Best Evergreens For Privacy

September 1st, 2025

Privacy in your yard doesn’t have to come from fences. A well-chosen row of evergreens can give you a living screen that looks beautiful year-round, softens the wind, and creates a sense of peace.

In New Brunswick’s climate (Zone 4–5), evergreens are a reliable choice. Whether you have a big property and need tall hedges, or a small yard where you’d prefer compact plants, there’s an evergreen that can fit your space.

Let’s look at the best evergreens for privacy in New Brunswick, so you can find the perfect one for your yard.

Why Choose Evergreens for Privacy?

Year-round coverage – Unlike deciduous trees, they keep their foliage in winter.

Wind and noise buffer – Great for properties exposed to the elements.

Wildlife-friendly – Many provide shelter for birds.

Natural beauty – Softer, greener, and more inviting than a solid fence.

Best Tall Evergreens for Privacy Screens

If you’re looking for a living fence that grows tall and blocks out neighbors or road noise, these are your best bets:

Emerald Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)

Height: 12–15 ft

Why it’s great: Dense, upright, fast-growing, and classic for hedges.

Perfect for: Lining property edges or creating a formal wall.

White Spruce (Picea glauca) (native)

Height: 40–60 ft (but easily trimmed for hedging)

Why it’s great: Hardy, tough, and native to NB — excellent windbreak tree.

Perfect for: Rural properties and exposed landscapes.

Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Hoopsii’ or ‘Baby Blue’)

Height: 20–50 ft

Why it’s great: Stunning blue needles, very hardy, adds ornamental value.

Perfect for: Large backyards where beauty and privacy both matter.

Honorable mentions: Green Giant Cedar (fast grower, great hedge), Serbian Spruce (elegant and narrow), Canadian Hemlock (soft texture, tolerates shade).

Best Medium-Sized Evergreens for Mixed Plantings

For privacy without overwhelming your yard, these medium evergreens provide structure and coverage while blending well with shrubs and perennials.

Brandon Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Brandon’)

Height: 10–12 ft

Why it’s great: Narrow, tidy shape — perfect for smaller yards or mixed screens.

Perfect for: Urban gardens where space is limited.

Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) (native)

Height: 10–15 ft in gardens (can be taller in wild)

Why it’s great: Graceful, soft needles, thrives in partial shade.

Perfect for: Woodland gardens or shadier spots.

Blue Arrow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’)

Height: 12–15 ft, very narrow

Why it’s great: Striking blue foliage, vertical form, low-maintenance.

Perfect for: Modern, narrow hedges or accent plantings.

Honorable mentions: Serbian Spruce (slender and graceful), North Pole Arborvitae (skinny and hardy), Mountbatten Juniper (tough and wind-resistant).

Best Compact Evergreens for Tight Spaces

Not every yard needs a tall hedge! For front yards, foundation planting, or small backyards, these compact choices add greenery and privacy without taking over.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) (native cultivar)

Height: 6–8 ft

Why it’s great: Dense, slow-growing, perfectly conical — low maintenance.

Perfect for: Entryways, patios, or small gardens.

Danica Dwarf Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’)

Height: 2–3 ft

Why it’s great: Cute, rounded shape, stays small, great texture.

Perfect for: Borders, foundation beds, or rock gardens.

Mr. Bowling Ball Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

Height: 2–3 ft

Why it’s great: Unique globe shape, fine soft foliage, very low-care.

Perfect for: Decorative privacy near walkways or patios.

Honorable mentions: Little Giant Globe Cedar (round and reliable), Golden Mop Cypress (bright chartreuse color), Blue Star Juniper (compact and hardy).

Choosing the Right Evergreen for Your Space

When picking your privacy plants, think about:

Height & width needed – Don’t overcrowd! Plan for mature size.

Sunlight – Cedars love sun; Hemlock tolerates shade.

Soil – Most prefer well-drained soil; amend clay-heavy ground.

Maintenance – Spruce and fir are low-maintenance, while cedars benefit from trimming.

Planting & Care Tips for Success

To keep your evergreen privacy screen looking great:

Spacing matters – Plant cedars 2–3 ft apart for a dense hedge. Larger trees like spruces need more breathing room (8–12 ft).

Water well the first year – Deep soak weekly until established.

Mulch around the base – Helps with moisture and weed control.

Prune lightly – Trim cedars yearly to keep shape. Avoid cutting into old wood.

Protect from deer – Many evergreens (like cedars) are deer favorites — consider netting or repellents if needed.

Creating privacy with evergreens is more than just blocking out the neighbors — it’s about building a living landscape that thrives year-round. Whether you need a towering wall of Emerald Cedars, a graceful screen of Brandon Cedars, or compact charm from a Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Scott’s Nursery has a wide selection that’s perfect for New Brunswick gardens.

Visit us in Lincoln, NB to explore our full evergreen collection and find the plants that will transform your space into a private retreat.

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