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.
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. This attractive tree is ideal for screening, avenues, specimen planting, and large gardens. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) provides year round structure, beauty, and long lasting landscape value.
From $299.92
Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut)
Commonly known as the Moreton Bay Chestnut, this is an evergreen tree commonly grown as an indoor plant or added to subtropical gardens. It produces lush, green foilage off upright stems. Clusters of red, peal-like flowers are borne during late spring which give rise to the chestnut-like seeds in autumn. The seeds themselves should not be eaten as they can induce stomach cramps. It can reach 15 m tall and 7 m wide, but often reaches just 1.5 m tall and 70 cm wide when grown indoors. Best results are achieved when it is grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site that is free from frost. Moreton Bay Chestnuts are commonly included in sub-tropical gardens or maintained in a container. They make for a fabulous indoor plant when they are given some space.
