Narrow privacy trees
When landscaping a townhome, side yard, or patio, you must select trees that stay narrow. The Emerald Green arborvitae naturally stops at 3-4 feet wide, making it a perfect small yard privacy screen.
QUICK ANSWER
What to know first
The best privacy trees for small yards are narrow privacy trees like the Emerald Green arborvitae, Taylor Juniper, or Sky Pencil Holly. These compact evergreen trees offer screening without overwhelming tight spaces.
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
Avoid outgrowing the space
A common mistake in privacy trees for tight spaces is planting a Green Giant arborvitae or large pine. They look small at the nursery but will quickly swallow a small patio and push against fences.
Columnar and compact evergreen trees
Columnar evergreens like the Taylor Juniper or Slender Hinoki Cypress offer strong vertical architecture and excellent privacy without sacrificing valuable square footage in your yard.
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
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 when tree count, row length, mature width, or planting distance is the next decision.
Tree Planting Near Property LinesContinue with the page that best matches the planting decision, site constraint, or service type you are comparing.
How Many Privacy Trees Do I Need?Use this when tree count, row length, mature width, or planting distance is the next decision.
Arborvitae Alternatives for Kentucky YardsReview 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 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.