12 Shrubs You Can Plant To Add Privacy To Your Yard

Sometimes you want to escape into the shelter and seclusion of your backyard, but with home lots shrinking, our yards are less private than they once were. That’s why planting for privacy has become more important than ever before. When it comes to creating private spaces, these 12 privacy shrubs provide several benefits over hardscape solutions like fences or lattice work. Shrubs contribute to a more aesthetic and relaxing atmosphere, adding colorful foliage, flowers, and fragrance to outdoor rooms. They help absorb noise from traffic or neighbors, providing a sense of serenity, and many shrubs also provide shelter for birds and other wildlife.  

Tips for Selecting Privacy Shrubs

There are several factors to consider when selecting privacy shrubs. Evergreen shrubs provide year-round privacy, while deciduous shrubs commonly offer interesting ornamental traits such as flowers, fall foliage, or berries. Deciduous shrubs also allow more light to reach the landscape during winter. Try matching the mature height of your plantings to your privacy needs. For example, a taller selection is needed if you are trying to block the view into your yard from a neighboring balcony than if you are simply trying to create a sense of separation. It's also helpful to note how fast different species reach the desired height, as some shrubs are fast-growing and others quite slow. Finally, consider the amount of time you intend to spend on plant maintenance. This may help you decide between species best suited to formal shaping and trimming versus those more suitable to natural growth patterns.