Why homeowners look beyond arborvitae
Green Giants may be too large, Emerald Greens may feel too narrow or slow, deer can be a problem, and some homeowners want a less uniform screen.
QUICK ANSWER
What to know first
Arborvitae can be excellent when used correctly. Alternatives make sense when the yard is too small, deer pressure is high, drainage is poor, or a mixed natural screen fits better than a wall of one species.
Alternative can mean a different tree, a mixed screen, or a different layout.
Do not swap arborvitae for a tree that gets even wider unless the site has room.
Winter privacy usually needs evergreen structure, not deciduous ornamental trees alone.
GUIDE
What affects the project
Mixed screens solve different problems
A mixed screen can combine evergreen height, broadleaf texture, shrubs for low gaps, and more natural spacing around HOA, neighbor, or rural property concerns.
Arborvitae still has a place
This is not about avoiding arborvitae. It is about using it where it fits and choosing another approach when width, drainage, deer, or maintenance access make it risky.
DECISION SUPPORT
How to use this guide before planting
Plan for mature width
Spacing should not only solve the first-year gap. The row also needs enough room for mature width, airflow, fence clearance, and future maintenance access.
Match species to the site
Sun, drainage, deer pressure, available depth, and desired height can change whether a narrow arborvitae, a large evergreen, or a mixed screen is the stronger fit.
Measure the whole line
Photos help, but row length, corners, gates, utilities, slopes, and overhead lines determine the practical layout and the number of trees needed.
COMPARE
Planning tables
Alternatives by privacy need
| Need | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Tall privacy | Norway spruce, Eastern red cedar, American holly, Nellie R. Stevens holly |
| Native screen | Eastern red cedar, American holly, mixed native shrubs |
| Road or field buffer | Norway spruce, Eastern red cedar, white pine |
| Narrow side yard | Upright juniper, holly, or Emerald Green arborvitae if still suitable |
| Premium mixed screen | Green Giant, holly, magnolia, viburnum, and spruce |
| Natural farm or estate look | Red cedar, oak, pine, spruce, and native understory shrubs |
ESTIMATE PREP
Arborvitae alternative mistakes to avoid
- Replacing arborvitae with a tree that becomes even wider.
- Using ornamental trees when full evergreen privacy is the goal.
- Planting deciduous-only trees when winter screening matters.
- Choosing a tree without leaving maintenance access.
NEXT STEP
Not sure if arborvitae is the right tree for your yard?
Send us your privacy goal, photos, and rough measurements. We can recommend arborvitae or a better alternative.
NEXT PAGES
Related planting pages
Arborvitae Spacing Guide
Use this when tree count, row length, mature width, or planting distance is the next decision.
Green Giant vs. Emerald Green ArborvitaeReview privacy-screen options, evergreen layout choices, and site constraints before planning a row.
Best Evergreen Trees for Kentucky LandscapesReview privacy-screen options, evergreen layout choices, and site constraints before planning a row.
HOA Privacy Screening GuideReview privacy-screen options, evergreen layout choices, and site constraints before planning a row.
RELATED SERVICES
Planting services to compare
Tree Planting & Installation
Standard shade, ornamental, and property tree installation.
Large Specimen TreesBalled-and-burlapped trees, delivery, access, and equipment logistics.
Evergreen & Privacy TreesArborvitae rows, mixed evergreen screens, and property line privacy.
Shrub & Landscape PlantingFoundation shrubs, garden beds, ornamentals, and curb appeal planting.
Estate & Farm PlantingLarge-property planting for farms, estates, entrances, and acreage.
Commercial & HOA PlantingBusinesses, developments, community entrances, common areas, and buffers.
Nursery Trees & ShrubsPlant material sourcing and selection for installed planting projects.
FAQ
Common Questions
Are arborvitae bad trees?
No. Arborvitae can be excellent privacy trees when the variety, spacing, site, and aftercare fit the property.
Can a mixed screen still look clean?
Yes. A mixed screen can be designed to look intentional while reducing the risk of a single-species row failing.
NEXT STEP
Not sure if arborvitae is the right tree for your yard?
Send us your privacy goal, photos, and rough measurements. We can recommend arborvitae or a better alternative.