If you’re looking to add privacy to your yard while boosting its natural beauty, planting trees is an excellent option. Unlike fences, trees provide a living, eco-friendly barrier that improves over time, offering shade, noise reduction, and a welcoming aesthetic. The Mid-Willamette Valley’s climate is ideal for a wide variety of privacy trees, from dense evergreens to fast-growing deciduous options.
Here’s a guide to the best trees for creating privacy, tips for planting them, and how our tree planting services can help you get started.
Why Choose Trees for Privacy?
Unlike static fences, privacy trees offer several long-term benefits:
- Natural Aesthetic: Trees blend beautifully with your landscape, creating a natural and serene environment.
- Noise Reduction: Dense tree barriers help block noise from nearby streets or neighbors.
- Shade and Wind Protection: Many trees provide shade in the summer and act as windbreaks in colder months.
- Eco-Friendly: Trees contribute to cleaner air and provide habitat for wildlife.
Best Privacy Trees for the Willamette Valley
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Western red cedar is a popular choice for privacy screens due to its dense foliage and natural resistance to pests and disease. This evergreen tree grows relatively quickly and provides year-round coverage, making it ideal for privacy.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Height: 50-70 feet (but can be pruned to maintain a manageable height
- Ideal Planting Conditions: Well-drained soil, full to partial sun
- Why It’s Great for Privacy: Its dense, green foliage blocks sightlines and reduces noise, while its natural durability makes it low-maintenance.
Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)
The Leyland cypress is a fast-growing evergreen that’s ideal for creating a tall, solid barrier quickly. Its soft, dense foliage forms a lush screen that’s perfect for larger properties.
- Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3 feet per year)
- Height: 60-70 feet (but can be pruned for smaller spaces)
- Ideal Planting Conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun
- Why It’s Great for Privacy: Its rapid growth and dense branching make it a favorite for homeowners who need privacy quickly.
Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)
For a more natural and wildlife-friendly option, Oregon white oak is a native tree that grows into a large, attractive barrier. Although slower-growing than evergreens, its dense canopy provides excellent shade and privacy.
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Height: 50-70 feet
- Ideal Planting Conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun
- Why It’s Great for Privacy: Its spreading branches create a thick screen, and its wildlife value benefits local ecosystems.
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Arborvitae trees are well-known for their versatility and dense, upright growth habit, making them ideal for smaller yards or tight spaces. With year-round green foliage, they are a low-maintenance option for privacy.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Height: 10-20 feet, depending on the variety
- Ideal Planting Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil, full sun
- Why It’s Great for Privacy: The tall, narrow growth pattern creates a compact barrier without taking up too much yard space.
Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
If you prefer a deciduous option that provides privacy during the warmer months, the bigleaf maple is a great fit. Its massive leaves create a thick screen in spring and summer, and it offers beautiful fall color.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Height: 40-100 feet
- Ideal Planting Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade to full sun
- Why It’s Great for Privacy: In addition to privacy, it adds aesthetic value with vibrant seasonal changes.
Tips for Planting Privacy Trees
- Choose the Right Spacing: Overcrowding can stunt growth and lead to competition for nutrients. Follow proper spacing guidelines based on the tree species.
- Prepare the Soil: Ensure the planting area has well-drained, fertile soil. Adding compost or organic matter can boost tree health.
- Water Regularly: Newly planted trees need consistent watering to establish strong root systems.
- Use Mulch: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Our tree planting services can help you determine the right trees and ideal placement to achieve maximum privacy and landscape value.
Maintaining Your Privacy Trees
Once planted, regular maintenance is essential to ensure your trees remain healthy and continue to provide the desired coverage. Here’s what to do:
- Prune as Needed: Regular tree trimming can help maintain the shape and density of your privacy trees.
- Inspect for Pests or Disease: Monitor your trees for signs of pests or disease, such as wilting leaves or fungal growth.
- Fertilize Annually: Applying fertilizer during the growing season can support healthy growth and leaf development.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Natural Privacy Barrier
Whether you’re looking for a lush, evergreen wall or a seasonal screen, planting privacy trees is a long-term investment in your home’s beauty and security. By choosing the right trees and ensuring proper maintenance, you can enjoy a natural, eco-friendly barrier for years to come.