Privacy screens are one of the most common requests we receive. With backyards becoming smaller and road traffic increasing, many homeowners are left feeling more exposed than ever. Everyone wants that sense of solitude at home, but it can be difficult when you’re looking straight into a neighbor’s window. **Privacy screens and living walls** offer an attractive solution, creating a personal oasis in your backyard while helping you disconnect from the busy world around you. --- ## Where to Start: Key Planning Questions ### What trees are recommended for privacy screens in North Texas? - Eagleston Holly – Grows to **20’H × 14’W** - Eastern Red Cedar – Grows to **25’H × 20’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Brodie’ – Grows to **25’H × 12’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Burkii’ – Grows to **25’H × 20’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylor’ – Grows to **30’H × 4’W** - Little Gem Magnolia – Grows to **20’H × 14’W** - Nellie R. Stevens Holly – Grows to **20’H × 14’W** - Oakland Holly – Grows to **16’H × 7’W** --- ## Spacing Guidelines **Most customers** space trees **6–8 ft (trunk to trunk)**. Exception: **Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylor’** matures to **~4 ft wide** — plant **~3–3.5 ft apart** for a solid screen. - For a **windowing effect**: increase spacing. - For **immediate privacy**: decrease spacing. - Large varieties (up to **20 ft wide**) offer flexibility: tighter spacing for faster coverage; wider spacing if your timeline isn’t urgent. --- ## How Far from a Fence or Retaining Wall? Many people plant right against the fence, but **leave some room when possible**: - Large properties: allow **extra clearance** for fence maintenance. - Small yards: aim for **~2–3.5 ft** off the fence (enough for pruning and access). - Narrow corridors (e.g., pool–fence): **center the trees** in the available space—**avoid utility lines**. > **Important:** We must stay **18 inches** away from any **TX811 utility markings** before digging (measured from the **outside edge** of the planting hole). --- ## How Much Space Do the Planting Holes Need? Below is a quick reference for **container vs. hole size**. (Exact specs vary by inventory and site conditions.) > Always verify **site access** (gates, corners, slopes) for larger sizes. --- ## Best Trees by Scenario ### Large Yards (½ Acre or More) With plenty of space, you can enjoy nearly all evergreen options. Focus on style, your favorites, and spacing. - Eagleston Holly (full to ground or tree form) — **20’H × 14’W** - Eastern Red Cedar — **25’H × 20’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Brodie’ — **25’H × 12’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Burkii’ — **25’H × 20’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylor’ — **30’H × 4’W** - Little Gem Magnolia — **20’H × 14’W** - Nellie R. Stevens Holly — **20’H × 14’W** - Oakland Holly — **16’H × 7’W** ### Small Yards Prioritize narrower or well-behaved forms. - Eagleston Holly (full to ground or tree form) — **20’H × 14’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Brodie’ — **25’H × 12’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylor’ — **30’H × 4’W** - Little Gem Magnolia — **20’H × 14’W** - Nellie R. Stevens Holly — **20’H × 14’W** - Oakland Holly — **16’H × 7’W** ### Narrow Spaces (Between Pools & Fences) - Eagleston Holly (**tree form**) — **20’H × 14’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylor’ — **30’H × 4’W** ### Wrought Iron Fences Choose varieties that **screen low** (full-to-ground) or develop dense branching. - Eagleston Holly (**full to ground**) — **20’H × 14’W** - Eastern Red Cedar — **25’H × 20’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Brodie’ — **25’H × 12’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Burkii’ — **25’H × 20’W** - Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylor’ — **30’H × 4’W** - Little Gem Magnolia — **20’H × 14’W** - Nellie R. Stevens Holly — **20’H × 14’W** - Oakland Holly — **16’H × 7’W** --- ## Inspiration Gallery ### Screens installed on a small property ### Screens installed on a **large property** ### Screens installed in a **narrow space** ### Screens installed in a **straight line** ### Screens installed in a **window formation** ### Screens installed using **varying spacing** ### Screens created with **berms** > _Note: Berms must be in place **before** installation._ ### Before & After Transformations A few fun before/after sequences to show the difference **growth and a new screen** can make. --- ## Wrap-Up & How We Can Help Congrats, you made it to the end! I hope this blog was helpful in your planning of the perfect privacy screen. I tried to include some common questions along with my favorite tips. At Treeland Nursery, we’ve completed **thousands of privacy screen installs across DFW** and we’re here to help you with any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out the office by emailing us at sales@treelandnursery.com and make sure to view our tree inventory and our many photo galleries. — **Denise**

Tree Comparisons

Container VS. Dug

Italian Cypress vs. Taylor Juniper

Tree Comparisons

Container VS. Dug

Italian Cypress vs. Taylor Juniper