May 12, 2025
The New England Guide to Privacy Screening
In New England, where yards are often close together and neighbors can be just a few steps away, creating a sense of seclusion can be key to enjoying your outdoor space. Fortunately, plants offer a beautiful, natural solution. Whether you’re trying to block the view of the street, hide a pool area, or add some separation from a neighbor’s second-story window, screening with plants can help.
What Is Privacy Screening?
Privacy screening is the strategic use of plants—trees, shrubs, and even perennials—to create a visual barrier. This could mean:
- A green wall of tall evergreens
- A mixed border of shrubs and trees for texture and seasonal color
- A shorter screen to carve out a patio nook
- A natural block that grows more beautiful over time
The right combination depends on your space, your goals, and how quickly you need that privacy.
Best Practices for Privacy Screening
Before you plant, ask yourself:
- What are you trying to block? A busy street? Second-story windows? The view to your pool or patio?
- How tall does the screen need to be? Different goals call for different plant heights and spacing.
- Does it need to be evergreen? For year-round coverage, evergreen trees and shrubs are ideal—but they can be slower growing. If you only need privacy while you’re outside in spring, summer, and fall, fast-growing deciduous trees might be a better fit.
- Would you prefer a clean, uniform look—or a natural, mixed planting? A green wall provides structure, while a layered mix of plants adds texture and seasonal interest.
And don’t forget these planting tips:
- Layer for impact. Combining trees, shrubs, and even tall perennials can create a fuller, more attractive screen.
- Plan for mature size. Give each plant room to grow—tight spacing can lead to overcrowding and disease.
- Match plants to your lifestyle. Some screening plants are low-maintenance, while others need regular pruning to stay in shape.
- Don’t overlook deciduous options. They may not offer winter privacy, but many grow quickly and provide lush coverage when you need it most.
Our Favorite Privacy Screening Plants for New England
Here’s a selection of screening plants that thrive in our region—grouped by style and function.
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)
? Tall Evergreen Screening
Great for year-round privacy and windbreaks.
Arborvitae (Thuja) (These are dependable, narrow evergreens that grow into dense hedges over time.)
- American Pillar
- North Pole
- Emerald Green
- Fast-growing and excellent for large spaces needing quick coverage.
Juniper (Tall, narrow junipers provide height and structure with minimal maintenance.)
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum spp.)
? Deciduous Trees for Seasonal Screening
Perfect for blocking views during the months you’re most active outside.
- Maple ‘Bloodgood’ – Deep burgundy foliage adds color and coverage.
- Heritage River Birch – Multi-stemmed and fast-growing.
- Hornbeam ‘Frans Fontaine’ – Narrow and upright, ideal for tighter spots.
- Eastern Redbud (clump form) – Beautiful blooms and broad leaves for coverage.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
? Shrubs for Mixed Borders and Mid-Height Screening
Shrubs are an excellent way to build out layered screening—perfect for property lines, patios, and creating a sense of enclosure without going full hedge.
Evergreen Shrubs
Great for year-round coverage and structure, these shrubs stay green through the winter and offer low-maintenance screening.
Holly (Ilex) — Evergreen, deer-resistant, and ideal along fences or foundations.
- Blue Princess
- Castle Wall
Boxwood — Classic and compact, boxwoods offer neat structure and work well in formal or informal plantings.
- Winter Gem
- Green Mountain
Rhododendron — Broadleaf evergreens with dense foliage and a burst of spring color. They offer screening and seasonal beauty, especially in part shade.
Deciduous Shrubs
These shrubs lose their leaves in winter but provide fast seasonal growth and vibrant color when you need it most.
Lilac (Syringa)
Beloved for their classic fragrance and spring blooms, lilacs also provide excellent seasonal coverage. Try taller varieties like Pocahontas or Declaration for more height, or Miss Kim and Baby Kim for a compact but still bushy effect.
Hydrangea
Full, leafy, and flower-laden from summer into fall, hydrangeas bring lush structure and vibrant color to mixed borders. Varieties like Limelight or Little Lime offer upright form and make great midsize screens.
Ninebark
Colorful foliage, arching branches, and quick growth make this a great choice for a mixed privacy border.
Yellow-grove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata)
? Specialty Screening
- Bamboo (Clumping types only!) – Fast-growing, tall, and tropical-looking. Best used with root barriers.
- Euonymus & Yews – Useful for shorter borders or filling gaps.
- Viburnum – Many varieties (like ‘Alleghany’) are semi-evergreen and offer flowers, berries, and screening.
Your Yard, Your Privacy
Privacy screening doesn’t have to be a solid green wall. A thoughtful mix of heights, textures, and colors can give you beauty and seclusion at the same time. Whether you want fast results or a slow-growing hedge, our team is here to help you choose the right plants for your space.
Stop by your local Mahoney’s and chat with our nursery experts—we’ll help you build your dream retreat, one plant at a time.