Beautiful Privacy Trees for Your Home

Creating a private and peaceful outdoor space is something many homeowners dream about. Whether you want to block out a neighbor’s view, soften a fence line, or add year-round greenery, selecting the right privacy trees or bushes is essential. In this post, I’ll walk you through my thought process in choosing Eagleston Hollies for my yard, along with key factors to consider when planting privacy hedges.

Why I Chose Eagleston Hollies for Privacy

I wanted to add privacy to my yard, specifically around a window that faces outward. While it wasn’t a major issue, I knew that over time, having a natural screen would be beneficial for me and future homeowners. After researching different privacy trees, I landed on Eagleston Hollies, a hybrid between the Dahoon Holly and the American Holly.

Here’s why they stood out:

Evergreen – Provides year-round privacy.
Grows 15–20 feet tall & 10–15 feet wide – Perfect for creating a natural hedge.
Tolerates various soil types – Works well in sandy or clay soil.
Produces white flowers in spring & red berries in winter – Adds beauty to the landscape.
Less prickly than traditional hollies – Safe for brushing up against.
Low maintenance & slow-growing – Grows about 10–12 inches per year, making it manageable.

How to Choose the Right Privacy Trees or Bushes

When selecting trees or bushes for privacy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Evergreen vs. Deciduous – Evergreen trees like Eagleston Hollies provide privacy all year, while deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter.
Mature Height & Width – Consider how tall and wide the trees will grow at full maturity to avoid overcrowding.
Growth Rate – Fast-growing trees like Thuja Green Giants provide quicker coverage, while slow growers like Hollies take longer but are more manageable.
Soil & Sunlight Needs – Some trees thrive in sandy soil (like mine), while others need rich, well-draining soil.
Pruning & Maintenance – Consider how much upkeep the trees require.
Aesthetic Appeal – Choose trees that complement your overall landscape design.

Spacing & Planting Eagleston Hollies for Privacy

To achieve a natural hedge effect, I spaced my trees 6 feet apart from center to center. This allows them to grow together over time while maintaining their pyramidal shape. If you’re planting your own privacy screen, always check the mature width and adjust spacing accordingly.

Planting Tips:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself.
Avoid planting too deep – The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
Score the roots to encourage outward growth.
Water while backfilling to eliminate air pockets.
Use a root starter to promote healthy establishment.

Companion Plants & Underplanting Ideas

I didn’t want my privacy screen to be a solid green mass—I wanted variety! That’s why I’m planning to underplant my hollies with:

Dwarf Hydrangeas (such as Bobo or Little Limelight)
Azaleas for seasonal color
Other evergreen shrubs to maintain year-round interest

When selecting underplantings, consider:

Sunlight exposure
Growth habits (so they don’t compete for space)
Seasonal blooms to add variety

Other Privacy Tree Options

If Eagleston Hollies aren’t right for your space, here are some other great privacy trees:

Tree	Growth Rate	Mature Height	Key Features
Thuja Green Giant	Fast	30–50 ft	Dense, tall, deer-resistant
Leyland Cypress	Fast	40–60 ft	Great windbreak, grows fast
Japanese Yew	Slow	10–30 ft	Shade-tolerant, deep green foliage
Southern Magnolia	Slow-Medium	40–80 ft	Large, fragrant flowers
Loquat Tree	Medium	15–25 ft	Evergreen with edible fruit

My Final Thoughts

Patience is key when planting privacy trees! A good rule of thumb in gardening is:

Year 1: Sleep | Year 2: Creep | Year 3: Leap

This means that the first year, your trees are settling in, the second year they start slow growth, and by the third year, they begin filling in beautifully. My Eagleston Hollies will take a few years to fully create the privacy I envision, but I know it’ll be worth it!

What are you using for privacy in your garden? Let me know in the comments below!

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