If you’re itching to boost your home’s curb appeal and add a bit of seclusion and color to your backyard, planting trees along your fence line might just be the perfect project for you.
Whether you’re after tall, thin trees to line your fences or chunky green giants to block nosy neighbors, there’s a bunch of options that not only serve a purpose but also look fab.
Choosing the right trees for the job can be a bit daunting, especially with so many choices at garden centers and nurseries. But don’t fret, we’ve got your back! Let’s dive into some of our top tree recommendations to help turn your fence line into a leafy paradise.
The Ultimate Fence Line Tree List
Here are some top-notch tree picks to ramp up privacy along your fence line:
Eastern Redcedar
A sturdy champ against wind, drought, heat, and cold, the Eastern Redcedar is great if you live near roads, driveways, or sidewalks due to its adaptability. Plus, it’s a fan of soaking up the sun.
- Height: Grows 40 to 50 feet tall and 8 to 20 feet wide.
- Growing Zones: Loves zones 2 to 9.
Rocky Mountain Juniper
A west coast native, this tree flaunts dark green to blue-green foliage and doesn’t mind a bit of shade. Perfect for creating both single and multiple windbreaks.
- Height: Gets to 20 to 30 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.
- Growing Zones: Thrives in zones 4 to 9.
Arborvitae Thuja
A hit for windbreaks, this tree changes from bright green in summer to a darker shade in winter. A lover of full sun, it’s great for creating hedges or screens.
- Height: Sprouts up to 40 to 60 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.
- Growing Zones: Grows well in zones 3 to 7.
Italian Cypress
A towering evergreen, this beauty is super drought-resistant and loves dry conditions. Makes a stylish vertical addition to your fence line, but best avoid it if you live somewhere really wet.
- Height: Soars to 60 to 80 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.
- Growing Zones: Prefers zones 7 to 10.
Colorado Blue Spruce
This stunner adds a blue-green touch to your yard. It loves full sun, adapts to different soils, and is super wind-resistant.
- Height: Reaches 50 to 75 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide.
- Growing Zones: Does well in zones 2 to 7.
Norway Spruce
A pyramid-shaped tree that’s great for windbreaks and appreciated by local songbirds. As long as it has full sun, it’s happy.
- Height: Grows to 40 to 60 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet wide.
- Growing Zones: Loves zones 3 to 7.
Spice Up Your Fence Line with Colorful Perennials
Adding perennials to your tree mix can bring even more depth and color to your fence line, making it even more eye-catching. Let’s look at a couple of gorgeous options.
Forsythia
This hardy, low-maintenance shrub is like a springtime explosion of golden color. A favorite of bees and butterflies, it’s a fab addition to your fence line.
- Bloom Time: Lights up spring with its vibrant yellow flowers.
- Height: Depending on the variety, can grow 2 to 10 feet tall and wide.
- Growing Zones: Happy in zones 5 to 8.
Red Twig Dogwood
For year-round color, the Red Twig Dogwood’s got you covered. Its green stems turn red in autumn, and its creamy, white flowers morph into white berries by the end of summer. Brightest bark is when planted in full sun.
- Height: Typically reaches 8 feet tall and wide.
- Growing Zones: Thrives in zones 2 to 8.
Wrapping Up
Picking the perfect trees and shrubs for your fence line is key to crafting a gorgeous, private, and colorful yard. By understanding what makes these trees and perennials tick, you can create a border that’s not only practical but also pretty stunning. Whether you’re after a windbreak, a privacy shield, or a burst of color, there’s a perfect tree or shrub for every fence line.
Put some time into finding the right greenery for your fence line, and you’ll be rewarded with a lively and inviting backyard space you can enjoy for years to come.