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narrow evergreen trees for screening

When it comes to creating privacy, shelter, or simply an attractive living boundary for your garden, narrow evergreen trees for screening are hard to beat. These versatile performers offer year-round foliage, a consistently neat profile, and require less space than broad spreading trees—making them perfect for urban gardens and tight spaces throughout New Zealand. Whether you’re looking to block a view, minimise road noise, or establish a green windbreak, choosing the right narrow evergreen trees for screening will transform your outdoor living experience.

Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand. Known for its narrow, grey-green leaves and upright form, it typically grows to 4–6 metres tall and 3–4 metres wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
cupressus-gracilis-1

Cupressus 'Gracilis'

Cupressus 'Gracilis' (Italian Spruce) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright growth habit and dense dark green foliage. This classic architectural tree provides year round structure, privacy, and formality in NZ landscapes while also creating a striking vertical feature in modern and traditional gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
cupressus-sempervirens-stricta-2
Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic...

From$179.91
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is an elegant conifer that grows with a narrow and dense, pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green, sometimes...

From$17.95
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

Thuja 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich green, sometimes...

From$17.95
ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.
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...

From$41.33
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$165.51
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.
Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$64.79
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3
Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an impressive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and attractive architectural form...

From$366.25
podocarpus-gracilior-
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...

From$270.40
lagunaria-patersonia-3
Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as Primrose Tree, is an attractive evergreen tree valued for its glossy green leaves and soft pink hibiscus like...

From$515.35
prunus-laurocerasus-3
Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) is a vigorous evergreen shrub admired for its lush glossy foliage and excellent screening qualities. This hardy...

From$30.29
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$34.43
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$22.01
podocarpus-henkelii-1
Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
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$270.40
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$64.79
magnolia-russet-
Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet' is a striking evergreen magnolia valued for its glossy dark green leaves with rich russet brown undersides and large...

From$387.55
Michelia 'Fairy White' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy White'

Michelia 'Fairy White' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant pure white flowers that bloom from late...

From$136.04
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-
Magnolia 'Kay Parris'

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' is an elegant evergreen tree prized for its glossy foliage, compact growth habit, and impressive creamy white flowers. The...

From$387.55
michelia-allure--1
Michelia 'Allure'

Michelia 'Allure' is a stunning evergreen tree prized for its glossy green foliage and masses of beautifully fragrant flowers. The creamy blooms are...

From$515.35
michelia-princess-cleopatra-
Michelia 'Princess Cleopatra'

Michelia 'Princess Cleopatra' is a beautiful evergreen tree renowned for its glossy green foliage and masses of highly fragrant creamy white flowers...

From$34.43
Olearia traversii plant with white flowers and green foliage.
Olearia traversii

Olearia traversii, commonly known as Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a hardy New Zealand native tree valued for its upright form and resilience. This...

From$102.84
Michelia 'Paton Pink' flowers on a stem.
Michelia 'Paton Pink'

Michelia 'Paton Pink' is a stunning evergreen tree known for its profusion of fragrant, blush pink flowers in early spring. The blossoms appear among...

From$387.55
magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

From$515.35
michelia-princess-isabella-
Michelia 'Princess Isabella'

Michelia 'Princess Isabella' is a stunning evergreen tree renowned for its glossy green foliage and masses of beautifully fragrant creamy white...

From$34.43
michelia-princess-cinderella-1
Michelia 'Princess Cinderella'

Michelia 'Princess Cinderella' is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of highly fragrant creamy white flowers...

From$34.43
aloe-barberae-
Aloidendron barberae (Tree Aloe)

Commonly known as Tree Aloe, this is a large variety of Aloe that can reach 15 m tall and 3 m wide. This impressive tree forms a rounded crown of...

From$57.89
Fagus 'Dawyck Gold' specimen trees with yellow foliage.
Fagus 'Dawyck Gold'

Fagus 'Dawyck Gold', commonly known as the Columnar Beech Tree or Golden Beech Tree, is grown for its bright autumn colours and slender growth habit...

From$270.40
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$99.29
Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alnus, Cupressus, and Hoheria, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search narrow evergreen trees for screening

Why Choose Narrow Evergreen Trees for Screening?

Selecting narrow evergreen trees for screening is a practical solution for gardens where space is at a premium. Unlike broad or dense shrubs, these slender varieties don’t encroach on usable space and maintain their foliage through every season. As a result, you benefit from a consistently lush, green screen that needs less pruning and maintenance. Their upright form also allows for creative planting in linear rows or staggered clumps, enhancing privacy and creating a backdrop for other landscape features.

Top Narrow Evergreen Trees for Screening

In New Zealand, gardeners have access to some outstanding narrow evergreen trees for screening. Here are some reliable, attractive options to consider:

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)
A New Zealand native, Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo) is loved for its slender, upright growth and glossy grey-green leaves. Its tolerance to wind and coastal conditions makes it ideal for exposed sites, and it grows quickly—often reaching 4 to 5 metres tall but remaining narrow, so it's perfect for screening without taking over the space.

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'
For a classic, formal look, Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is hard to surpass. This conifer forms a dense, columnar shape with rich emerald foliage, making it a perfect choice for year-round privacy hedges. Easy to maintain and relatively fast-growing, it thrives across a range of New Zealand climates.

Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia
If you’re seeking a tough, narrow tree with evergreen appeal and a stately form, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia is an excellent candidate. Its slender, spiny leaves deter browsing animals, while its neat growth habit is ideal for formal hedging and narrow screens.

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem
Add a touch of elegance with Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem, a compact cultivar with glossy, dark green leaves and glorious creamy flowers. Little Gem forms a dense, upright screen that’s perfect for evergreen hedging alongside homes or along property boundaries.

Tips for Successful Screening with Narrow Evergreens

To ensure your screening trees establish well and provide optimal coverage, plant them at the recommended spacing for their variety—close enough to create an unbroken screen, but not so crowded that airflow is compromised. Regular mulching, watering during dry spells, and an annual feed with a slow-release fertiliser will keep your trees healthy and vibrant all year round.

Explore More Options for Your Landscape

For those interested in fast-growing shelterbelts with a narrow shape, Alnus jorullensis makes an outstanding choice. While not strictly evergreen, its semi-deciduous nature means it retains some foliage during winter, and it’s especially useful for shelter and screening in rural or lifestyle block settings.

Investing in narrow evergreen trees for screening is a long-term solution that brings privacy, beauty, and structure to any New Zealand garden. Discover the best fit for your property and enjoy a green screen that thrives season after season.


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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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