Do you dream of having a backyard where you can relax and unwind without prying eyes? A privacy tree might be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Fast-growing privacy trees not only provide privacy but also add aesthetic value to your outdoor space. These trees can grow up to several centimetres each year and quickly reach their mature height, giving you the privacy you need in no time. They can also provide shade, reduce noise, and protect your garden from the wind.
What Makes a Good Privacy Tree?
A good privacy tree should meet several criteria to ensure that it provides the desired privacy while being easy to maintain. Here are the qualities that make a good privacy tree:
- Easy to maintain
One of the most important characteristics of a good privacy tree is low maintenance. You don’t want to spend all your free time pruning or cleaning up after your tree. A tree that is low maintenance can save you time and effort while still providing the privacy you need.
- Evergreen
Another essential characteristic of a good privacy tree is that it is evergreen. Evergreen privacy trees provide privacy in any season during winter. Because their leaves don’t fall, they create a natural privacy screen for your home anytime.
- Taller than eye level
A good privacy tree should grow taller than eye level, ensuring that it serves as a functional barrier between your property and the outside world. A tree that grows tall enough to block any unwanted views is crucial for creating a peaceful and private outdoor space.
- Needs less area to grow
For a privacy tree to be considered effective, it should be able to thrive in a relatively small area and withstand being planted closely together. Small privacy trees with these characteristics will work better when planted near each other.
- Grows fast
A fast-growing privacy tree is highly recommended. You don’t want to wait years for your tree to grow tall enough to do its job. Find a tree variety that can quickly reach its mature height, providing the privacy you need in no time.
Things to Consider for Your Privacy Tree
Before you rush to the nursery, there are a few things to consider when finding the right tree for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the best privacy tree.
- Outdoor space
The first thing you need to consider is the size of your outdoor space. It’s not a good idea to overcrowd your space and hamper the growth of trees, but large gaps between trees can defeat the purpose of creating a privacy screen in the first place.
- Sunlight needs
Consider the amount of sunlight your outdoor space receives. Some trees thrive in full sun, while other plant species prefer partial shade. Choose a tree that will thrive in the amount of sunlight your space receives.
- Soil requirements
Different trees have different soil requirements. Some trees prefer well-draining soil, while others do better in moist soil. Make sure to choose a tree compatible with the soil type in your landscape.
- Amount of privacy
Consider how much privacy you need. Do you want a dense wall of trees that blocks all views, or are you looking for a more open and airy feel? The amount of privacy you need will influence the type and number of trees you grow.
- Maintenance requirements
You also have to consider the maintenance requirements of your tree options. Some trees require more pruning and regular trimming to prevent them from growing in the wrong direction. If you don’t have the time, make sure you choose a low-maintenance tree.
The Best Fast-Growing Privacy Trees
Now that you know what factors to consider, let’s look at some of the best privacy trees and their specific needs.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae
With its vibrant green foliage and fast growth rate, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is one of the best fast-growing privacy trees. This tree can reach heights of up to 4.5 meters and spans 90 to 120 centimetres in width. It thrives in full sun and nutrient-rich soil and is evergreen. Once established, it requires low maintenance, so you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about frequent care.
- Thuja Green Giant
With an impressive growth rate of 90 to 120 centimetres per year, the Thuja Green Giant is a stunning evergreen that can soar up to 15 metres tall and span 4.5 metres in width. It thrives in full sun and moist soil and is also an ideal choice for a deer-resistant privacy tree.
- Leyland Cypress
With a growth rate of up to 120 centimetres per year, these trees are one of the fastest-growing privacy trees and can soar up to towering heights of 21 meters with a width of 7 meters. They’re adaptable to various soil types, from sandy areas to heavy clay soils.
- Bald Cypress
The Bald Cypress is a winner in wet environments. It grows at an impressive rate of 45 to 60 centimetres per year, soaring to 30 meters tall and spreading its branches to 12 meters wide. This water-loving tree doesn’t mind getting its roots wet, making it the perfect match for marshy or boggy areas.
- Hybrid Poplar
The Canadian poplar is a deciduous tree that grows like lightning, up to 2.5 metres per year. With a width of up to 9 metres and a towering height of 15, this can block anything at eye level. It craves the limelight of full sun and well-draining soil. Plant it as your privacy guard, and watch it quickly cover your property from prying eyes.
- Silver Maple
The Silver Maple, with its shimmering dark-grey bark and breathtaking autumn foliage, is a tree that commands attention. Growing at a rate of 30 to 60 centimetres annually, this deciduous tree can stretch up to 30 metres tall and span 21 metres wide. The Silver Maple prefers moist soil and can adapt to various soil conditions.
Choosing the right privacy tree for your Ontario property can be daunting, but considering important factors like soil requirements and maintenance needs, you can better decide what trees to get for your home. If you need help with tree moving in Toronto, we can assist you in transporting the tree to your desired location. Create the best protection from prying eyes with the privacy trees for sale at Caledon Treeland. Call us now at (905) 880-1828 or email us at treeland@treeland.ca.