Creating privacy in your yard doesn’t have to mean installing a fence. With the right plants, you can build a natural screen that blocks views, softens your space, and adds long-term value to your landscape.
At Carla’s Greenery, we focus on recommending privacy plants Northern New York homeowners can rely on. That means plants that grow tall enough to make a difference, fill in properly over time, and actually hold up in local conditions.
If you’re planning a privacy screen, start with plants that reach at least 5 feet at maturity.
Choosing the Right Type of Privacy Plant
Not all privacy plants work the same way. Some grow fast but get massive. Some stay more controlled. Others lose their leaves but still provide great seasonal screening.
Here’s how to choose the right type for your space:
1. Fast-Growing Evergreens (Best for Quick, Large Privacy)
If your goal is to block a view quickly and completely, this is where to start. These are some of the most popular fast growing privacy plants Northern New York homeowners use when they have the space to let them reach their full size.
These trees grow aggressively and create a dense, year-round screen, making them ideal for property lines, large backyards, or anywhere you need immediate impact. The tradeoff is size. These will get tall and wide over time, so proper spacing and long-term planning are key.
Carla’s Greenery – Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress
WHAT IT IS: A fast-growing evergreen with a softer, feathery texture and tall, columnar growth.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: One of the quickest ways to get height and coverage. It rapidly forms a tall, dense screen ideal for blocking views.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Needs proper spacing and airflow. Planting too tight can lead to issues long-term.
MATURE SIZE: 30–40+ ft tall / 10–15 ft wide
BEST FOR: Large areas, fast screening
Carla’s Greenery – Green Giant Arborvitae
Green Giant Arborvitae
WHAT IT IS: Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the most popular fast-growing privacy trees in Northern New York. It’s a large, upright evergreen that develops a natural pyramidal shape and stays dense from top to bottom without heavy pruning.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: If your goal is full, year-round coverage as quickly as possible, this is one of the most reliable options. It grows aggressively compared to other evergreens and fills in to create a solid visual barrier. It also holds its color well through winter, so you’re not losing privacy when the seasons change.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: This plant gets big. Really big. It needs proper spacing to avoid overcrowding and airflow issues down the line. It’s best suited for larger properties where you want to block a full view rather than just soften a space.
MATURE SIZE: 30–50 ft tall / 12–18 ft wide
BEST FOR: Property lines, large yards, full privacy walls
2. Narrow or Controlled Evergreen Privacy Options
Not every yard has the space for massive privacy trees. These options give you the benefit of evergreen privacy in Northern New York while staying more compact and manageable.
They’re ideal for side yards, tighter property lines, or areas where you want a more structured, intentional look. While they typically grow slower than larger evergreens, they maintain a cleaner shape and are easier to control over time.
Carla’s Greenery – Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae
WHAT IT IS: A compact, upright evergreen that maintains a narrow, uniform shape.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: Perfect for adding height without taking up too much horizontal space. Ideal for more structured, intentional plantings.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Slower growing than Green Giant, so patience is key. Space properly for even fill-in.
MATURE SIZE: 10–15 ft tall / 3–4 ft wide
BEST FOR: Tight spaces, side yards, formal rows
3. Skip Laurel (Evergreen + Flowering Privacy Option)
Skip Laurel stands out enough to earn its own category. It offers something most privacy plants don’t. A balance of structure, softness, and seasonal interest.
As a broadleaf evergreen, it provides year-round coverage while still producing spring blooms and maintaining a more natural, full appearance. It’s one of the most versatile privacy plants in Northern New York for homeowners who want screening that feels less rigid than traditional evergreens.
Carla’s Greenery – Skip Laurel
Skip Laurel
WHAT IT IS: A broadleaf evergreen with glossy green leaves and small white spring flowers.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: Combines year-round coverage with a softer, more natural look. It fills in densely and works well in both formal and informal designs.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Prefers well-draining soil and benefits from some protection from harsh winter exposure.
MATURE SIZE: 10–18 ft tall / 5–7 ft wide
BEST FOR: Layered screens, natural hedges, softer privacy borders
4. Deciduous & Flowering Privacy Plants (Seasonal Coverage)
These plants may not stay green year-round, but they play a major role in building a privacy screen that actually looks good.
Deciduous shrubs and flowering plants help fill gaps, add texture, and create a more layered, natural design. They’re especially effective when paired with evergreens, giving you coverage during the growing season while improving the overall look and depth of your landscape.
If you’re planning a backyard privacy landscaping NNY style planting, these are what take it from functional to finished.
Carla’s Greenery – Panicle Hydrangea
Panicle Hydrangea
WHAT IT IS: A flowering shrub with strong structure and large seasonal blooms.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: Adds seasonal coverage and brightness while helping fill in gaps between evergreens.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Best in full sun and benefits from pruning to maintain shape.
MATURE SIZE: 6–10 ft tall / 6–8 ft wide
BEST FOR: Mid-layer planting, adding brightness, and softening evergreen screens
Carla’s Greenery – Ninebar (Physocarpus)
Ninebark (Physocarpus)
WHAT IT IS: A fast-growing shrub with textured bark and colorful foliage.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: Fills space quickly and adds contrast and depth to layered plantings.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Low maintenance and adaptable. Occasional pruning keeps it full.
MATURE SIZE: 6–10 ft tall / 6–10 ft wide
BEST FOR: Natural screens, filling space quickly, and adding texture
Carla’s Greenery – Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon
WHAT IT IS: A tall, upright flowering shrub.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: Adds vertical height and summer blooms to your privacy screen.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Leafs out later in spring but fills in well during the growing season.
MATURE SIZE: 8–12 ft tall / 6–10 ft wide
BEST FOR: Adding height, summer color, and vertical accents in mixed screens
Carla’s Greenery – Forsythia
Forsythia
WHAT IT IS: A fast-growing deciduous shrub known for early spring yellow blooms.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: Quickly fills in and creates a natural, informal hedge.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Can get loose and wide if not pruned regularly.
MATURE SIZE: 8–10 ft tall / 8–10 ft wide
BEST FOR: Informal hedges, early-season structure, and fast fill-in
Carla’s Greenery – Privet Hedge
Privet
WHAT IT IS: A classic hedge plant used for structured privacy screens.
WHY IT WORKS FOR PRIVACY: Dense growth and highly responsive to pruning, making it great for clean hedges.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANTING: Requires regular trimming to maintain a tight shape.
MATURE SIZE: 8–12 ft tall / 4–6 ft wide (wider if unpruned)
BEST FOR: Formal hedges, clean lines, and controlled privacy borders
How to Build a Privacy Screen That Actually Works
The top privacy trees and shrubs for Northern New York homes aren’t planted in a single row. They’re layered.
A simple structure to follow:
- Back layer: tall evergreens for year-round coverage
- Mid layer: shrubs for fullness
- Front layer: lower plants to soften edges
This creates a fuller look, eliminates gaps, and feels more natural.
What to Consider in Northern New York Landscapes
Sunlight: Full: sun vs partial shade will impact density
Soil Conditions: Drainage is key for long-term success
Spacing: Too tight = overcrowding
Too wide = gaps for years
Deer Pressure: Varies by area and impacts plant choice
Privacy Planting Tips for Long-Term Success
- Plan for mature size, not current size
- Give plants room to grow into each other
- Water consistently during the first season
- Mulch to regulate moisture and temperature
- Mix plant types for better results
Need Help Planning Your Privacy Screen?
Choosing the right plants is only part of the process. Layout, spacing, and layering are what make it actually work.
At Carla’s Greenery, we help homeowners across Franklin County, New York:
– Select the right privacy plants for their space
– Plan layout and spacing for proper fill-in
– Build screens that look good long-term
Stop in or reach out and we’ll help you design something that fits your yard and grows with it.