Tou want to block out the neighbor’s windows, cut down the street noise, or just feel a little more tucked away in your own yard.
But here’s the catch: you don’t have much room to spare.
That’s exactly where tall, skinny privacy trees come to the rescue. These guys shoot up like green rockets but keep a slim figure, which means you get all the seclusion without eating up half your lawn.
Whether you’re looking for fast-growing cover, something low-maintenance, or just a tree that looks amazing year-round.
Let’s walk through the best options I’ve personally loved (or learned the hard way to avoid).
Table of Contents
1. Italian Cypress
I absolutely love how elegant these trees look. When I planted a row along our driveway, it instantly added this upscale, Mediterranean vibe.
They grow super tall and stay so skinny, it’s like the runway model of privacy trees. Perfect if you want a dramatic vertical look without hogging space.
And they’re low maintenance too, just make sure they get full sun and good drainage.
- Grows up to 60–70 ft tall
- Stays narrow at just 3–5 ft wide
- Fast-growing and drought-tolerant
- Ideal for driveways, property lines, or as statement pieces
2. Sky Pencil Holly
These are seriously the neat freaks of the plant world.
They grow perfectly straight like green pencils and look adorable in planters or tight spots.
I have two flanking my porch steps, and they frame the entrance beautifully without crowding it. They don’t grow crazy fast, which I actually like, less trimming!
- Reaches 8–10 ft tall but only 2 ft wide
- Perfect for container gardens or tight spaces
- Evergreen leaves add year-round structure
- Low maintenance and pest-resistant
3. Eastern Red Cedar
This tree is a beast, in a good way. I planted one by the back fence, and it went from “cute sapling” to “forest guardian” in like two summers.
It’s super tough, survives both drought and snow, and creates the thickest screen once mature. If you want instant forest vibes and privacy that’s basically bulletproof, this is it.
- Grows up to 50 ft tall
- Wider than some others (8–12 ft) but very dense
- Great for windy areas and rustic landscapes
- Attracts birds and wildlife with its berries
4. Arborvitae ‘Emerald Green’
These are my go-to when someone says, “I want privacy but not a jungle.” They’re tidy, bright green, and hold their color beautifully even in winter.
I planted six of them about three feet apart, and within a couple years, boom, a perfect green wall. They’re super popular for a reason.
- Tops out at 12–15 ft
- Stays compact at 3–4 ft wide
- Works well for narrow hedging
- Great for fences, patios, and suburban yards
5. Leyland Cypress
If you’re in a rush for privacy, this is your MVP. I remember checking on mine every few weeks and actually seeing noticeable growth, like they were in turbo mode.
They get huge fast, so give them room. They’re beautiful but will definitely dominate if you plant them too close to walkways or patios.
- Skyrockets up to 60–70 ft tall
- Spreads to about 10 ft if untrimmed
- Perfect for large yards and instant screening
- Needs regular spacing and trimming
6. Spartan Juniper
Spartan Junipers are the chill cousins in your tree family. I love that they stay dense and upright without me fussing over them every month.
They do especially well in hot, dry spots, no dramatic wilting or begging for water. Plus, they have this classy shape that looks great along walkways.
- Grows around 15 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide
- Tolerates drought and full sun
- Great for modern or minimalist gardens
- Stays neat without heavy pruning
7. Nellie R. Stevens Holly
This tree gives you privacy and a little holiday cheer with its red berries. I planted a couple behind our patio, and they’ve grown into these gorgeous, full green towers.
The birds love them, and so do I, especially when the rest of the garden looks dead in winter. They’re fast growers and super reliable.
- Reaches up to 25 ft tall
- Spreads about 10 ft, but can be pruned
- Evergreen with glossy leaves and red berries
- Can be shaped or left to grow naturally
8. Blue Arrow Juniper
This one is seriously underrated. The silvery-blue color is what hooked me, it’s such a nice contrast to all the typical greens in the yard.
I tucked one into a narrow corner near the shed, and it turned the whole space into a feature. Super upright and doesn’t ask for much. Great for color and height in tight spaces.
- Grows 12–15 ft tall and stays 2–3 ft wide
- Ideal for accenting small spots or adding color
- Minimal pruning needed
- Looks great against light-colored walls
9. Brodie Eastern Red Cedar
Brodie is like the Eastern Red Cedar’s sleeker sibling. It’s got the same ruggedness but keeps a slimmer profile.
I planted a few behind our hot tub, and now it feels like we’ve got a private spa retreat. They grow quickly, stay evergreen, and handle both heat and cold like champs.
- Grows up to 35 ft tall
- Stays around 6–8 ft wide
- Thinner than standard Red Cedars
- Excellent for fast, slim privacy screens
10. Japanese Blueberry Tree (Upright Form)
If you want something lush, polished, and just a little fancy, this is your tree. The upright form grows like a privacy column and holds onto its glossy leaves all year.
I’ve seen them used in higher-end landscaping and they never disappoint. Just be sure you’re in the right zone for them.
- Grows 20–30 ft tall and 5–10 ft wide
- Best for warmer zones (8–11)
- Gorgeous shiny leaves and minimal litter
- Great for elegant, evergreen privacy
11. Pencil Point Juniper
This little guy is perfect when you’ve got next to no space. I use one right near our mailbox, and it adds vertical interest without blocking anything.
It stays super narrow and upright, almost like it’s been professionally shaped. You can even put them in pots on the patio for year-round height.
- Stays ultra-slim at just 1 ft wide
- Tops out around 7–10 ft tall
- Best for tight spaces, pots, or narrow beds
- Needs full sun and well-drained soil
Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Privacy Trees
Let’s be real—we all mess up a bit when gardening. But here are a few mistakes I learned (sometimes the hard way) that you should definitely avoid:
- Planting too close together: It might look good now, but in 2 years, they’ll be competing for space and airflow.
- Ignoring sun/shade needs: Some trees love full sun, others prefer partial shade. Match the tree to your yard conditions.
- Skipping soil prep: You can’t just dig and drop. Loosen up the soil, add compost, and ensure drainage.
- Forgetting about root spread: Even skinny trees need healthy roots, so don’t plant right up against walls or driveways.
- Neglecting trimming: Some fast growers get wild if you don’t shape them every so often.
Wrapping It Up
You don’t need a sprawling estate to create a private oasis. With the right tall, narrow privacy trees, even the tiniest side yard can feel secluded and serene.
Whether you’re looking for a quick-growing green screen or a classy evergreen backdrop, there’s something here that fits your space and style.
Just pick your faves, grab a shovel, and let your backyard transformation begin.
