How do I choose the best evergreen privacy shrub for my yard?
When selecting the right shrub, assess factors like space, soil type, climate, and light exposure. For instance, if you need a robust, tall barrier, consider Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress) or Thuja Occidentalis 'Brabant' (Brabant White Cedar). For smaller spaces, Buxus Sempervirens (Common Box) or Ilex Crenata 'Convexa' (Convex Japanese Holly) might be ideal. If you prefer unique foliage, Euonymus Japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' (Golden Euonymus) or Photinia 'Red Robin' add visual interest. Matching these characteristics to your yard ensures a successful privacy hedge.
How much maintenance do evergreen privacy shrubs need?
Maintenance depends on shrub choice and growth pattern. Fast growers like Photinia 'Red Robin' or Prunus Lusitanica 'Angustifolia' (Narrow-Leaf Portuguese Laurel) might require periodic pruning to maintain neat shapes. Hedera Hibernica (Irish Ivy) can climb rapidly, needing some control. Slower, dense species like Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana 'Yvonne' (Yvonne Lawson Cypress) and Taxus Baccata (English Yew) may need less frequent trimming. Easy-care options like Elaegnus ebbingei or Laurus 'Novita' strike a balance. Regular watering, occasional feeding, and removing damaged branches keep your privacy hedge healthy.
How quickly do evergreen shrubs establish a privacy hedge?
Growth rates vary. Fast growers like Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress) can create a substantial screen in a new years. Moderate-paced options, such as Laurus 'Novita' (Novita Laurel) or Elaeagnus ebbingei (Ebbing's Silverberry), fill in steadily. Slower options like Taxus Baccata (English Yew) or Buxus sempervirens (Common Box) take longer but often more refined shaping potential. Prunus Laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' (Cherry Laurel) and Laurus Caucasia (Caucasian Laurel) balance speed and density. Assessing your desired timeline helps pick shrubs that meet your screening goals promptly.
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Calling all Richmond gardeners and landscapers!
I would like to plant evergreen shrubs or trees along my yard to create a natural privacy fence for all seasons. Does anyone have experience with the best non-invasive options? I'm looking for something relatively low maintenance, fast-growing with good height (at least 8', preferably taller), and good for privacy all year round.
There is a large oak close to where the fence-line would be (maybe 5-6' away) so I don't know if that would cause a problem. Despite that the area still gets quite a bit of sun.
I have my eye on Arborvitae and Juniper but I don't know which varieties are best for this purpose. Obviously I'm open to way more options than those two!
Thanks for your time and input!
Hi There-
Looking for some advice on what the best evergreen shrub is to plant along our fence. Our backyard neighbors recently ripped out all of the shrubs on their side that had been growing up and over the fence and provided a nice amount of greenery and privacy.
Excuse all the leaves (that's just from the last few days), but our fence line is about 19-20 feet long from that cutout to our playset. At it's shortest point (by the bucket in the photo), there's about 4 feet from the fence to the lawn. It's not perfectly squared, so at other points it's more like 5-6 feet.
Would green giants do the trick? If so, what kind of spacing should I aim for? We live in MD and I've been told by a few folks that if we plant now, we'll be ok for the winter with plenty of watering over the next 4-5 weeks.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!