If you are looking for privacy, noise reduction or just to add beauty to your garden, planting evergreen screening trees is a great choice. These trees stay lush and green all year round, providing a constant barrier and enhancing your landscape. Here’s a list of the top 10 evergreen screening trees that can transform your outdoor space into a secluded haven.
See also: 8 fastest growing trees for your garden
Arborvitae (Thuja)
Source: Pinterest/Southern Living Pattern Collection
Arborvitae is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its thick, dense foliage and fast growth rate. Varieties like the ‘Green Giant’ can quickly form a solid green wall that’s perfect for screening.
Leyland Cypress
Source: Pinterest/Garden Goods Direct
Fast-growing and hardy, Leyland Cypress trees are ideal for creating privacy. They can grow up to several feet per year, making them a quick solution for a natural fence.
Holly (Ilex)
Source: Pinterest/Country Living Magazine
With its glossy leaves and bright red berries, Holly adds both privacy and visual interest to your garden. It’s also durable and can be pruned into various shapes.
Ficus
Source: Pinterest/Plant Care Today
Known for its rapid growth and dense foliage, Ficus is commonly used as a privacy screen in warmer climates. It’s important to give these trees plenty of room to expand.
Italian Cypress
Source: Pinterest/Treeland
Tall and slender, Italian Cypress is perfect for tight spaces. It grows straight up and doesn’t spread much, making it ideal for lining driveways or walkways.
Magnolia
Source: Pinterest/Planted Well
Magnolia trees, with their large, glossy leaves and beautiful flowers, provide dense coverage and add a touch of southern charm to any landscape.
Juniper
Source: Pinterest/tlcgarden
Junipers are very hardy and offer a variety of sizes and shapes. Their dense, prickly foliage makes them an excellent choice for a secure, natural barrier.
Spruce
Source: Pinterest/Dengarden
Spruce trees, particularly the Blue Spruce, have stiff needles and a beautiful blue-green colour, making them a decorative and effective screen.
Bamboo
Source: Pinterest/One Million Ideas
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world and can create a dense and exotic privacy screen. However, it’s important to choose a clumping variety to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.
Boxwood
Source: Pinterest/The Spruce
Boxwood shrubs are versatile and can be grown as a formal hedge or in natural form. They are easy to shape and maintain, making them a favourite among gardeners.
Tips for planting screening trees
When planting screening trees, consider the mature height and spread of the trees to ensure they fit well in your space without overcrowding. Regular maintenance, such as watering, fertilising and pruning, will keep your trees healthy and enhance their screening ability.
By choosing any of these evergreen screening trees, you not only increase your privacy but also add year-round beauty to your garden. Select the ones that best suit your climate and landscaping needs to enjoy their benefits for years to come.
FAQs
What are the fastest-growing evergreen trees for screening?
Leyland Cypress and Bamboo are among the fastest-growing evergreen screening trees. Leyland Cypress can grow up to 3-4 feet per year, while certain types of Bamboo can grow over 5 feet per year under optimal conditions.
How often should I water my newly planted evergreen trees?
Newly planted evergreen trees require more frequent watering to establish their roots. Water them once a week with about an inch of water, more during hot, dry spells. After the first year, you can reduce the frequency but ensure they get a deep watering to encourage deep root growth.
Do evergreen trees need fertiliser?
Yes, evergreen trees benefit from fertilising, especially during the early stages of growth and when they are not performing well. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied in the spring can promote healthy growth and improve foliage density.
How close to my property line can I plant screening trees?
This depends on local regulations and the growth habits of the trees you choose. Generally, it's wise to plant trees at least 10-20 feet away from property lines to accommodate growth and prevent disputes with neighbours.
Can evergreen trees be pruned to maintain a certain height or shape?
Yes, most evergreen trees can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or height. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. However, always ensure that you do not remove more than a third of the tree’s foliage at one time.
What should I do if my evergreen tree starts losing its leaves?
Leaf loss in evergreen trees can be a sign of water stress (either too much or too little), nutritional deficiencies or disease. Evaluate your watering routine, ensure the soil is not waterlogged and consider a soil test to check for nutrient deficiencies. If the problem persists, consult a local arborist.
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