7 Best Screening Plants for Privacy and Beauty

Want to block out prying eyes, dampen street noise, or create a lush backyard retreat? The right plants can do all that—and more. A natural screen doesn’t just add privacy; it enhances your landscape, boosts curb appeal, and even helps with wind and noise reduction. If you’re looking for the best screening plants, this guide will walk you through seven top choices that offer year-round beauty and dependable coverage. Whether you need a towering evergreen or a dense shrub, there’s a perfect plant for your yard.

1. Green Giant Arborvitae – The Fast and Reliable Choice

When it comes to best screening plants, Green Giant Arborvitae is hard to beat. This fast-growing evergreen can shoot up three feet per year, quickly forming a dense, green barrier. Once mature, it reaches 30 to 40 feet tall and about 10 feet wide, making it ideal for blocking views from second-story windows or busy roads.

• Best for: Large properties, tall privacy screens
• Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 5 to 10 feet apart for a tight hedge
• Care tips: Low-maintenance; prune lightly to maintain shape

2. Cryptomeria – Unique Texture with Evergreen Appeal

Looking for a screening plant that stands out? Cryptomeria, also known as Japanese Cedar, has soft, feathery foliage that changes from bright green in summer to a bronze hue in winter. It’s a great alternative to traditional evergreens if you want something with a bit more personality.

• Best for: Year-round screening with a softer look
• Sunlight needs: Full sun
• Spacing: 8 to 12 feet apart
• Care tips: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil; minimal pruning needed

3. Nellie Stevens Holly – Glossy Leaves and Winter Berries

For a best screening plant that’s as attractive as it is effective, consider Nellie Stevens Holly. This broadleaf evergreen boasts dense, glossy foliage and bright red berries in winter, making it a stunning addition to any yard. Plus, it’s deer-resistant—always a bonus.

• Best for: Privacy with a pop of seasonal color
• Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 5 to 8 feet apart
• Care tips: Prune in early spring to maintain shape

4. Leyland Cypress – The Speedster of Privacy Trees

If you need a privacy screen—and you need it fast—Leyland Cypress is the way to go. This tree can grow up to four feet per year, forming a thick, green wall in no time. It’s ideal for large spaces but requires room to spread.

• Best for: Quick-growing privacy on bigger properties
• Sunlight needs: Full sun
• Spacing: 6 to 10 feet apart
• Care tips: Regular trimming keeps it manageable; avoid planting too close to structures

5. Skip Laurel – Compact and Lush

Short on space? Skip Laurel is a dense, evergreen shrub that makes an excellent lower hedge. It grows about 10 to 12 feet tall, filling in quickly with glossy, dark green leaves.

• Best for: Smaller yards, elegant privacy hedges
• Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 3 to 5 feet apart for a solid screen
• Care tips: Trim after flowering in spring to maintain shape

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6. Leatherleaf Viburnum – A Tough, Low-Maintenance Option

For a screening plant that’s both hardy and attractive, Leatherleaf Viburnum is a great pick. It offers thick, textured leaves and clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by dark berries in fall. While it’s not a true evergreen, it holds its leaves most of the year, providing plenty of coverage.

• Best for: A mixed privacy screen with seasonal interest
• Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 5 to 7 feet apart
• Care tips: Drought-tolerant once established; prune in early spring if needed

7. Mixing It Up – Creating the Best Screening Plants Combo

Sometimes, the best approach isn’t just one plant—it’s a strategic mix. Combining different plants creates a layered, natural look while increasing biodiversity in your yard. For example:

• Pair Green Giant Arborvitae with Cryptomeria for a varied, textured privacy wall.
• Mix Nellie Stevens Holly and Leatherleaf Viburnum for both evergreen coverage and seasonal interest.
• Use Skip Laurel in front of Leyland Cypress for a double-layered hedge that blocks noise and wind.

Final Thoughts on the Best Screening Plants

Whether you need a fast-growing giant or a dense, compact hedge, the best screening plants can transform your yard into a private, peaceful retreat. Choosing the right plants depends on your space, sun conditions, and how quickly you want results. With a little planning, your landscape will be both beautiful and functional.