Choosing the best plants to block neighbors view can give your yard more privacy while also improving its appearance. Instead of relying entirely on fences, walls, or screens, plants can create a natural living barrier that softens property boundaries and adds greenery, flowers, texture, and seasonal interest.

The right privacy plant depends on how quickly you need coverage, how tall the screen needs to become, how much sunlight the area receives, and how much maintenance you are willing to provide. Evergreen shrubs and trees are particularly useful because they provide foliage for much of the year, while fast-growing plants can establish screening relatively quickly.

When selecting plants to block a neighbors view, it is also important to consider the mature size of each plant. A species that looks small at a garden center can eventually become too wide or too tall for a narrow boundary. Choosing a plant that naturally fits the available space can reduce excessive pruning and future maintenance.

This guide reviews 15 of the best plants to block neighbors view, including evergreen shrubs, screening trees, hedges, climbers, and fast-growing options. Each choice is considered for privacy, growth habit, appearance, maintenance, and suitability for creating a natural screen.

15 Best Plants To Block Neighbors View

1. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) – Best Overall Plant To Block Neighbors View

Arborvitae is one of the best plants to block neighbors view because it develops dense evergreen foliage that can form an effective living privacy wall. Its naturally narrow, upright growth also makes many cultivars suitable for boundaries where horizontal space is limited.

Once established, arborvitae can provide year-round screening while requiring less trimming than some formal hedge plants. Different cultivars have different mature heights and widths, so choosing a variety that matches the available space is important.

Plant arborvitae in well-drained soil and provide adequate moisture while it establishes. Regular watering during dry periods can help maintain dense foliage and healthy growth.

Pros:

• Evergreen privacy screen
• Dense foliage
• Upright growth
• Several sizes available
• Excellent year-round screening
• Attractive green foliage
• Good hedge plant

Cons:

• Can become large
• Needs adequate spacing
• May require trimming

2. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) – Best Fast-Growing Privacy Tree

Leyland Cypress is a popular choice when you need fast-growing plants to block neighbors view. It can grow rapidly under favorable conditions and develops dense evergreen foliage that creates substantial screening.

The tall, narrow form makes Leyland Cypress particularly useful for larger properties where a high privacy screen is required. Its fast growth can provide privacy more quickly than many slower-growing evergreen trees.

Because it can eventually become very large, proper spacing and regular management are essential. Avoid planting it too close to buildings, narrow paths, or property boundaries where its mature size could become difficult to manage.

Pros:

• Very fast growth
• Evergreen foliage
• Excellent tall screen
• Dense branching
• Good wind screening
• Creates privacy quickly
• Suitable for large yards

Cons:

• Can become extremely large
• Requires regular management
• Not ideal for tiny yards

3. Privet (Ligustrum) – Best Hedge Plant To Block Neighbors View

Privet is one of the most traditional privacy hedge plants because it responds well to pruning and can be maintained at a controlled height. Its dense branching creates an effective visual barrier when several plants are grown together.

Depending on the species and climate, privet can be evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous. Its adaptability makes it useful for formal hedges, boundary screens, and garden partitions.

Trim privet regularly if you want a neat formal hedge. Allowing it to grow naturally creates a looser screen with a more informal appearance.

Pros:

• Excellent hedge plant
• Tolerates pruning
• Dense branching
• Fast establishment
• Can be shaped easily
• Suitable for boundaries
• Several species available

Cons:

• Needs regular trimming
• Some species can spread aggressively
• Flowers can attract insects

4. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) – Best Evergreen Privacy Hedge

Cherry Laurel is an excellent evergreen shrub for blocking a neighbors view because its large glossy leaves form a thick screen. It is especially useful when you want privacy throughout the year rather than only during the growing season.

Cherry Laurel can be grown as a hedge or allowed to develop into a larger screening shrub. Its broad leaves create strong visual coverage and can also reduce the sense of exposure in a garden.

Prune after the main growth flush if necessary, using sharp tools to maintain a clean appearance. Give plants enough room to reach their mature width rather than placing them too closely together.

Pros:

• Evergreen foliage
• Dense privacy screen
• Large glossy leaves
• Good hedge plant
• Tolerates pruning
• Year-round screening
• Good for boundaries

Cons:

• Can become large
• Needs regular management
• Some parts are toxic if eaten

5. Bamboo – Best Fast-Growing Plant For Blocking Neighbors View

Bamboo can create a tall privacy screen relatively quickly, making it one of the most useful fast-growing plants to block neighbors view. Its upright stems and dense foliage can provide both height and visual separation.

Clumping bamboo is generally easier to manage in a residential garden than running bamboo because it expands more slowly from the original planting area. Choosing the right type is therefore important before planting.

Grow bamboo in an appropriate location with sufficient moisture and sunlight for the selected species. Container growing or root barriers can also help manage spreading varieties where appropriate.

Pros:

• Fast-growing screen
• Excellent height
• Attractive foliage
• Provides strong visual privacy
• Good for modern gardens
• Several species available
• Can screen tall structures

Cons:

• Some types spread aggressively
• Requires careful species selection
• May need containment

6. Photinia (Photinia × fraseri) – Best Colorful Privacy Hedge

Photinia is an attractive choice when you want plants to block neighbors view while also adding colorful foliage. New growth on many common cultivars emerges bright red before gradually becoming green.

The dense branching habit makes photinia useful as a hedge or informal screen. Regular trimming can encourage fresh growth and help maintain a dense structure.

Plant photinia in a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Good air circulation is useful because dense hedges can be more susceptible to foliar disease when conditions are crowded and humid.

Pros:

• Colorful red new growth
• Evergreen foliage
• Good privacy hedge
• Tolerates pruning
• Attractive year-round structure
• Fast establishment
• Works in formal gardens

Cons:

• Requires regular trimming
• Can develop fungal leaf problems
• Needs adequate spacing

7. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) – Best Broadleaf Evergreen Privacy Plant

Japanese Privet is a strong candidate for plants to block neighbors view because it develops dense evergreen foliage and responds well to pruning. Its broad leaves provide substantial visual coverage along property boundaries.

The shrub can be maintained as a medium-height hedge or allowed to become a larger screening plant. Its glossy foliage gives the planting a polished appearance when regularly maintained.

Choose a location with good drainage and provide adequate water during establishment. Prune the hedge to the desired height and width without removing excessive foliage at one time.

Pros:

• Evergreen foliage
• Dense growth
• Excellent screening ability
• Tolerates pruning
• Glossy leaves
• Suitable for hedges
• Good boundary plant

Cons:

• Needs trimming
• Can become large
• May spread in suitable climates

8. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) – Best Native-Style Privacy Screen

Wax Myrtle is a useful screening shrub where a dense evergreen barrier is desired. Its aromatic foliage and naturally bushy growth make it suitable for property boundaries and informal privacy screens.

It can be pruned into a hedge or allowed to develop a more natural form. The plant also provides wildlife value through its small fruits, which can be used by birds.

Provide adequate moisture while young and choose a location that matches the species and local climate. Mature plants generally require less attention once established.

Pros:

• Evergreen screening
• Dense branching
• Aromatic foliage
• Wildlife value
• Can be hedged
• Good informal screen
• Useful for larger properties

Cons:

• Can become tall
• Needs adequate space
• May require pruning

9. Podocarpus – Best Narrow Privacy Plant For Small Yards

Podocarpus is one of the best narrow screening plants when you need privacy without sacrificing too much horizontal garden space. Its upright growth and evergreen foliage can create an attractive living wall.

It can be maintained as a formal hedge through regular pruning or allowed to grow into a taller screen. The narrow shape is especially useful along driveways, walkways, and restricted side yards.

Plant in well-drained soil and provide the amount of sunlight recommended for the selected species. Water regularly during establishment and prune gradually to develop the desired shape.

Pros:

• Narrow upright growth
• Evergreen foliage
• Excellent privacy screen
• Good for small spaces
• Tolerates pruning
• Attractive appearance
• Can form formal hedges

Cons:

• Can grow tall
• Requires shaping
• Establishment can be slow

10. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – Best Tall Narrow Privacy Tree

Italian Cypress is a strong option for homeowners who need height without a very wide planting area. Its distinctive columnar shape can create vertical screening along boundaries and around outdoor living spaces.

The evergreen foliage provides structure throughout the year, while the narrow silhouette takes up considerably less horizontal space than many traditional privacy trees.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Give young trees enough water to establish deep roots, then adjust watering according to the local climate and soil conditions.

Pros:

• Very narrow growth
• Evergreen foliage
• Excellent vertical screening
• Architectural appearance
• Good for narrow boundaries
• Low trimming requirement
• Long-lived

Cons:

• Requires full sun
• Can become very tall
• Not suitable for every climate

11. Holly (Ilex) – Best Evergreen Privacy Plant With Berries

Holly is an excellent privacy plant because many species maintain dense evergreen foliage while also producing attractive berries. The combination of foliage and fruit gives a screen additional seasonal interest.

Depending on the species, holly can be grown as a hedge, shrub, or small tree. Its dense branching also makes it useful where privacy and boundary definition are both important.

Some hollies require male and female plants for reliable berry production. Check the requirements of the selected cultivar before planting if berries are an important part of your landscaping plan.

Pros:

• Evergreen options available
• Dense foliage
• Attractive berries
• Excellent privacy screen
• Good wildlife value
• Can be hedged
• Long-lived

Cons:

• Leaves can be spiny
• Some varieties need pollination partners
• Can require pruning

12. Clumping Bamboo – Best Privacy Plant For Patios And Small Spaces

Clumping bamboo can be particularly useful when you want a tall screen but do not want the spreading behavior associated with some running bamboo. Its dense upright growth can create privacy around patios, decks, and garden seating areas.

Many clumping varieties remain relatively close to the original planting area, making them easier to incorporate into planned landscaping. They can also be grown in large containers where appropriate.

Choose a species suited to the local climate and provide adequate water during establishment. Remove damaged or overcrowded stems when necessary to maintain a clean appearance.

Pros:

• Fast privacy screening
• Dense foliage
• Excellent height
• Useful around patios
• Container options available
• Attractive vertical stems
• Less aggressive than running bamboo

Cons:

• Still needs space
• Requires adequate moisture
• Species vary considerably

13. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) – Best Flowering Climber For Privacy

Star Jasmine is an excellent choice when the goal is to combine privacy with attractive flowers. Its evergreen foliage and twining growth can cover fences, trellises, and other structures where a vertical screen is needed.

During the flowering season, fragrant white flowers provide additional ornamental value. The plant is especially useful when there is an existing fence or trellis that can support the climbing stems.

Train young growth onto its support and prune after flowering when necessary. Provide suitable sunlight and well-drained soil to encourage dense growth.

Pros:

• Evergreen foliage
• Fragrant flowers
• Excellent climbing habit
• Good fence coverage
• Attractive appearance
• Useful for patios
• Provides seasonal interest

Cons:

• Needs a support structure
• Growth can become vigorous
• Not suitable for every climate

14. Oleander (Nerium oleander) – Best Flowering Screening Shrub

Oleander can form a tall, dense screen while producing flowers over a long season in suitable warm climates. Its upright growth makes it useful for blocking views along property boundaries and outdoor seating areas.

Different cultivars produce flowers in shades such as pink, white, red, and peach. Evergreen foliage allows the plant to continue providing visual screening outside the main flowering period.

Plant oleander in full sun and well-drained soil where the climate is suitable. Because all parts of oleander are highly toxic if ingested, it should be positioned carefully around children and pets.

Pros:

• Evergreen screening
• Long flowering season
• Fast establishment in warm climates
• Good drought tolerance once established
• Several flower colors
• Useful as a hedge
• Attractive foliage

Cons:

• Highly toxic if eaten
• Requires warm conditions
• Can become large

15. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata) – Best Large Privacy Screen

Green Giant Arborvitae is a strong choice for homeowners who need a substantial evergreen privacy screen. It combines dense foliage with vigorous growth and can eventually create a tall wall of greenery.

The plants can be used individually as screening trees or planted in a carefully spaced row. Their evergreen foliage means the screen remains useful through winter as well as during the growing season.

Give each tree enough room to reach its mature size and provide regular moisture during establishment. Avoid overcrowding because excessive competition can reduce airflow and make long-term maintenance more difficult.

Pros:

• Fast-growing evergreen
• Excellent tall screen
• Dense foliage
• Year-round privacy
• Good windbreak
• Attractive natural form
• Long-lived

Cons:

• Needs considerable space
• Can become very tall
• Requires proper spacing

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose Plants To Block Neighbors View

1. Consider the mature height — Choose a plant that can reach the height needed to block the unwanted view. If neighboring windows overlook your yard, a low hedge may not provide enough coverage, while a very tall tree may be unnecessary for a ground-level view.

2. Check the mature width — Height is only one part of the equation. Narrow yards need plants with a naturally compact or columnar growth habit so the privacy screen does not consume too much usable garden space.

3. Decide how quickly you need privacy — Fast-growing trees and bamboo can establish screening more rapidly than slow-growing shrubs. However, fast growth often means more pruning and greater long-term management.

4. Choose evergreen plants for year-round privacy — If you want the screen to work through every season, prioritize evergreen shrubs, trees, or climbers. Deciduous plants can still be useful when privacy is mainly needed during spring and summer.

5. Match the plant to sunlight and soil — A privacy plant will only perform well when its basic growing requirements are satisfied. Check whether the planting area receives full sun, partial shade, or deep shade and choose a species that matches those conditions.

6. Consider maintenance requirements — Formal hedges may require frequent trimming, while naturally narrow trees may need less shaping. Think about how much time you want to spend pruning before choosing a plant for a permanent privacy screen.

7. Check local restrictions and planting space — Before planting large screening trees along a boundary, consider property rules, local regulations, overhead utilities, underground services, fences, and the mature root and branch spread. Proper planning can prevent disputes and expensive removals later.

Plants To Block Neighbors View FAQs

1. What are the best plants to block neighbors view?

Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, Privet, Cherry Laurel, Bamboo, Photinia, Japanese Privet, Wax Myrtle, Podocarpus, Italian Cypress, Holly, Clumping Bamboo, Star Jasmine, Oleander, and Green Giant Arborvitae are among the best plants for creating natural privacy screens.

2. What is the fastest-growing plant for privacy?

Leyland Cypress and suitable bamboo varieties are among the faster-growing options for privacy screening. Their growth rate can provide coverage relatively quickly, although their mature size and maintenance requirements should be considered before planting.

3. What is the best evergreen plant for blocking a neighbor’s view?

Arborvitae is one of the best evergreen choices because it provides dense foliage, year-round screening, and several cultivars with different mature sizes. Cherry Laurel, Podocarpus, Holly, and other evergreen options can also work depending on climate and available space.

4. What plants are good for privacy in a small yard?

Podocarpus, narrow arborvitae cultivars, Italian Cypress, and trained climbing plants can work well in smaller yards because they can provide vertical screening without taking as much horizontal space as broad shrubs.

5. Can plants completely block a neighbor’s view?

Dense plants can substantially reduce visibility, but complete screening depends on plant density, mature height, planting spacing, and the height and position of the neighboring property. Combining plants with an existing fence or trellis can create a more complete privacy barrier.

6. How far apart should privacy plants be planted?

The correct spacing depends on the mature width of the selected plant and the desired screening speed. Planting too closely can create overcrowding, while excessive spacing can leave gaps for several years, so the mature dimensions should guide the planting plan.

7. Are fast-growing privacy plants better than slow-growing plants?

Fast-growing plants can provide privacy sooner, but they often require more pruning and can eventually become difficult to manage. Slower-growing plants may take longer to establish but can be easier to maintain and keep within a planned space.

Conclusion

The best plants to block neighbors view combine sufficient height, dense foliage, suitable growth habits, and reliable performance in the conditions of your yard. Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, Cherry Laurel, Privet, and Green Giant Arborvitae are excellent choices when year-round screening is the main priority.

For smaller spaces, Podocarpus and Italian Cypress can provide useful vertical coverage without taking excessive horizontal space. Bamboo and Star Jasmine offer alternative ways to create privacy, particularly around patios, fences, and outdoor living areas.

The most important step is to select a plant based on its mature size rather than its appearance when purchased. Consider height, width, growth rate, sunlight, soil, maintenance, and local planting restrictions before establishing a permanent privacy screen. With careful planning, the right plants can turn an exposed yard into a more private, attractive, and comfortable outdoor space.