How to block neighbors view of my yard

June 15, 2019 by Paul Guzman Guzman's Greenhouse Posts, Outdoor Plants, Shrubs 2 Comments

Last Updated on May 28, 2021 by Paul Guzman

Here is a question I get all the time “How to block neighbors’ view of my yard”? What you need are privacy plants, It seems folks want something that will block the neighbors from looking into your yard. Often times they want to block the view of the neighbor’s yard. Either way, there are plants and trees that will help you do this.

Privacy Plants

There are numerous large shrubs and trees that will help you block your neighbors view. Most garden nursery stores will have these plants but they are typically small to medium-sized plants. If you are looking for super large almost full-grown plants you might have to call your local landscapers. Heavy equipment is needed to move large trees.

Call 811 first

It is important to call 811 before digging large holes in your area. What is the 811 one call center? It is a free service to inform underground utilities or pipeline owners of any called-in excavation activities that could potentially affect their underground facilities. Here is a link for further information. Call 811.

Privacy Plants

Blue Point Junipers will (Juniperus chinensis)

Are good-looking fast-growing evergreen conifers. They will grow about 12-14 ft. tall and about 8-10 in width. These conifers do provide cover at about the tenth year of growth. Spider mites love junipers so that is something to keep your eye on. Here is a post about spider mites and other insects that will damage or kill junipers and other plants. Insects and diseases on plants.

USDA Zone 4- 9.

The Wichita Blue Juniper is another good Juniper…smaller but nice color and drought tolerant.
Wichita Blue Juniper.

Spartan Junipers (Juniperus chinensis)

Are fast-growing formal type conifers. The best thing about these plants is that they require little to no maintenance. They will shoot up and grow to 15 ft. tall and about 6 ft in width. The ones pictured below are somewhat pruned to give them that formal look. Don’t prune them and they will get wider for more background coverage. Plant them in full sun but they can tolerate about 3-4 hours of shade you can have them in the shade they need at least 6 hrs. of sun.

USDA Zones 4 – 9

Afghan Pine Trees

Also called Pinus Eldarica. These conifers will do the job and they will do it quickly. A fast-growing pine tree and is suitable to the southwest. Very drought tolerant pine trees once they become established. Also called the Mondell and desert pine trees. They will grow best in full sun but can take a lot of shade.

The one big problem with these pine trees is their constant dropping of pine needles and pine cones. There is a lot of maintenance involved year after year. The growth rate is fast and they will grow up to 70 ft. tall and about 10 ft. in width. Even larger after 30 years or so.

Privacy Plants — Afghan Pine Trees also called Mondell and Desert Pine.

Image by Ugur Keskin from Pixabay Afghan Pine Trees drop lots of needles and pine cones.

Dwarf Golden Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

A good privacy plant is the dwarf golden arborvitae is a conifer and a good evergreen tree that will provide a good border wall screen. The name is a little misleading as this tree will reach 8 ft. tall sometimes larger within time. The Dwarf Golden Arborvitae loves the southwest weather and does grow quickly. Golden yellow foliage during spring and will turn a bronze color during the winter seasons. Moderate watering once it gets established. Will grow up to 10 ft. tall or more and about 5 ft. wide. Zones 6 – 9. Like most conifers, they are susceptible to spider mites. Especially in areas where there are dry conditions and little rainfall.

USDA Zone 4 – 8

The arborvitae tree — Golden Dwarf Arborvitae trees. Don’t let the name fool you, they will grow up to 12 tall in the right conditions.

Waxleaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)

These plants have glossy evergreen foliage and will produce a nice small white flower in mid-spring. They can take partial or full sun. It can also act as a stand-alone plant or plant several in a row for a nice hedge. It does great in decorative containers and can be used as a topiary plant.USDA zone 7 – 11

The Wax Leaf Privet — A wax leaf privet shaped into topiary.

Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

This evergreen plant can grow up to 8 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide. Makes a great screen wall and the foliage will produce nice reddish/bronze type leaves towards the top of the plant. It will also produce a white flower in mid-spring. Use it as a stand-alone plant in a container or in the ground.

These plants like to be watered consistently in the first 3-4 years of growth. Once established it will require water 2-3 times per day during the hot summer seasons. Grows in USDA zones 7 – 11. Read more about the Red Tip Photinia.

Golden Euonymus (Euonymus japonica)

A great shrub for a border screen. They will grow up to 6-7 ft. in height and about 3-4 ft. in width. Moderate to fast-growing hedge-type shrub. Prune it to fit your needs. Makes a square or round topiary as it loves pruning. It produces a small white flower in early spring. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade. Moderate watering after establishment.

USDA Zones 6-9.

Hollywood Junipers (Juniperus Chinensis)

Hollywood Junipers are a good choice when it comes to privacy trees. They grow and twists from one side to the other giving it a unique character form. It is drought tolerant once it becomes well established usually after the 3rd year or so.

USDA Zones 5-9

Oleander Plants (Neirum Oleander)

Oleanders are good privacy plants and they are drought tolerant once they become well established usually after the third year or so. Water occasionally during the hot summer months to produce more growth and flowering. They thrive in poor soil but will do better if planted with good soil. They are fast growers and can be used as a border wall for privacy or street noise. Learn more at Oleander Plant Care.