Creating a natural privacy screen in your landscape offers a lush, attractive barrier that provides privacy, boosts curb appeal, and creates a serene, green environment. With over 200 varieties of trees and more than 740 types of shrubs and perennials, Natorp’s Nursery in Cincinnati has everything you need to create a beautiful, functional landscape screen. Here, we’ll explore some of the top plants for privacy, including the Hetzi Upright Juniper, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Pragnese Viburnum, Taxus Hicksii, Green Giant Arborvitae, and Perfecta Upright Juniper—all of which thrive in the Cincinnati area.

Why Choose Trees and Shrubs for Privacy?

Using trees and shrubs for a privacy screen has numerous advantages over traditional fences. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also add seasonal beauty through changes in color, texture, and even flowering. They grow to your desired height and width, providing an effective screen for privacy and noise reduction.

Key Considerations for a Successful Privacy Screen

Before selecting your plants, take a moment to consider the following factors:

• Space: Assess the space available for your screen. Some trees, like the Green Giant Arborvitae, can grow large, while others, like the Emerald Green Arborvitae, are more compact.
• Cincinnati Climate Compatibility: Choose plants that will flourish in Cincinnati’s climate.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing options like the Green Giant Arborvitae are ideal for quick privacy. For a slower, more controlled growth, consider alternatives like the Taxus Hicksii.

Top Trees and Shrubs for Privacy Screens from Natorp’s Nursery

1. Hetzi Upright Juniper

The Hetzi Upright Juniper is an excellent choice for Cincinnati homeowners seeking a hardy, evergreen shrub that adds privacy. Its dense, upright growth creates a natural screen suited for smaller spaces. Its bluish-green foliage brings year-round color and pairs well with other plants, adding a unique hue to your landscape. It also requires minimal maintenance—a great option for busy gardeners.

2. Emerald Green Arborvitae

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is perfect for a narrow, space-saving screen. Known for its vibrant green foliage and compact, upright growth, this shrub is ideal for lining property borders without taking up too much room. It is drought-tolerant, easy to care for, and resilient to Cincinnati’s winter weather, making it a favorite among local gardeners.

3. Pragnese Viburnum

For texture and color, the Pragnese Viburnum is an outstanding choice. This evergreen shrub has glossy, dark green leaves that add a sophisticated look to any privacy screen. In spring, it produces white flower clusters, adding seasonal beauty. Fast-growing and dense, Pragnese Viburnum is excellent for creating tall, full screens.

4. Taxus Hicksii (Hicks Yew)

The Taxus Hicksii, or Hicks Yew, is ideal for those seeking a natural screen with deep, green foliage that retains its color all year. Its slow growth makes it a low-maintenance option that can be easily shaped to fit your landscape needs. Taxus Hicksii tolerates pruning, allowing for a tailored, medium-to-tall privacy barrier.

5. Green Giant Arborvitae

One of the best choices for creating a tall, fast-growing privacy screen is the Green Giant Arborvitae. This evergreen can reach impressive heights and forms a thick wall of greenery, ideal for larger properties needing significant coverage. The Green Giant’s rich green foliage remains vibrant year-round and resists disease and pests, making it a solid choice for Cincinnati gardens.

6. Perfecta Upright Juniper

The Perfecta Upright Juniper brings your screen a unique bluish-green color and texture. Its dense growth suits small and large landscapes and thrives in various soil types. Like other junipers, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a versatile, reliable choice for a privacy screen.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Your Landscape Privacy Screen

1. Plan Your Layout: Determine the desired height and width of your screen. For larger plants like Green Giant Arborvitae, space them 5-6 feet apart to allow ample room for growth. Plant them closer together for more compact options, such as the Emerald Green Arborvitae.
2. Soil Preparation: Plant your trees and shrubs in well-draining soil. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to give them a strong start.
3. Consistent Watering: During the first year, keep your privacy screen well-watered, especially in Cincinnati’s hot summer months. Once established, many of these plants will be drought-tolerant.
4. Pruning for Fullness: Plants like the Taxus Hicksii respond well to pruning, allowing you to shape your screen as desired and encouraging a lush, dense appearance.

The Benefits of a Landscape Privacy Screen with Trees and Shrubs from Natorp’s Nursery

A natural privacy screen does more than just block views—it enhances the beauty of your landscape, supports local wildlife, and improves air quality. By selecting trees and shrubs that thrive in Cincinnati’s climate, you’re investing in a lasting, sustainable solution that will grow alongside your home and add significant value to your property.

With over 200 tree varieties grown at Natorp’s Nursery, you can create the perfect privacy screen tailored to your taste and property. Explore Natorp’s selection and consult with their tree experts to find the right mix of plants for your dream privacy screen.

Ready to transform your Cincinnati garden into a private oasis? Shop Natorp’s Nursery Online or in-store in spring and fall, and choose from their impressive selection to start building a beautiful, natural privacy screen today!