7 Best Evergreen Trees for Winter Privacy Screens

Why Evergreens for Privacy?

Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens keep their foliage year-round, providing consistent privacy even in winter when you need it most. They also reduce wind, block noise, and create habitat for winter birds.

1. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd')

Narrow column shape (3-4 feet wide, 12-14 feet tall). Grows 12-18 inches per year. Excellent for tight spaces. USDA zones 3-8. The most popular privacy tree in North America.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

Fastest-growing option at 3-5 feet per year. Reaches 30-40 feet tall. Naturally pyramidal and disease-resistant. USDA zones 5-7. Best for large properties where quick screening is needed.

3. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

Grows 3-4 feet per year, reaching 60-70 feet. Tolerates urban pollution and poor soil. USDA zones 6-10. The fastest privacy screen for warm climates.

4. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Native North American species. Extremely cold-hardy (zone 2). Grows 12-24 inches per year to 40-50 feet. Drought-tolerant once established and provides excellent wildlife habitat.

5. Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis')

Broadleaf evergreen with glossy leaves. Tolerates deep shade — rare among privacy plants. Grows 2-3 feet per year to 10-12 feet. USDA zones 5-9. Good for smaller screens under power lines.

6. Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens')

Dense pyramidal form with dark green leaves and red berries. Grows 2-3 feet per year to 15-25 feet. USDA zones 6-9. Self-fertile, so you only need one plant for berries.

7. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Extremely narrow (only 3-5 feet wide) but reaches 40-60 feet tall. Ideal for tight spaces between buildings. USDA zones 7-11. Drought-tolerant Mediterranean classic.

Planting Tips for a Privacy Screen

Space trees at half their mature width apart for a solid screen. Plant in staggered rows for thicker coverage. Mulch heavily in the first year and water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots.