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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.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to around 4–6 metres tall, it's ideal for smaller gardens, screening, or feature planting. 'Little Gem' blooms from late spring to summer and offers year-round appeal with its dense foliage and tidy form.

Buy Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance.

Buy Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 15.00 m

Spread: 6.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean

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.

best evergreen trees for privacy

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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Why Choose Evergreen Trees for Privacy?