Backyard Privacy/Wind Screen - Ask Extension
Hello!
I would like to plant trees on the West-facing border of my backyard deck to serve as a privacy and wind screen. I will most likely plant t...
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Backyard Privacy/Wind Screen #823175
Asked March 22, 2023, 9:09 PM EDT
Hello!
I would like to plant trees on the West-facing border of my backyard deck to serve as a privacy and wind screen. I will most likely plant them in an alternating zig-zag pattern rather than a single straight row in order to maximize the screening. This area gets at least 8 hours of sun per day during the summer months, but is otherwise fairly shady.
I understand that Emerald Green Arborvitaes are a nice dense evergreen which would fit the bill of privacy and wind screening. However, I have reservations about how to tops of these trees seem to split apart instead of follow a single leader, and I am also concerned about how often branches can appear amber/brown or winter burned.
I am open to alternatives! What about Taylor Junipers? (these seem really nice!) Spartan Junipers? Other recommendations?
Thank you
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
You are correct the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a good choice. I believe it has been bred to stay greener in the winter as opposed to other arborvitae. As for the splitting apart at the top, according to the Univ of Mass, you could prune the top: https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawn-garden/photos/trimming-arborvitae
For the other options you mentioned, the Taylor Juniper is beautiful, but it seems to be less full than other choices. It will form a rather slender column which will be separate from the others. It may not provide the privacy you want. The Spartan juniper forms a pyramid which also may not offer enough privacy.
Here is a link to a non-educational but respected source with a list of other possibilities
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/landscaping/21017854/evergreen-privacy-screens
I happen to be fond of Canadian Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis which actually can be pruned into a hedge form. Hemlocks can be susceptible to wooly adelgid, but can recover.
Another beautiful lush evergreen is the Cryptomeria Radicans, which in theory is deer resistant. It also can be pruned. It does turn a little brown in the winter, so it may not be for you.
Actually there are many choices which will grow in your space with 8 hours of sun and which will offer privacy. My advice is to look on-line at pictures and then go to a reputable nursery (not a big box store) and look at the trees there. I hope you enjoy the search and find a tree that you love.
Please feel free to contact OSU Extension again.
Sincerely,
You are correct the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a good choice. I believe it has been bred to stay greener in the winter as opposed to other arborvitae. As for the splitting apart at the top, according to the Univ of Mass, you could prune the top: https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawn-garden/photos/trimming-arborvitae
For the other options you mentioned, the Taylor Juniper is beautiful, but it seems to be less full than other choices. It will form a rather slender column which will be separate from the others. It may not provide the privacy you want. The Spartan juniper forms a pyramid which also may not offer enough privacy.
Here is a link to a non-educational but respected source with a list of other possibilities
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/landscaping/21017854/evergreen-privacy-screens
I happen to be fond of Canadian Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis which actually can be pruned into a hedge form. Hemlocks can be susceptible to wooly adelgid, but can recover.
Another beautiful lush evergreen is the Cryptomeria Radicans, which in theory is deer resistant. It also can be pruned. It does turn a little brown in the winter, so it may not be for you.
Actually there are many choices which will grow in your space with 8 hours of sun and which will offer privacy. My advice is to look on-line at pictures and then go to a reputable nursery (not a big box store) and look at the trees there. I hope you enjoy the search and find a tree that you love.
Please feel free to contact OSU Extension again.
Sincerely,
