You don’t need a fence to maintain your privacy when you can use plants to prevent your nosy neighbor from peeking into your yard. There are a number of trees (along with some shrubs and vines) that can help transform your property into a secluded retreat, and they can be far more cost-effective than installing a fence or other privacy structure.

Check out this list of some of our favorite backyard privacy ideas.

1. Tree of Life

There are many reasons why the arborvitae is one of the most popular plants for growing a living privacy fence. Its dense, evergreen foliage creates a dense hedge when the trees are properly spaced. It tolerates most soil conditions and is cold hardy and easy to care for. There are several varieties with different statures, from dwarf to giant, so consider the plant’s height and width when fully grown when choosing the right arborvitae for your space.

2. Bamboo
   Lawn & Garden
   The 15 Best Trees and Shrubs for Backyard Privacy
   If you want to keep prying eyes out of your yard but don’t want to or can’t install a fence, consider planting trees and shrubs that offer plenty of privacy.
   By Jennifer Noonan and Steph Coelho | Published on December 30, 2022, 1:27 pm

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You don’t need a fence to maintain your privacy when you can use plants to prevent your nosy neighbor from peeking into your yard. There are a number of trees (along with some shrubs and vines) that can help transform your property into a secluded retreat, and they can be far more cost-effective than installing a fence or other privacy structure.

Check out this list of some of our favorite backyard privacy ideas.

1. Arborvitae
   Best trees for privacy: Arborvitae bordering a stone patio with patio furniture

There are many reasons why the arborvitae is one of the most popular plants for growing a living privacy fence. Its dense, evergreen foliage creates a dense hedge when the trees are properly spaced. It tolerates most soil conditions and is cold hardy and easy to care for. There are several varieties with different statures, from dwarf to giant, so consider the plant’s height and width when fully grown when choosing the right arborvitae for your space.

2. Bamboo
   Best trees for privacy: Tall bamboo bordering a lush garden with shrubs

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, so it can create a lush and exotic privacy screen very quickly. Some species of bamboo are invasive, so choose a variety that spreads slowly and forms clumps, or plant it in large planters to keep it under control.

3. Skip Laurel
   With annual shaping and pruning, the dense, evergreen foliage of the bay tree (also called schip laurel) can be turned into a beautiful 10-foot-tall privacy screen. Planted in a sunny location and well-drained soil, a laurel hedge will reward you with white flowers in spring.
4. Privet
   Fast-growing privet can give you privacy quickly; with proper care, it can gain between 2 and 3 feet in height each year. When grown as a hedge, privet will require regular pruning, but this hard work will pay off when the plant produces a dense covering of fragrant flowers each spring.
5. Holly
   There are many species of holly that make excellent privacy screens in the garden. Available as tall trees or dense shrubs and in colors ranging from green to variegated, holly offers something for every landscaping taste. Homeowners with young children or sensitive hands may want to consider a soft-leafed variety that is free of the plant’s characteristic sharp, prickly leaves.
6. Boxwood
   Boxwood has long been used as an ornamental clipped hedge in formal gardens, but is also beautiful when less strictly maintained. If left to grow freely, some varieties can reach a height of 20 feet.

Many people think of boxwood as a deep green plant, but there are also beautiful white, variegated and gold varieties. Grown as a fence or in containers, it provides a lush landscape and a lush, living wall that protects your garden from prying eyes.

7. Hicks Yew
   While not showy, Hicks Yew is a sensible choice for a living fence or privacy screen. This low-maintenance option creates a wonderful evergreen backdrop for the rest of the garden, and its soft needles and winter berries will quickly make it a favorite with backyard wildlife.
8. Red Dogwood
   Red twig dogwood is a deciduous tree, but when it loses its leaves in the fall, it forms a cheerful and seasonal thicket of bright red branches. It tolerates extreme temperatures and even wet soils, providing habitat for wildlife all year round. This fast-growing shrub can reach 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide, making for an impressive display in the garden.
9. Chocolate Vine
   The hardy chocolate plant, also known as five-leaf akebia, grows vigorously on a trellis or fence, producing a dense umbrella of green leaves and fragrant purple flowers in early summer. Because it spreads very quickly, be sure to keep it in check with regular pruning.
10. Euonymus
    Euonymus are screening shrubs that come in many sizes and colors, including green, gold and variegated varieties. This tall and hardy shrub can tolerate all weather and even poor soil. Planted closely together, Euonymus can serve as a lush hedge, but also makes a big impact when pruned into a tree shape.
11. Cypress
    These slender, tall plants are some of the best privacy trees for backyards. The Leyland Cypress is an ideal choice for quickly adding privacy to an outdoor space. The trees grow quickly – up to 5 feet each year – so you can expect to block out prying eyes within a few seasons. Keep in mind, however, that fast-growing privacy trees require more maintenance, so keep that in mind before choosing this tree.
12. Lilacs
    Pretty, fragrant lilac bushes can also be planted as privacy hedges. Their colorful, pleasantly scented flowers make them an excellent privacy plant. Lilacs need a lot of sun, so opt for another hedge option if you have a shady location. They also need annual pruning. Remove dead and damaged branches to encourage new growth and healthy blooms.
13. Butterfly Bush
    The bushy purple flowers of the butterfly bush attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent privacy screen for the edible garden. A key benefit of the butterfly bush is that it is drought tolerant and blooms from spring to fall. Most varieties are non-invasive, but it is important to confirm this before purchasing any variety.