evergreens for privacy and landscaping
Evergreens are a great way to add both privacy and beauty to your landscaping.
These trees and shrubs provide year-round foliage, blocking out unwanted views and providing a natural barrier for your outdoor space.
They come in a range of sizes and shapes, from tall conifers to low-growing ground covers. Some evergreens have foliage that changes color with the seasons, adding even more visual interest to your yard. Evergreens are also relatively easy to maintain and many are drought-tolerant, making them an ideal choice for a low-maintenance landscape. With so many options available, you can easily find the perfect evergreen for your privacy and landscaping needs.
Evergreens for Privacy and Landscaping – Characteristics
ARBORVITAE
Mature Height
Mature Width
Characteristics
‘Techny’ – Thuja occidentalis
10 to 15 feet
6 to 10 feet
Dense conical to narrow pyramidal shape. Requires full sun to part shade. Poor soil tolerant. Excellent for hedges.
‘Technito’ – Thuja occidentalis
6 to 8 feet
3 to 4 feet
More dense and smaller than ‘Techny’ – conical to narrow pyramidal shape. Requires full sun to part shade. Poor soil tolerant. Slow growing, will take about 14 years to reach maturity.
‘Holmstrup’ – Thuja occidentalis
5 to 8 feet
2 to 3 feet
More dense and compact – conical shape. Requires full sun to part shade. Poor soil tolerant – requires moisture. Slow growing. Excellent windbreak and neat low hedge features.
‘Nigra’ – Thuja occidentalis
20 to 30 feet
5 to 10 feet
Dense conical to narrow pyramidal shape. Requires full sun to part shade. Poor soil tolerant. Excellent for hedges.
‘Pyramidalis’ – Thuja occidentalis
15 to 25 feet
3 to 5 feet
Elegant conical to narrow pyramidal shape. Requires full sun to part shade. Poor soil tolerant. For hedges or specimen.
‘Green Giant’ – Thuja plicata
40 to 60 feet
12 to 18 feet
Conical, pyramidal shape. Requires full sun to part shade. Poor soil tolerant. For tall screening hedges plant 5 to 6 feet apart.
‘Virescens’ – Thuja plicata
20 to 30 feet
9 to 12 feet
Narrow, pyramidal shape. Requires full sun to part shade. Ideally needs good, well drained soil but not essential. Is not drought tolerant – keep moist especially while establishing.
‘Wintergreen’ – Thuja occidentalis
15 to 20 feet
5 to 6 feet
Conical, pyramidal shape. Requires full sun to part shade though tolerates shade. Holds winter color well. For tight hedges plant 3 – 4 feet apart.
‘Emerald Green‘ – Thuja occidentalis
about 12 feet
about 3 feet
Conical shape. Requires full sun to part shade though tolerates shade. A popular and durable choice. For tight hedges plant 2 – 3 feet apart.
‘Brabant’ – Thuja occidentalis
12 to 15 feet
4 to 6 feet
Dense foliage. Robust, upright conical form. One of the most popular European varieties that grow well in our zone. Excellent for hedging.
JUNIPER – BLUE
Mature Height
Mature Width
Characteristics
‘Moonglow’ – Juniperus scopulorum
17 to 20 feet
6 to 8 feet
Upright pyramidal shape with silvery blue foliage. Outstanding for accents, hedging, screens and group planting. Must be planted in full sun and well drained soil. Does not tolerate standing water.
‘Skyrocket’ – Juniperus scopulorum
15 to 20 feet
2 to 3 feet
Columnar form – the narrowest taller juniper available. Bluish green foliage. Must be planted in full sun and well drained soil. Does not tolerate standing water.
‘Wichita Blue’ – Juniperus scopulorum
10 to 15 feet
4 to 6 feet
Pyramidal form with silver blue foliage. Must be planted in full sun and well drained soil. Does not tolerate standing water.
JUNIPER – GREEN
Mature Height
Mature Width
Characteristics
‘Taylor’ – Juniperus virginiana
15 to 20 feet
3 to 4 feet
Elegant columnar form – geat for privacy screening, group plantings and accent plants. Must be planted in full sun and well drained soil. Does not tolerate standing water.
‘Spartan’ – Juniperus chinensis
12 to 15 feet
4 to 5 feet
Symmetrical pyramidal shape – geat for privacy screening, group plantings and formal accent plants. Must be planted in full sun and well drained soil. Does not tolerate standing water.
‘Fairview’ – Juniperus chinensis
6 to 8 feet
3 to 4 feet
Smaller, with irregular branching. Must be planted in full sun and well drained soil. Does not tolerate standing water.
how to care for arborvitaes and junipers
To care for arborvitaes and junipers, you should:
- Provide proper sunlight: Both species prefer full sun to partial shade.
- Water regularly, especially the first few seasons: Ensure the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Mulch the soil: This helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Prune as necessary: Trim back overgrown branches to maintain the desired shape.
- Fertilize for the first few seasons: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring like 10-10-10 to promote healthy growth.
- Protect from pests and diseases: Inspect regularly and take action if you notice any signs of infestation or illness.
- Avoid over-pruning or stressing the plant: This can lead to disease or death.
Note: The specific care requirements may vary depending on the specific cultivar and local climate, so it’s always best to consult a local gardening expert or refer to the specific species’ care instructions.
Thuja occidentalis – Emerald Green