive appearance while providing excellent coverage.
Growth Rates and Timing Considerations
Fast-growing evergreen trees for privacy include Green Giant Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, and Norway Spruce, which can grow 2-4 feet annually. These species provide relatively quick privacy but may require more frequent pruning to maintain shape.
Moderate growers like Emerald Green Arborvitae and Colorado Blue Spruce add 1-2 feet per year, offering a balance between quick establishment and manageable growth. Slow-growing varieties such as Mugo Pine provide long-term value but require patience.
Sunlight Requirements and Placement
Most evergreen trees for privacy perform best in full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, some varieties tolerate partial shade conditions.
Arborvitae species generally prefer full sun but adapt to light shade. Pine trees typically need full sun for optimal growth and density. Spruce varieties often tolerate partial shade better than pines, making them suitable for areas with filtered light.
Proper Spacing for Maximum Privacy
Correct spacing ensures your privacy screen develops properly without overcrowding. For solid screening, plant evergreens closer together than their mature width suggests. This creates overlap as trees grow, eliminating gaps in coverage.
Most privacy screens benefit from staggered double rows when space allows. Plant the back row first, then position front row trees to fill gaps, creating an impenetrable barrier.
Finding Your Perfect Privacy Solution
Selecting the right evergreen trees for privacy depends on balancing growth rate, mature size, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Visit J&J Nursery and Garden Center to see our selection of healthy, locally-adapted evergreens perfect for Utah landscapes. Contact us today for more information and assistance in finding your perfect privacy solution.
Our experienced staff can help you choose varieties that will thrive in your specific location while meeting your privacy goals. We carry quality specimens of all major privacy evergreen species, ensuring you find the perfect match for your outdoor space.
Transform your property into a private sanctuary with the right evergreen selection—your future self will thank you for the investment in natural beauty and seclusion.
