Plan a privacy planting that looks good for years

A row of greenery can make an outdoor space feel calmer and more personal. Before planting a privacy screen, decide how high, wide, and dense you want it to become.

Match the plant to the site

Check the variety's hardiness, light needs, mature dimensions, and soil preferences. Measure from fences, structures, walks, and property lines. The right tree is one that fits at maturity, not only on planting day.

Give each plant room

It is tempting to put young trees close together for instant coverage. Crowding can leave too little room for healthy roots and mature branches. Spacing depends on the variety, so follow the product's mature width and planting guidance. The Penn State Extension arborvitae guide explains why hedge spacing matters even when you want a screen quickly.

Think beyond one season

Evergreens can provide year-round structure, while flowering shrubs add color and interest. A layered planting can combine both. Consider winter wind, snow, and the view from the spots where you spend time.

Care through establishment

Water newly planted trees and shrubs thoroughly, then check soil moisture as they establish. Needs change with heat, rain, soil, and plant size. The University of Maryland Extension recommends observing the root zone and adjusting care to conditions rather than watering on an automatic schedule.

Explore: Privacy Trees and Flowering Shrubs