Avoid These 7 Trees for Secure Privacy Barriers:
Creating privacy in your yard can be a breeze, but watch out for these tree options that might cause more trouble than they're worth. Here are some trees you should steer clear of if you're aiming for a secluded space.
Laura Irish-Hanson, extension horticulture educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, gives us the lowdown.
Fast-Growing Fruit Trees to Avoid
Italian Cypress
These trees' elegant column-like shape can add some sophistication to your yard, but it may not be worth the risk if you live in fire-prone areas. They're messy and highly flammable due to their dense canopy that holds on to dead leaves.
Maple Trees
These trees are lovely for their fall color, but they won't provide privacy year-round as they lose their leaves.
Ironwood
While ironwood thrives in coastal areas, it can quickly spread and ruin the rest of your yard if it's not kept in check. It's often used as a windbreak screen due to its fast growth, but it's considered invasive.
Hedge Plants to Avoid
Bald Cypress
This tree may seem like the perfect privacy solution, but it sheds its needles in the winter, leaving gaps in your screen that weren't there before.
Indian Laurel Fig
These trees need ample space to grow and prune properly, and they have an aggressive root system that can damage infrastructure.
Bamboo
Bamboo may seem like a quick solution for privacy, but it can cause serious structural damage if not kept in check, and it's not suitable for smaller spaces.
Leyland Cypress
This tree was bred to be a privacy barrier tree, but it still has issues with diseases, such as blights, cankers, and root rots. It also requires a wide space to grow.
Other Plants to Steer Clear Of
Eastern Red Cedar
These trees are highly flammable and can spread quickly in optimal conditions.
Running Bamboo
Running bamboo is highly invasive and causes significant structural damage with its aggressive root system.
English Ivy
This plant climbs and damages trees, outcompeting native plants, and can cause structural damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Lesser Celandine
While not a tree, it's often used as a ground cover and can be problematic in shaded areas.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees are known for their high flammability due to their volatile oils, and some species have aggressive root systems that can cause structural damage.
Willows
Willows have aggressive root systems that can cause significant structural damage to buildings and infrastructure. They grow quickly, so if not regularly pruned, they may become maintenance headaches.
Instead, consider using low-maintenance, non-invasive, and stable-growth trees such as Green Giant Arborvitae, Skip Laurel, and Eastern Hemlock. These trees offer effective privacy without the drawbacks of invasive or highly flammable species.
Martha Stewart suggests avoiding the use of Hesperotropsis, specifically the Italian Cypress and Leyland Cypress, for landscaping in your garden due to their potential issues. The Italian Cypress is highly flammable and messy, while the Leyland Cypress can suffer diseases such as blights, cankers, and root rots.
Moreover, certain hedge plants like Bald Cypress and Indian Laurel Fig should be avoided because they shed excessively or have an aggressive root system that can damage infrastructure. Additionally, steer clear of running bamboo, English Ivy, Lesser Celandine, Eucalyptus, and Willows as they can lead to structural damage or aggressive growth habits.
It is recommended to opt for low-maintenance, non-invasive, and stable-growth trees like Green Giant Arborvitae, Skip Laurel, and Eastern Hemlock for creating privacy layouts in your yard that offer effective screening without the drawbacks of invasive species or high flammability.
