Top 10 Privacy-Enhancing Shrubs for Your Yard: Find the Best Varieties to Add to Your Outdoor Space

Are you looking to add some privacy to your garden? Privacy is an essential aspect of any outdoor space, allowing you to create a secluded retreat for yourself and your family. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using shrubs. Shrubs not only add visual interest and structure to your landscape, but they also provide a natural barrier to shield your yard from prying eyes.

When it comes to choosing the right shrubs for privacy, there are several factors to consider. You want a variety that will grow quickly and reach desirable heights, providing adequate screening for your property. Additionally, you’ll want to choose shrubs that are low-maintenance and can thrive in your specific climate.

In this article, we will introduce you to the top 10 shrubs that are perfect for creating privacy in your garden. These shrubs have been selected based on their ability to grow rapidly, reach impressive heights, and produce dense foliage. Let’s explore them in more detail:

1. Forsythia: This shrub is renowned for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. Forsythia grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 10 feet. It’s an excellent choice for creating a natural privacy screen.
2. English Laurel: Known for its glossy, dark green foliage, English laurel is a popular choice among gardeners. It grows well in shady areas and can reach heights of up to 15 feet.
3. Ilex glabra: This broadleaf evergreen shrub is native to North America and is ideal for privacy hedges. It has a dense growth habit, reaching heights of 8-12 feet.
4. Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle is prized for its beautiful flowers and sweet fragrance. It can grow up to 20 feet in height and is an excellent choice for attracting wildlife to your garden.
5. Kalmia latifolia: Also known as the mountain laurel, this shrub is native to eastern North America. It produces clusters of colorful flowers and can reach heights of up to 15 feet.
6. Canadian Hemlock: This evergreen conifer is a popular choice for privacy hedges. It has soft, feathery foliage and can grow up to 60 feet tall.
7. Giant Rhododendron: As the name suggests, this shrub is known for its giant-sized blooms. It can grow up to 25 feet in height and is sure to make a statement in your yard.
8. Lonicera: Lonicera, or honeysuckle, is a fast-growing shrub that works well as a privacy screen. It can reach heights of up to 20 feet and has beautiful flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
9. Wilson’s Bluebeard: Wilson’s bluebeard is a low-maintenance shrub that produces beautiful blue flowers in late summer. It can grow up to 4 feet tall and is perfect for smaller gardens or front yard landscapes.
10. Japanese Pieris: This evergreen shrub produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in early spring. It can reach heights of up to 10 feet and is an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to your garden.

These top 10 shrubs for privacy are just a few of the many options available to you. Before making your final decision, be sure to consider your specific gardening zone, soil type, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. With the right shrubs, you can create a private and beautiful outdoor space that enhances your lifestyle.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional gardening advice. Consult with a gardening expert or local nursery before making any planting decisions.

Best shrubs for privacy

Trends in landscaping often include creating spaces that are perfect for relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. To maximize privacy in your yard, consider planting shrubs that have dense foliage, grow tall, and are low maintenance. These shrubs can be used to create a screen or provide natural privacy barriers.

1. Wilsons Blue Ridge

• A fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet
• Produces blue berries during the fall
• Provides a dense, compact screen

2. Tammy Southeastern Coast Hybrid

• Known for its thick foliage and rapid growth
• Adds structure and privacy to any garden or backyard
• Thrives in both sun and shade

3. Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)

• A broadleaf evergreen that thrives in Canada
• Produces beautiful flowers throughout the year
• Provides privacy with its dense foliage

4. Lonicera (Honeysuckle)

• An English shrub that is dense and fast-growing
• Has fragrant flowers and attracts hummingbirds
• Can be used to create a living fence

5. Forsythia

• A shrubby plant that produces yellow flowers in early spring
• Provides privacy with its thick growth
• Can be pruned to maintain desired shape and height

6. Ilex glabra (Inkberry)

• A compact shrub that has dense foliage
• Produces black berries that attract birds
• Grows well in wet soil

7. Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel)

• A versatile shrub that can be used as a screen or hedge
• Grows quickly and has large, shiny leaves
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions

8. Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)

• A dense evergreen with small white flowers in late winter
• Produces blue-black berries that attract birds
• Grows well in full sun or partial shade

9. Fraseri (Giant Fraser)

• A fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet
• Has large, leathery leaves that provide privacy
• Can be planted as a single specimen or in a group

10. Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda)

• A compact evergreen with pink flowers in early spring
• Grows well in acidic soil
• Provides year-round privacy with its dense foliage

When choosing shrubs for privacy, it’s important to consider the growth and maintenance requirements as well as the climate and soil conditions in your area. Consulting with a local nursery or landscaping professional can provide valuable advice and ideas for the best shrubs to suit your specific needs.

1 Schip laurel

The Schip laurel is a popular variety of shrub that is often used for creating privacy screens in gardens and yards. This dense and evergreen shrub is known for its ability to keep out prying eyes and create a secluded space.

Native to eastern North America, the Schip laurel grows in a variety of conditions and can adapt to different soil types. It produces beautiful flowers in the spring and berries in the fall, making it a great choice for adding color and interest to your yard. The foliage is broadleaf and the shrub can grow up to 10 feet in height.

The Schip laurel is a fast grower and can reach full maturity in just a few years. It is often used in both sunny and shady gardens and can be trimmed to maintain a desired shape or height. The dense foliage provides excellent coverage and creates a natural barrier.

When choosing shrubs for privacy, it’s important to consider the overall look and feel of your yard. The Schip laurel is a great choice if you’re looking for a shrub that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It can be planted alongside other shrubs or used as a standalone feature.

Planting shrubs for privacy is a great way to block out neighbors and create a peaceful environment. The Schip laurel is a popular choice among homeowners because of its versatility and low maintenance requirements. Whether you’re looking to create a screen around your property or want to maximize the privacy in your backyard, the Schip laurel is a top pick.

2 Inkberry Ilex glabra

Inkberry Ilex glabra, also known as inkberry or gallberry, is a versatile evergreen shrub that grows well in a variety of conditions. It is native to the eastern United States and is a great choice for privacy screening in your backyard.

One of the standout features of the inkberry is its glossy black berries, which appear in the fall and persist through winter. These berries are not only attractive but also provide a valuable food source for birds. The inkberry produces small, round berries that are similar in appearance to those of kalmia latifolia, or mountain laurel.

This shrub is a fast-growing variety and can reach a height of up to 8 feet if left unpruned. It has dense foliage that works well for creating a thick screen. The inkberry’s dark green leaves provide a natural backdrop for other flowering shrubs and maximize the privacy of your garden.

In the spring, the inkberry produces small white flowers that are not particularly showy but add some interest to the garden. The foliage of the inkberry is also attractive, with its shiny, dark green leaves that remain on the plant year-round.

In terms of care, the inkberry is a low-maintenance shrub. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including both wet and dry soils. It also grows well in shady areas, making it a versatile choice for different locations in your yard.

If you’re looking for a fast-growing privacy screen that is both beautiful and easy to care for, inkberry Ilex glabra is a perfect choice. With its dense foliage, attractive berries, and low maintenance requirements, it ticks all the boxes for a great privacy shrub.

3 Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’

Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ is a popular choice among homeowners looking to add privacy to their backyard or landscape. This fast-growing evergreen has a natural pyramid shape, making it a perfect option for creating a dense screen or blocking unwanted views.

The ‘Green Giant’ variety of Arborvitae reaches heights of up to 50 feet and can grow 3-5 feet per year. Its compact, round shape and vibrant green foliage make it a standout in any garden.

One of the best features of the Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike other shrubs, it doesn’t need to be pruned regularly to keep its shape. Its dense growth and fast growth rate also make it an excellent choice for creating structure and privacy in areas with shady spots.

In the spring, ‘Green Giant’ produces small, inconspicuous cones that add a touch of visual interest to the landscape. The foliage retains its bright green color throughout the year, providing a natural backdrop for other plants and flowers in your garden.

This variety of Arborvitae is native to the southeastern United States and is well-adapted to the challenging growing conditions of this region. It is suitable for zones 5-8 and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.

Whether you’re looking to create a privacy screen along a road or block out a neighboring property, Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ is an ideal choice. Its dense growth and large size make it an effective barrier for unwanted views. Planting a row of ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae will create an attractive and inspirational backdrop for your outdoor space.

Tammy Wilson, a gardener and landscape designer, explains that Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ is an excellent alternative to other popular privacy shrubs like laurels, privet, and honeysuckle. Its fast growth rate and natural shape allow it to provide privacy and block out unwanted views in a relatively short period.

Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ has been featured in many gardening magazines and is widely recommended by landscaping professionals. Its popularity has grown in recent years due to the increasing trend of creating private, secluded outdoor areas.

So, if you’re looking to create privacy and structure in your backyard or landscape, consider adding Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ to your list of shrubs to choose from. Its dense growth, fast growth rate, and low maintenance requirements make it a top pick among homeowners and landscapers.

4 Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia

The Mountain laurel, also known as Kalmia latifolia, is a popular choice for adding privacy to your yard. This shrub has been a favorite of homeowners and landscapers for years, and for good reason.

Beautiful and Versatile

Mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub that is native to the southeastern United States and eastern Canada. It is known for its beautiful flowers and glossy leaves, making it a great addition to any backyard or garden.

Mountain laurel is a fairly compact shrub, typically growing to about 4-10 feet in height. It can be pruned to maintain its shape and size, or left to grow naturally for a more wild look.

Easy to Grow

Mountain laurel is a low-maintenance shrub that is fairly easy to grow. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils, as long as it is well-draining. It prefers acidic soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun.

When planting mountain laurel, it’s important to choose a location that has good air circulation, as this will help prevent disease and encourage healthy growth. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the planting hole can also help improve soil drainage.

Mountain laurel is a slow grower, but with proper care, it can eventually reach its mature size. It typically takes about 5-7 years for mountain laurel to start blooming, so be patient and enjoy the foliage before the flowers appear.

Year-round Interest

One of the best features of mountain laurel is its year-round interest. In the spring, it produces clusters of beautiful flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. These flowers attract birds and butterflies, adding even more life to your garden.

In the fall, mountain laurel’s foliage turns shades of red, bronze, and purple, adding a touch of color to the landscape. Even in the winter, the evergreen leaves provide structure and privacy, making mountain laurel a great choice for screening.

Popular Varieties

There are several popular varieties of mountain laurel to choose from. Some of the most common ones include:

• Kalmia latifolia ‘Olympic Fire’ – This variety features clusters of bright red flowers and grows up to 6 feet tall. It is a great choice for adding a pop of color to your yard.
• Kalmia latifolia ‘Sarah’ – This variety has pink flowers and grows about 3-4 feet tall. It is a compact option that is perfect for smaller gardens.
• Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’ – This dwarf variety only grows to about 2-3 feet tall and has pink flowers. It is a great choice for rock gardens or small spaces.

These are just a few examples of the many mountain laurel varieties available. Each variety has its own unique characteristics, so do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.

In conclusion, mountain laurel is a beautiful and versatile shrub that can add privacy and interest to your yard. With its evergreen foliage and stunning flowers, it’s no wonder why it’s a popular choice among homeowners and landscapers. So, if you’re looking to add some greenery to your outdoor space, consider planting mountain laurel.

5 Rosebay rhododendron Rhododendron maximum

The Rosebay rhododendron, also known as Rhododendron maximum, is an inspirational shrub that can add beauty and structure to any garden. This broadleaf evergreen is a popular choice for privacy due to its dense growth and thick foliage. It grows in a round shape and can reach heights of 8 to 15 feet.

One of the great features of the Rosebay rhododendron is its ability to attract birds and other wildlife. The large and showy flowers bloom in the spring, attracting pollinators and adding a burst of color to the garden. After the flowers fade, the shrub produces dark green leaves that remain year-round.

This variety of rhododendron is native to the southeastern United States and can also be found in parts of Canada. It is well-suited for planting in areas with acidic soils and partial shade. The Rosebay rhododendron is also known to tolerate wet or boggy conditions, making it a good choice for properties with poor drainage.

When it comes to maintenance, the Rosebay rhododendron is a relatively low-maintenance shrub. It is important to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. Regular pruning can help shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Although this shrub is not fast-growing, it can still reach its mature size within a few years.

If you are looking to create privacy in your yard, the Rosebay rhododendron is an excellent choice. Its dense foliage and thick growth can help block out unwanted views and noise. The beautiful flowers and attractive foliage will also add interest and beauty to your landscape.

6 California privet

The California privet, scientifically known as Ligustrum ovalifolium or Ligustrum nitida, is a beautiful shrub that can be a great addition to any landscape. These shrubs can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide and are often used to create privacy hedges in front or backyards.

One of the best things about California privet is that it is an evergreen, meaning it will provide year-round privacy and structure to your yard. In the spring, it produces small white flowers that add beauty to your garden.

California privet thrives in full sun to shady areas and can adapt to a variety of soil types. It is also resistant to deer and other wildlife, making it a perfect choice for properties with a lot of wildlife activity.

These shrubs grow fast and can reach their full size in just a few years, so they are a great choice if you’re looking to maximize privacy in a shorter period of time.

To add California privet to your yard, choose a location that receives full to partial sunlight. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and place the shrub in the hole. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch around the base of the plant.

California privet is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers for its beautiful foliage and ability to create privacy. It can be used as a standalone shrub or in combination with other plants to create a more diverse and visually appealing landscape.

In addition to California privet, other popular shrubs for privacy include the English laurel, Ilex latifolia, giant honeysuckle, and Kalmia latifolia. These shrubs offer a variety of sizes, shapes, and foliage colors, giving you plenty of options to choose from when creating a privacy screen for your yard.

7 Spotted laurel – Aucuba japonica

The spotted laurel, or Aucuba japonica, is a thick shrub that is best known for its dense foliage and ability to create privacy in outdoor spaces. It is also a popular choice for adding beauty to yards and gardens, and can be used as a screen to block unwanted views or create a boundary between different areas.

The spotted laurel is native to the southeastern areas of Japan and thrives in zones 6 to 10. It is a low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 10 feet in height, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to maximize their privacy. The shrub produces attractive round berries in the spring, which adds to its visual appeal and can attract birds and other wildlife to your yard.

One of the best things about the spotted laurel is its ability to grow in a variety of soil types and conditions. Whether you have sandy soil, clay soil, or something in between, this shrub will likely thrive in your garden. It can also tolerate full sun or shady areas, although it will produce the most berries in a partially shaded spot.

If you’re looking to add some privacy to your yard, the spotted laurel is an excellent choice. Its dense foliage and ability to grow into thick, shrubby masses make it an ideal shrub for screening off areas you’d like to keep more private. Whether you want to block out the view of a road or neighboring homes, this shrub can create a natural barrier that will help you enjoy your outdoor space in peace.

Before planting the spotted laurel, it’s important to consider your overall garden layout and lifestyle. This shrub can grow quite large, so make sure you have enough room for it to reach its full heights. Additionally, keep in mind that the spotted laurel can produce berries, so if you have young children or pets, you may want to choose a different variety that doesn’t have berries, as some species can be toxic if ingested.

In conclusion, the spotted laurel, or Aucuba japonica, is a beautiful shrub that can add privacy and beauty to your yard. With its dense foliage, attractive berries, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions, it is a versatile and popular choice among homeowners. Consider adding the spotted laurel to your outdoor space to enjoy the many benefits it offers.

8 Photinia x fraseri

The Photinia x fraseri is a popular shrub known for its vibrant red foliage, making it an excellent choice for adding color to your landscape. It also offers great privacy, making it an ideal option for screening neighboring properties.

This broadleaf evergreen shrub is a hybrid of the Photinia glabra and Photinia serrulata, resulting in a stunning combination of features. It has an attractive, compact growth habit, reaching heights of both 10 to 15 feet and widths of 10 to 12 feet.

Photinia x fraseri is known for its dense growth, which helps maximize privacy and screening capabilities. The glossy leaves add to the plants’ aesthetic appeal and create an elegant backdrop for other flowering plants in your garden.

One of the highlights of the Photinia x fraseri is its ability to produce beautiful white flowers in the spring. It adds a touch of elegance and freshness to your outdoor space. The flowers attract birds and other wildlife, making it perfect for creating a lively and vibrant garden.

This shrub thrives in a variety of soils, but it requires well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile and suitable for different areas of your backyard.

When it comes to maintenance, the Photinia x fraseri is relatively low-maintenance. It grows well in most climates, and its hardiness allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, regular pruning is recommended to keep the shrub in shape and promote healthy growth.

If you’re looking for a shrub that adds vibrant color, privacy, and beauty to your outdoor space, the Photinia x fraseri is an excellent choice. Its dense growth, attractive foliage, and flowering period make it an inspirational addition to any garden or landscape.

Whether you plant it as a standalone feature or use it as a screen for neighboring properties, the Photinia x fraseri offers a range of benefits. Its compact growth, vibrant color, and ability to attract wildlife make it a popular choice among gardeners for creating a beautiful and inviting outdoor retreat.

9 Forsythia

Forsythia is a popular shrub that adds a burst of color to any landscape. This fast-growing shrub, known for its bright yellow flowers, is a great choice for those looking to create a colorful and vibrant screen in their yard.

There are several varieties of forsythia to choose from, each offering its own unique characteristics. One of the most popular varieties is Forsythia lonicera, which has dense foliage and grows up to 8 feet tall. Another variety, Forsythia intermedia, is a fast grower and can reach heights of 10 feet or more.

Forsythia is native to Asia and Europe and is well-suited for a variety of soil types. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. This versatile shrub can be planted in both dry and moist soils and is a great choice for both sunny and shady areas of the yard.

In addition to their vibrant flowers, forsythia shrubs are also known for their green foliage. The leaves are thick and glossy, providing a dense screen that can help block out neighbors and add privacy to your yard. The shrub also produces small berries in the fall, which can be a food source for birds.

When planting forsythia, it is best to choose a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day. This will help ensure that the shrub receives enough light to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. It is recommended to prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and provide necessary nutrients.

Forsythia is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care once established. It is a fast grower and can reach its full height within a few years. To keep a forsythia shrub looking its best, regular pruning is recommended. This will help maintain its shape and allow for new growth each year.

In summary, forsythia is a fast-growing shrub that adds vibrant color and structure to any garden or landscape. With its bright yellow flowers, dense foliage, and fast growth, forsythia is a popular choice for those looking to create a privacy screen or add a splash of color to their yard. Whether you choose a tall growing variety like Forsythia intermedia or a shorter variety like Forsythia lonicera, forsythias are sure to be an inspirational addition to your garden.

10 Shrubby honeysuckle – Lonicera nitida

If you’re looking for a fast-growing shrub to add privacy to your yard, the shrubby honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) is a great choice. This variety of honeysuckle is native to China and is known for its thick foliage, which can provide excellent screening for your backyard or front yard.

The shrubby honeysuckle is a compact, evergreen shrub that typically reaches heights of 4 to 10 feet. It has small, glossy leaves that create a dense, natural screen. It grows fast and thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of planting areas.

One of the best features of the shrubby honeysuckle is its ability to attract wildlife. The small, fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring are loved by birds and butterflies, while the berries that follow in the summer provide a food source for wildlife. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their garden’s appeal to wildlife.

According to the team at Lifestyle Magazine, shrubby honeysuckle is a popular choice for privacy screens because of its dense growth and fast-growing properties. It can quickly form a thick barrier that blocks out neighboring views and creates a beautiful backdrop for your garden.

When planting shrubby honeysuckle, make sure you choose a well-draining soil and a location that receives full or partial sun. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but it does best in slightly acidic soil.

Whether you’re looking to create privacy in your backyard or front yard, shrubby honeysuckle is a versatile and attractive option. Its dense foliage and fast growth make it a popular choice among gardeners, and its ability to attract wildlife adds an extra bonus.

What is the fastest growing shrub for privacy

If you are looking to create privacy in certain areas of your yard, there are several fast-growing shrubs that can block the view and provide a dense screen in a relatively short period of time. These shrubs not only add beauty and structure to the landscape but also attract birds and wildlife with their foliage and berries.

1. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

Known for its vibrant yellow flowers in the spring, forsythia is a fast grower that can reach heights of up to 10 feet. Planting several forsythia shrubs close together can create a natural and thick barrier for privacy.

2. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet is a compact shrub that grows quickly and can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet. It has dense foliage and creates a full screen, making it an excellent choice for backyard screening.

3. English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

This evergreen shrub is a fast grower that can reach heights of up to 12 feet. English laurel provides year-round privacy with its broadleaf foliage and grows well in shady areas.

4. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

An excellent choice for natural screening, the eastern red cedar is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach heights of 40 to 50 feet. It is known for its beautiful blue berries and is a favorite among birds.

5. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Native to the southeastern United States and southeastern Canada, wax myrtle is a fast-growing shrub that can provide privacy in a short amount of time. It grows up to 20 feet tall and has dense foliage that adds color to the landscape.

6. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

This fast-growing evergreen has a compact and dense growth habit, making it ideal for privacy screens. It can reach heights of up to 40 feet and is known for its low maintenance and wildlife-friendly nature.

7. Giant Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum)

The giant sweet viburnum is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of 15 to 30 feet. It has glossy green foliage and produces fragrant white flowers in the spring. It is a popular choice for privacy screens in warmer zones.

8. Ilex ‘Scarlet’s Peak’

This variety of holly is a fast grower and has a compact and narrow growth habit. It can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet and is known for its red berries in the fall, which are attractive to birds.

9. Kalmia latifolia

Also known as mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia is a broadleaf evergreen that grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 15 feet. It has beautiful flowers in shades of pink, white, and red, and its dense growth provides excellent privacy.

10. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

A slow grower compared to other shrubs on this list, American holly can still reach heights of 40 to 50 feet over the years. It is known for its dark, glossy foliage and produces bright red berries, which are loved by birds.

So, if you are looking to maximize privacy in your yard, consider planting some of these fast-growing shrubs. They will not only provide a natural and beautiful screen but also attract wildlife and add color to your garden.

For more gardening advice and ideas, check out our lifestyle magazine, where our team of experts explains how to create the perfect backyard oasis.

What can I plant to block neighbors’ view

When it comes to maintaining privacy in your properties, planting shrubs can be a great way to block your neighbors’ view. By choosing dense and thick shrubs, you can create a natural screen that adds beauty and functionality to your backyard.

The Wilson’s Choice – Thuja plicata ‘Densata’

• A popular choice for privacy screening
• Dense, thick foliage that grows fast
• Can reach heights of up to 30 feet

The Fraseri Screener – Fraser photinia

• An excellent choice for privacy in smaller areas
• Compact and fast-growing
• Grows up to 15 feet in height

The Maintenance-Free Option – Ilex glabra ‘Wilsonii’

• A low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal pruning
• Thick foliage that creates a dense screen
• Grows up to 10 feet in height

If you prefer a more formal look, English yew (Taxus baccata) is a great choice. This evergreen shrub can be trimmed to create a neat and tidy hedge that adds a touch of elegance to your garden.

If you’re looking to block your neighbors’ view quickly, the Forsythia shrub is an excellent option. This fast-growing shrub produces beautiful yellow flowers in the spring and can reach heights of up to 10 feet.

In Canada, the Forsythia x intermedia ‘Northern Gold’ variety is a top choice for privacy screening. This shrub is winter-hardy and thrives in colder climates.

The Ilex latifolia, also known as the Lusterleaf holly, is another great option for blocking the view. This evergreen shrub has large, glossy leaves that create a thick barrier between your property and the neighboring area.

Lonicera, or honeysuckle, is a versatile shrub that can be used to screen off your property. The Lonicera nitida is a popular choice for privacy screening, as it grows quickly and forms a dense, compact hedge.

If you’re looking to attract birds to your garden, consider planting shrubs with berries. The Ilex verticillata, or winterberry, is a beautiful shrub that produces vibrant red berries in the fall and winter. Birds love these berries and will often visit your garden.

When choosing shrubs for privacy, consider the specific requirements of your garden and the desired height of the screen. Some shrubs, like the Thuja plicata ‘Densata’, can reach heights of up to 30 feet, while others, like the Ilex glabra ‘Wilsonii’, grow up to 10 feet. Take into account the amount of sun and shade in your garden, as well as the overall size and grower’s advice for each shrub variety.

By maximizing the use of these shrubs in your garden, you can create a private oasis that blocks the view of neighboring properties and adds beauty to your outdoor space.