The best evergreen shrubs for privacy create a dense screen of foliage that lasts year-round and holds its shape with minimal upkeep. Some are fast growers suited to large properties, while others stay narrow for tight planting strips. A few are also notably deer resistant or tolerant of coastal exposure. Below are 31 evergreen shrubs and small trees commonly used for privacy hedges, living fences, and windbreaks, with practical details for planting and long-term success.
1. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’) is a narrow, upright conifer with dense, bright green foliage that holds color through winter. It typically matures at 10 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, making it a reliable choice for slim planting beds along fences or driveways.
Growth averages 6 to 12 inches per year, sometimes more with steady moisture and fertile soil. For a tight hedge, space plants about 2.5 to 3 feet apart. For a looser screen, allow 3 to 4 feet between plants. This cultivar performs best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily. In shade, plants thin and may open up at the base.
Consistent watering during the first two growing seasons helps establish a strong root system. Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep to moderate soil moisture, but keep mulch away from the trunk. Emerald Green Arborvitae grows well in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
2. Hicks Yew
Hicks Yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’) is a classic hedge plant with dark green needles and a dense, upright habit. Mature plants reach 10 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Growth is moderate at about 6 to 10 inches per year, but yews are valued for their longevity and ability to fill in from older wood.
Unlike many conifers, yews tolerate partial shade and even bright shade, making them suitable for north-facing foundations or wooded properties. They prefer well-drained soil and do not tolerate standing water. Regular shearing once a year maintains a formal hedge, but light pruning can also produce a softer, natural screen.
Hicks Yew grows in USDA Zones 4 to 8. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so consider placement carefully where pets or children play.
3. Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a broadleaf evergreen with glossy, dark green leaves and upright growth. Many landscape forms mature at 10 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, though size varies by cultivar.
This shrub is frequently used as a flowering hedge or tall living fence in mild climates. Fragrant white flower spikes appear in spring and are followed by small red fruits that darken with age. It responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to grow naturally as a dense screen.
Cherry Laurel performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates some salt exposure and is often used in coastal landscapes. It is best suited to USDA Zones 7 to 9.
4. Oak Leaf Red Holly
Oak Leaf Red Holly (Ilex x ‘Conaf’) is a hybrid holly known for its distinctive foliage that resembles small oak leaves. New growth emerges bronze to burgundy before maturing to deep green. Plants typically reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.
This holly has a naturally pyramidal form and can serve as a tall hedge, specimen, or foundation plant. It is self-fruiting in many cases, producing orange-red berries without a separate male pollinator. The foliage is dense and spiny, which makes it effective as a security hedge.
Oak Leaf Red Holly grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Provide well-drained soil and consistent moisture during establishment. It grows in USDA Zones 6 to 9.
5. Moonglow Juniper
Moonglow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Moonglow’) is an upright evergreen with silvery blue-green foliage and a strong central leader. It matures at 18 to 20 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.
This juniper is commonly used as a tall privacy screen or windbreak in open landscapes. It requires full sun for dense growth and tolerates dry conditions once established. Well-drained soil is essential, as junipers decline in poorly drained sites.
Minimal pruning is needed unless shaping into a formal hedge. Moonglow Juniper grows reliably in USDA Zones 3 to 7.
6. Victory Pyracantha
Victory Pyracantha (Pyracantha koidzumii ‘Victory’) is a thorny broadleaf evergreen valued for dense growth and bright red berries. It typically reaches 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.
This shrub is often planted as a defensive hedge or barrier because of its sharp thorns. In spring, it produces clusters of white flowers followed by berries that persist into fall and winter. It can be grown as a free-form hedge or trained flat against a wall or fence.
Plant in full sun for best flowering and fruiting. Victory Pyracantha grows in USDA Zones 7 to 9.
7. Castle Spire Blue Holly
Castle Spire Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae) is a narrow, upright holly with blue-green foliage. It matures at 6 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, making it suitable for tighter spaces.
This cultivar develops bright red berries when planted near a compatible male pollinator such as ‘Castle Wall.’ Its spiny foliage creates a dense, secure hedge. Winter foliage often takes on a burgundy cast in colder weather.
Castle Spire grows best in full sun to partial shade and tolerates some salt spray. It performs well in USDA Zones 5 to 7.
8. Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia
Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’) is a compact form of Southern Magnolia that functions as a large shrub or small tree. It typically grows 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.
The glossy green leaves have rusty brown undersides, and large white fragrant flowers appear in late spring and summer. When planted in a row, it forms a broad evergreen screen suitable for warmer regions.
This magnolia prefers full sun to light shade and evenly moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 9.
9. American Pillar Arborvitae
American Pillar Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’) is a fast-growing, columnar evergreen used for tall hedges. Mature size is about 20 to 30 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.
It can grow 2 to 3 feet per year under ideal conditions, making it a practical choice when quick height is needed. Its narrow footprint allows planting along property lines without overwhelming small yards.
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. This arborvitae performs in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
10. Nellie Stevens Holly
Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie Stevens’) is a vigorous hybrid holly with glossy foliage and bright red berries. Mature plants reach 15 to 25 feet tall and 8 to 15 feet wide.
Growth can approach 2 to 3 feet per year when young. This holly responds well to pruning and forms a dense privacy hedge. It is commonly chosen for its strong growth and relative deer resistance.
Nellie Stevens grows in full sun to partial shade and thrives in USDA Zones 6 to 9.
11. Spartan Juniper
Spartan Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’) is a narrow conifer reaching 15 to 18 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Growth averages 12 to 18 inches per year.
This cultivar is frequently used as a vertical accent or privacy screen. It tolerates shearing and is more deer resistant than many arborvitae selections.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Spartan Juniper grows in USDA Zones 4 to 9.
12. Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) is a very fast-growing evergreen commonly used for large-scale privacy screens. It can reach 60 to 70 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide.
Growth may exceed 3 feet per year in favorable climates. Because of its size and rapid growth, it is best suited to large properties. Regular pruning helps control height and maintain structure.
Leyland Cypress performs best in full sun and is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 10, depending on local conditions.
13. Ember Waves Western Arborvitae
Ember Waves Western Arborvitae (Thuja x ‘MonPin’) features yellow-green foliage that adds color to privacy plantings. Mature size is about 25 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
It grows about 1 to 2 feet per year and forms a tall, upright hedge for larger landscapes. The bright foliage contrasts well with darker evergreens.
This arborvitae prefers full sun and grows in USDA Zones 5 to 8.
14. Green Giant Arborvitae
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’) is widely planted for large privacy screens. Mature size ranges from 40 to 50 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.
It grows 2 to 3 feet per year under good conditions and tolerates wind and snow better than many fast-growing conifers. It is best planted where there is sufficient room for full height and spread.
Green Giant thrives in full sun to partial shade in USDA Zones 5 to 8.
15. California Privet
California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a semi-evergreen shrub often used for formal hedges. It typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide.
In warmer regions it retains foliage year-round, while in colder climates it may drop leaves during winter. It tolerates heavy pruning and can be shaped into tight, geometric hedges.
California Privet grows best in full sun and is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9.
16. Prague Viburnum
Prague Viburnum (Viburnum x pragense) is a broadleaf evergreen reaching 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.
Pink buds open to fragrant cream flowers in spring, followed by red to black fruit. It forms a dense hedge and adds seasonal interest beyond foliage alone.
Plant in full sun to partial shade in USDA Zones 5 to 8.
17. Victory Pyracantha
Victory Pyracantha is also listed earlier and remains a dependable thorny barrier shrub. When planted in groups, it creates a dense, secure hedge that is difficult to penetrate.
It performs best in full sun in USDA Zones 7 to 9.
18. Hollywood Juniper
Hollywood Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’) is known for its twisting, sculptural branches. It reaches about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Often used as a specimen or informal screen, it adds visual interest while still providing privacy. It tolerates drought once established.
Hollywood Juniper grows in USDA Zones 5 to 9 in full sun.
19. Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurel is repeated here as another commonly planted privacy shrub. Select cultivars based on your available space, as some remain more compact than others.
Plant in USDA Zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
20. Blue Princess Holly
Blue Princess Holly (Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’) grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide.
It requires a male pollinator such as ‘Blue Prince’ for berry production. Dense foliage and bright fruit make it suitable for hedges and wildlife plantings.
This holly grows in USDA Zones 5 to 9.
21. Rosebay Rhododendron
Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) is a native evergreen shrub that can form large colonies. Mature height ranges from 10 to 15 feet or more.
It prefers partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Large clusters of pale blooms appear in early summer. This shrub is useful for woodland privacy screens.
Rosebay Rhododendron grows in USDA Zones 4 to 7.
22. Stonehenge Yew
Stonehenge Yew (Taxus x media ‘Stonehenge’) is a narrow columnar evergreen growing 8 to 10 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.
Its slim form works well for tight side yards or framing entryways. Like other yews, it tolerates pruning and partial shade.
Stonehenge Yew grows in USDA Zones 4 to 7.
23. Debutante Camellia
Debutante Camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’) matures at 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide.
It produces soft pink, peony-like flowers in late winter to spring. While slower growing than many hedge shrubs, it can form an elegant evergreen screen in mild climates.
Camellias grow best in USDA Zones 7 to 10 in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
24. Wax Myrtle
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) grows rapidly to about 15 feet tall and wide.
It forms a broad, dense screen and tolerates sandy soil and salt exposure. Light pruning maintains shape, but it can also be grown informally.
Wax Myrtle thrives in USDA Zones 7 to 11.
25. Allegheny Viburnum
Allegheny Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophylloides ‘Allegheny’) grows about 10 feet tall and wide.
It produces white flowers in spring and red fruit that darkens with age. In colder winters it may drop some leaves, especially in USDA Zones 5 to 6.
This viburnum grows in USDA Zones 5 to 8.
26. Emerald Fountain Canadian Hemlock
Emerald Fountain Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Monler’) matures at 6 to 12 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.
It forms a narrow column of soft, dark green needles and tolerates partial shade. Consistent moisture is important, especially in dry summers.
This hemlock grows in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
27. American Holly
American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a native evergreen that can reach 15 to 30 feet tall.
It produces bright red berries on female plants when pollinated and provides dense year-round screening. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.
American Holly grows in USDA Zones 5 to 9.
28. Wichita Blue Juniper
Wichita Blue Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’) grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.
Its silvery blue foliage provides strong color contrast in mixed evergreen screens. It requires full sun and well-drained soil.
This juniper grows in USDA Zones 3 to 7.
29. Bright ‘N Tight Carolina Laurel
Bright ‘N Tight Carolina Laurel (Prunus caroliniana ‘Monus’) matures at 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.
It forms a dense hedge with glossy foliage and white spring flowers. Regular pruning maintains a compact, formal shape.
This plant grows in USDA Zones 7 to 11.
30. Mountain Pepper
Mountain Pepper (Drimys lanceolata) grows 8 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide.
Glossy deep green leaves and red young stems provide ornamental value. It performs well in mild coastal climates and tolerates sun to partial shade.
Mountain Pepper grows in USDA Zones 7 to 10.
31. Red Dynamo Photinia
Red Dynamo Photinia (Photinia glabra ‘Parsur’) grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide.
New growth emerges burgundy red before maturing to green, creating seasonal contrast in privacy hedges. It grows quickly in full sun and responds well to pruning.
This photinia grows in USDA Zones 7 to 11.
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