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.)
| Container Size | Typical Root Ball Ø | Suggested Hole Width (Ø) | Suggested Hole Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–30 Gallon | 16–22 in | 24–36 in | Root ball height |
| 45–65 Gallon | 24–28 in | 36–42 in | Root ball height |
| 100+ Gallon | 30–36 in | 42–54 in | Root ball height |
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
Tree Form Eagleston Hollies
Eastern Red Cedar ‘Brodies’
Tree Form Eagleston Hollies
Tree Form Eagleston Hollies
Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylors’
Eastern Red Cedar ‘Taylors’
Tree Form Eagleston Hollies
Another view of the plants
Screens installed on a large property
Privacy Screen Large Property
Eastern Red Cedar
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Eastern Red Cedar ‘Burkii’
Screens installed in a narrow space
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Screens installed in a straight line
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Screens installed in a window formation
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Screens installed using varying spacing
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Screens created with berms
Note: Berms must be in place before installation.
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Before & After Transformations
A few fun before/after sequences to show the difference growth and a new screen can make.
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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
Treeland Nursery Team
Expert gardeners and tree care specialists
