There are plenty of other trees out there that are great for creating privacy in a yard if you only know what to look for. 'Choose trees based on attributes such as hardiness, low maintenance, and multi-seasonal attributes,' says garden expert Janet Loughrey.
Here are some of the key considerations when choosing the best trees for privacy.
Speed of growth: Privacy is something you won't want to have to wait for your garden to grow into, and mature trees can be a huge expense. Fast-growing varieties are an option but tread carefully. They can often be invasive, as well as being weaker and more susceptible to disease and rot, which may limit their lifespan.
Size: With fast-growing trees comes the potential for your planting to quickly become too big for your backyard. 'For smaller yards, select dwarf varieties that won’t outgrow their space,' says Janet.
Maintenance: While you want private trees to grow and screen your backyard, if you choose a tree that's too fast-growing, that simply means more maintenance to keep it under control. Think about the garden clear-up required with deciduous and flowering trees, too.
Seasonal attributes: Choosing between deciduous and evergreen trees is even more important when it comes to privacy - after all, luscious deciduous trees that provide a screen from neighbors in spring and summer can leave your space completely on show during the winter. Consider also that the sun may be lower in the sky in winter, so large privacy trees may block more light from reaching your backyard and even into your home.