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best evergreen trees for privacy

Are you looking to create a natural, year-round screen for your garden or outdoor space? Planting the best evergreen trees for privacy is a smart, sustainable solution popular across New Zealand. Evergreen trees retain their foliage throughout the seasons, offering consistent greenery and blocking unwanted views, noise, and wind. Whether you want a living fence, a lush hedge, or a tall privacy barrier, choosing the right evergreens can transform your property. Below, explore top-performing species for privacy, how to choose the best fit for your landscape, and tips for planting and care.

sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features feathery, dark green foliage which is held on broad branches emerging off a central trunk as it grows to about 60 m tall and 20 m wide over several hundred years. The Giant Redwood is commonly grown as a specimen, planted to provide shelter, or used for timber production.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 60.00 m
Spread: 20.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Forestry, Mediterranean
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3

Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues. Older foliage sits as a rosette with a downward arch and is dark green. The combination of old and new foliage produces quite a dramatic display and affords the tree a lush appearance. Clusters of small, cream flowers in spring result in purple berries in autumn. It typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of moderate frost once established. This evergreen is typically grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, maintained in a courtyard garden, included in a tropical garden, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
eucryphia-cordifolia--1

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo)

Commonly known as Ulmo, this is a handsome, evergreen tree renowned for both its attractive foliage and pleasant flowers. The sweetly fragrant...

From$299.92
magnolia-grandiflora-jade-emperor-

Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and...

From$343.89
fraxinus-griffithii-3

Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$299.92
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig, Hill's Fig) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its dense glossy green foliage and excellent screening ability...

From$24.23
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
azalea-indica--1

Azalea indica

This variety of Azalea grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of small and showy, lightly...

From$36.38
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4

Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$299.92
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.

Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

From$299.92
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-

Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

From$343.89
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.

Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$176.27
pinus-pinea-1

Pinus pinea (Pine Nut)

Commonly known as the Pine Nut, this is an attractive tree that has a variety of uses including the production of nuts. It grows with an upright and...

From$299.92
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$358.98
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
ulmus-carpinifolia-variegata-4

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata (Field Elm)

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata, commonly known as Field Elm or Variegated Elm tree, is a stately, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage. The...

From$432.79
coffea-arabica--2

Coffea arabica (Coffee)

Coffea arabica is the plant that produces the well-known coffee beans. It grows as a small, evergreen tree with a somewhat open branching habit and...

From$26.93
eucalyptus-blue-ice-

Eucalyptus Blue Ice (Gum)

“Blue Ice” is a variety of Eucalyptus grown for its colourful foliage. The leaves on juvenile trees are rounded, powdery-blue, and held densely. As...

From$343.89
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.

Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$49.88
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
Lomandra Evergreen Baby growing as a ground cover with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra Evergreen Baby

Lomandra Evergreen Baby is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, deep-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$17.48
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alnus, Azalea, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Coffea, Crassula, Dacrydium, Daphniphyllum, Eucalyptus, Eucryphia, Ficus, Fraxinus, Fuscospora, Lagunaria, Lomandra, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Orange, Phyllocladus, Pinus, Quercus, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Orange Trees, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Pine Nuts, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search best evergreen trees

Why Choose Evergreen Trees for Privacy?

Evergreen trees are unbeatable when it comes to privacy. Unlike deciduous trees, which shed leaves in autumn and winter, evergreens keep their foliage all year, providing reliable screening regardless of the season. They're also great for sheltering garden spaces, reducing wind, and creating wildlife habitats. With the right mix, you can build a beautiful, dense hedge or tall screen that grows stronger and more attractive every year.

Top Choices: Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy

Ficus Tuffi

Ficus Tuffi is a standout for those seeking a fast-growing, evergreen privacy screen. With dense foliage and upright growth, it creates lush hedges and barriers with minimal maintenance. Ficus Tuffi is tolerant of pruning and adapts well to urban and suburban gardens, making it ideal if you want a sleek, architectural look.

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' offers striking deep-green leaves and quick growth, perfect for hedges and screens. This hardy New Zealand native is popular for its compact habit and resilience to wind and salt, making it especially suited for coastal and exposed sites.

Cupressus Ovensii

For those looking for tall, formal privacy screens, Cupressus Ovensii is a classic choice. This conifer delivers dense, upright foliage and grows rapidly, making it excellent for blocking views on larger properties. It’s also highly drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established.

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus (commonly known as Cherry Laurel) is favoured for glossy, tough leaves and robust growth. It forms a thick, evergreen hedge perfect for year-round privacy, and its tolerance to shade means it thrives in many conditions.

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan) is prized for its dense canopy and vigorous growth. This tree is fantastic for creating tall screens or formal hedges in larger gardens, and its adaptability to pruning lets you achieve the shape and density you want.

Planting Tips for Evergreen Privacy Screens

To achieve the best evergreen trees for privacy effect, plant your chosen species in staggered rows for quicker coverage. Provide regular watering as they establish, and mulch well to retain soil moisture. Most of these trees respond well to pruning, which encourages denser growth and keeps your screen tidy. With annual feeding and smart placement, your privacy hedge will flourish year-round.

Choose the Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy in New Zealand

At our nursery, we stock a range of the best evergreen trees for privacy, tailored for New Zealand gardens and climates. Whether you're seeking fast-growing options, wind-resistant natives, or formal conifers, you'll find plants to suit every style and need. Explore our selection, and transform your space with living privacy that lasts.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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