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Plant Options for Creating Privacy in Your Backyard

Tuesday, June 8th, 2021

Disclaimer: Product stock and prices are subject to change after blog publish date.

If you would like some privacy in your backyard, but you do not want to install a fence, consider using plants to create some space between you and your neighbours. We have a great selection of trees, shrubs and bamboo walls that can help turn your property into more of a secluded setting. Check out some of our recommendations below!

Hill’s Yew (Taxus media ‘Hilli’) & Hick’s Yew (Taxus media ‘Hicksi’)

Hill’s and Hick’s Yews are columnar evergreens with dark green foliage and ornamental red berries.

Type: Coniferous
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature Size: 10’ tall by 3’ wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Watering: Keep soil moist until well-established and then water as needed
Pruning: Plant may be kept to a desired size and shape with light pruning. When cutting back a Yew, it is best to do so in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant.

Emerald Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)

A slender pyramidal evergreen tree with bright, feathery emerald green foliage that holds its colour all year round. Makes an excellent hedge, screen or windbreak!

Type: Coniferous
Exposure: Full sun
Mature Size: 10-15′ tall by 3-4′ wide
Growth Rate: Slow to medium
Watering: Keep soil moist until well-established and then water as needed. Emerald Cedars do not like to dry out.
Pruning: Plant may be kept to a desired size and shape with light pruning. When cutting back an Emerald Cedar, it is best to do so in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant.

Flamingo Variegated Japanese Willow (Salix integra ‘Flamingo’)

A unique shrub with white foliage that has striking pink and green accents in the spring. Creates privacy and adds interest to your outdoor living space!

Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature Size: 8′ tall by 8′ wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Watering: Water deeply and frequently, if necessary, but do not let shrub stand in water
Pruning: Plant may be kept to a desired size and shape with light pruning. When cutting back a Japanese Willow, it is best to do so in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant.

Golden Vicary Privet (Ligustrum vicaryi)

A bushy shrub that has bright golden yellow leaves and delicate white flowers that appear in May-June. Attracts bees!

Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature Size: 4-5′ tall and 4-4.5′ wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Watering: Keep soil moist until well-established and then water as needed
Pruning: Plant may be kept to a desired size and shape with light pruning. When cutting back a Golden Privet, it is best to do so in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant.

Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’)

A columnar tree that has denser foliage than most species. Dark green foliage turns beautiful golden yellow in the fall. The smooth grey bark adds another interesting dimension to this tree!
Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Full sun
Mature Size: 30-35′ tall to 15-18′ wide
Growth Rate: Slow to medium
Watering: Keep soil moist until well-established and then water as needed
Pruning: Plant may be kept to a desired size and shape with light pruning. When cutting back a Hornbeam, it is best to do so in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant.

Columnar English Oak (Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’)

One of the nicest upright cultivars! Brown leaves that persist into late fall or early winter add interest to the landscape.
Type: Deciduous
Exposure: Full sun
Mature Size: 50-75′ tall to 10-15′ wide
Growth Rate: Slow to medium
Watering: Keep soil moist until well-established and then water as needed
Pruning: Plant may be kept to a desired size and shape with light pruning. When cutting back an English Oak, it is best to do so in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant.

Looking for something other than trees and shrubs to create privacy in your backyard? How about a bamboo wall! Our bamboo walls come in both a natural and red colour. They measure 6′ tall and 8′ wide and are $148.00 each. Stylish and durable, these bamboo walls make a great outdoor privacy screen!

Are you a part of our Garden Club? If not, one of the benefits of being in our Garden Club is that your receipts will be kept on file. All of our trees and shrubs have a one year guarantee and, should anything happen to the trees and shrubs you have purchased from us, you must present your receipt to receive a replacement. Therefore, if you are a part of the Garden Club and happen to lose your original receipt, we’ve got you covered! Sign up for the Garden Club on our website today!