Plants and Tips That Will Add Beauty and Privacy to Your Home
- earthscapelandscap
- Jun 23
- 6 min read
1. Plan for Purpose and Scale
Every privacy project should start with one simple question: What exactly are you trying to block?
Are you looking to shield your patio from the house next door? Block a second-story window from view? Create a quiet corner away from street noise? Your privacy goals should shape every plant choice you make.
Tall structures like balconies or windows: Go for trees or vertical-growing hedges like arborvitae or Italian cypress.
Ground-level spaces like patios or fences: Dense shrubs or ornamental grasses might be all you need.
Wider areas: Use a mix of plantings in layers (more on that below) to create visual depth while blocking sightlines.
Tip: Always consider the mature height and spread of each plant to ensure a suitable fit. A small shrub might look cute now, but will it grow tall enough to serve your purpose, or too tall and block light? Proper planning avoids costly replanting later.
2. Mix Plant Types for a Natural Look
The last thing you want is a stiff wall of identical greenery. Instead of lining up one plant species like soldiers in a row, create a naturalistic screen by layering different plant heights, textures, and colors.
Start with tall evergreens or trees for the main screen.
Add medium-height shrubs for bulk and seasonal interest.
Incorporate groundcovers or perennials to soften edges and maintain lushness at eye level.
Not only does this technique look more intentional and organic, it also encourages biodiversity, supports pollinators, and helps your landscape evolve beautifully over time.
Tip: Use evergreens for year-round privacy, then layer in deciduous plants or flowering varieties for color and contrast through the seasons.
3. Consider Growth Rate and Maintenance
It’s the landscaping version of a personality test: Do you want instant gratification or are you okay with playing the long game?
Fast-growing plants like privet, bamboo (clumping), or some laurels will give you coverage quickly, but they’ll also need regular pruning to stay tidy.
Slower-growing species like boxwood or holly take more time to fill in, but once established, they tend to be lower maintenance.
The key is balance. You might combine a fast grower to provide initial privacy with slower species that will take over in the long run.
Tip: Be honest about your maintenance style. If you’re not into frequent trimming, opt for slower, denser plants that hold their shape naturally.
4. Add Seasonal Interest
Privacy plants don’t have to be green blobs. With a little planning, your privacy screen can also become your yard’s biggest source of beauty year-round.
Spring: Flowering shrubs like lilac, spirea, or cherry laurel bring color and fragrance.
Summer: Ornamental grasses and hydrangeas hit their stride.
Fall: Burning bush and viburnum offer fiery color.
Winter: Evergreens, hollies, and red-twig dogwood keep the garden alive and vibrant.
A privacy screen that evolves with the seasons will make your outdoor space more engaging and enjoyable, no matter the month.
Tip: Aim for at least one variety in your privacy plantings that shines in each season. This adds visual interest and makes your space feel intentional and dynamic.
5. Don’t Forget Irrigation and Mulching
Privacy planting is a long-term investment, and like all good investments, it needs a strong foundation.
Watering: Young shrubs and trees need consistent moisture as they establish. Drip irrigation systems are a smart, water-efficient option, especially for long hedge rows.
Mulch: A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of your plants keeps soil moist, blocks weeds, and adds nutrients as it breaks down.
Tip: Keep mulch a few inches away from plant trunks to avoid rot. And always water deeply, not frequently—this encourages strong, deep root systems.
Top Privacy Plants That Double as Showstoppers
Why we love it: Arborvitae is the MVP of natural privacy screens. These evergreens grow quickly, form dense foliage, and require minimal maintenance once established. Plus, they keep their vibrant green color all year long—even in snowy winters.
Perfect for: Homeowners who want a traditional, tidy hedge that does its job season after season. Arborvitae is ideal for property lines, backyard borders, or even sectioning off a patio area.
Tip: Space arborvitae about 3 feet apart for a tight screen. While they can tolerate a range of soils, well-drained soil and full sun will yield the best results.
Why we love it: Bamboo brings a bold, modern aesthetic to your outdoor space while providing quick and dramatic coverage. Clumping varieties grow in neat clusters and won’t take over your yard the way running bamboo can.
Perfect for: Small yards, patios, or urban gardens where space is limited but style is a must. It also doubles as a windbreak and sound barrier.
Tip: Always plant in a large container or raised bed if you’re concerned about spread. Add a root barrier around your planting area for peace of mind. Bamboo prefers partial shade and consistent watering—don’t let it dry out!
Why we love it: Boxwoods are elegant and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re going for a manicured, formal look or a looser, natural shape, boxwoods adapt beautifully. Their dense foliage makes them excellent for lower privacy screens or layered hedges.
Perfect for: Framing front yards, defining garden beds, or lining walkways. They’re often used in combination with taller evergreens for a layered privacy effect.
Tip: Prune in late spring after the first flush of growth. Boxwoods like partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Mulch around the base to protect shallow roots and retain moisture.
Why we love it: Fast-growing and densely packed, privet hedges are perfect for homeowners looking to establish privacy quickly. In spring, they bloom with fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators.
Perfect for: Suburban yards or larger properties where a full-height hedge is needed quickly.
Varieties to try: ‘California Privet’, ‘Golden Privet’, or ‘Cheyenne’ for colder zones.
Tip: Privets can be aggressively pruned, so don’t be afraid to shape them. Just be sure to water deeply during dry spells—fast growers get thirsty!
Why we love it: Holly is tough, evergreen, and striking. Its glossy green leaves and bright red berries bring color and interest all winter long. Plus, those spiny leaves can act as a natural deterrent—added security bonus!
Perfect for: Creating a natural privacy barrier with seasonal flair. Works beautifully as a solo hedge or mixed with softer shrubs for contrast.
Best bets: American Holly (tall, tree-like), Inkberry (compact, soft-leafed), or Nellie R. Stevens (fast-growing hybrid).
Tip: You’ll need both male and female plants nearby to get those iconic berries. Plant in full sun for best berry production.
Why we love it: Laurels are fast-growing evergreens with lush, broad leaves that create a deep wall of green. They’re also relatively easygoing, handling sun, shade, and a range of soils.
Perfect for: Formal hedges or filling long property borders. Their wide, dense foliage offers instant privacy even before reaching full height.
Recommended types: ‘Skip Laurel’ (great for tight spaces), ‘English Laurel’ (classic and bold), or ‘Otto Luyken’ (compact).
Tip: Laurels respond well to hard pruning. If they get too leggy, cut them back in early spring to encourage denser growth.
Why we love it: Not all privacy has to come from hedges. Ornamental grasses add softness, movement, and seasonal interest—plus they work well in smaller spaces or layered plantings.
Perfect for: Screening off patios, decks, or pathways. When combined with flowering perennials or small shrubs, they create a dynamic and attractive natural screen.
Faves include: Miscanthus, Feather Reed Grass, Switchgrass, or Pampas Grass for extra height.
Tip: Plant in clusters of 3 or more for visual impact. Cut back in late winter to make room for new growth.
Earth Scapes Can Help You Build Your Private Paradise
Privacy is personal, but it doesn’t have to be boring. With the right plants, you can create a private escape that feels like an extension of your home—lush, tranquil, and perfectly tailored to your style.
At Earth Scapes Landscaping, we believe that great landscapes start with great conversations. Our experienced team of designers takes the time to understand your lifestyle, your space, and your specific privacy goals. From there, we create a custom plan that’s not just beautiful, but smart, sustainable, and suited to your climate.
We’ll help you:
Identify problem areas and select the right plants to screen them naturally
Choose species that thrive in your soil, sun conditions, and maintenance comfort level
Design layered, visually interesting plantings that offer year-round beautyHandle all the installation details—from soil prep and planting to irrigation setup and mulching
Provide ongoing support and maintenance advice so your investment keeps growing
We don’t just drop in plants and leave; we partner with you to create an outdoor space that works for the long haul. Whether your property needs a complete privacy makeover or just a few strategic additions, we’ll make sure it’s done with care, creativity, and top-quality materials.
Ready to get started? Call us or book a consultation today.
