Start with available width
Green Giant arborvitae may be too large for a 4 to 6 ft deep bed. The right plant has to leave room for growth, mulch, watering, trimming, and neighbor clearance.
QUICK ANSWER
What to know first
Small yards need mature width planning, not just height planning. A tree that looks right at 6 ft tall can become too wide if the bed, fence, utilities, or neighbor line are tight.
Measure actual planting width before choosing a tree.
Narrow trees often grow slower or need more plants to create full screening.
In tight spaces, privacy may come from layers: small tree, shrub, and fence.
GUIDE
What affects the project
Privacy height matters
Eye-level privacy, patio privacy, and second-story window screening may call for different plant heights and layers.
Tight rows need access
Fence lines, drainage swales, sidewalks, easements, and neighboring property all affect whether a narrow evergreen row will stay manageable.
COMPARE
Planning tables
Small yard privacy options
| Situation | Better options |
|---|---|
| Narrow fence line | Emerald Green arborvitae, upright juniper, Hicks yew, upright holly |
| Small backyard privacy | Emerald Green, holly, compact spruce or juniper, mixed shrubs |
| Partial privacy | Ornamental tree plus evergreen shrubs |
| Patio screen | Hollies, yews, compact evergreens, tall shrubs |
| Neighbor window screening | Upright evergreen plus layered shrubs |
| HOA-friendly screen | Clean, uniform evergreens with planned spacing |
ESTIMATE PREP
Small yard privacy mistakes to avoid
- Using Green Giants in a 4 to 6 ft deep bed.
- Planting directly against a fence.
- Ignoring access for trimming and maintenance.
- Blocking drainage swales.
- Creating neighbor conflicts with overhanging mature growth.
NEXT STEP
Small yards need careful spacing.
Send us the width of the area, photos, and your privacy goal, and we can help decide whether you need arborvitae, hollies, junipers, shrubs, or a mixed layout.
NEXT PAGES
Related planting pages
Emerald Green Arborvitae Spacing Guide
Use this page when the guide matches the project you are planning.
Tree Planting Near Property LinesUse this page when the guide matches the project you are planning.
How Many Privacy Trees Do I Need?Use this page when the guide matches the project you are planning.
Arborvitae Alternatives for Kentucky YardsUse this page when the guide matches the project you are planning.
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 Green Giants good for small yards?
Only when there is enough room for mature width. Many small yards are better suited to narrower evergreens, hollies, yews, junipers, or layered shrubs.
Can shrubs create privacy instead of trees?
Yes. In tight spaces, shrubs and small trees can create useful eye-level privacy without overwhelming the yard.
NEXT STEP
Small yards need careful spacing.
Send us the width of the area, photos, and your privacy goal, and we can help decide whether you need arborvitae, hollies, junipers, shrubs, or a mixed layout.