Let’s face it: sometimes fences are enough to give you privacy from the neighbors, but trees? Trees are even better.
If you’re looking to block a view, gain some peace, or just enjoy your yard without feeling like you’re on display, planting privacy trees is a smart and natural solution. Whether you live in Canandaigua, Geneva, or anywhere else in the Finger Lakes, the right trees can give you privacy, beauty, and even a little shade while softening your property lines.
At Feller’s Tree Service, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners across the region choose the best trees to block their neighbors—nicely, of course. Here are our top picks, organized by what matters most to you.
Best Privacy Trees for Small Yards
Not everyone has room for towering evergreens. If you’re working with a compact space, these trees (and a couple of strategic shrubs) can offer privacy without overwhelming your landscape:
American Hornbeam
- Also known as musclewood, this native tree has a dense canopy and a tidy form. It grows slowly and stays manageable in height, making it ideal for narrow side yards.
Eastern Redbud
- With heart-shaped leaves and spring flowers, this ornamental tree offers seasonal interest and decent screening when planted in groups.
Boxwood (Shrub)
- Great for creating a trimmed, evergreen barrier beneath trees or along patios.
Best for Fast Results
Need privacy yesterday? These fast-growing trees can help you block the view sooner rather than later—just be sure you’re ready to keep them maintained.
- Hybrid Poplar – One of the fastest-growing trees available. While not a long-term tree (they tend to have shorter lifespans), they can get you quick height and decent coverage in just a few years.
- Green Giant Arborvitae – A popular choice across New York for fast, dense, year-round screening. These can grow up to 3 feet per year and hold their shape well.
- Willow Hybrid – Not for every site, but they’re quick growers that form tall, wind-resistant barriers fast.
Best for Year-Round Coverage
If privacy matters to you in every season—not just when the leaves are out—you’ll want to stick with evergreens. Here are some standouts that handle New York winters with ease:
- Eastern White Pine – A native evergreen that grows quickly and forms a soft, full barrier. Just give it space. It can get large!
- Norway Spruce – Dense, graceful, and cold-hardy. It’s a longtime favorite in the Finger Lakes for creating natural privacy screens.
- Canadian Hemlock – Works beautifully as a privacy hedge or soft screen. It tolerates shade and shears well if you want to shape it.
Best Privacy Trees for Blocking Second-Story Views
Sometimes it’s not just about screening from the street—it’s about giving yourself privacy from above. These trees reach up and out, helping you block second-story windows or overlooking neighbors.
- Tulip Tree – A native beauty that grows fast and tall with broad, leafy coverage. Perfect for breaking sightlines above a fence.
- River Birch – Adds texture and height with its attractive bark and multi-stemmed form. Great for layering with other trees or shrubs.
- Sugar Maple – A long-term investment, but a beautiful one. It grows tall and wide with dense seasonal foliage.
Things to Consider Before Planting
Choosing the right tree is about more than just how tall it gets. Keep these factors in mind when planning your privacy screen:
- Soil and drainage: Some trees prefer drier soil, while others need moisture. Know your site before you plant.
- Sun exposure: Most fast-growing evergreens need full sun to thrive.
- Growth rate vs maintenance: Fast-growing trees often need more trimming and care to keep them healthy and looking good.
- Root systems: Avoid planting large trees too close to foundations, patios, or septic systems.
Looking for More Options?
This list is just the beginning. For a deeper dive into species that thrive in our climate, check out our guide to the best privacy trees for New York. It’s full of tips on evergreens, spacing, and which trees are most deer-resistant.
Need Help Choosing or Planting the Right Tree?
At Feller’s Tree Service, we’re more than just tree removal experts—we know what grows best in the Finger Lakes and how to make the most of your landscape. If you’re ready to block out the view and reclaim your outdoor space, we’re happy to help you select and install the right trees for your property.
Contact us today to get started with a free quote or site visit. Your yard, your peace, your trees. Let’s make it happen.