Why Spring is one of the Best Times to Plant Privacy Trees
Spring is one of the two best seasons for planting privacy trees, ensuring strong root establishment before the summer heat arrives. Homeowners looking to create a natural privacy screen and/or wind barrier should take advantage of this time when soil conditions are optimal for rapid growth. The longer Spring/Summer daylight hours, warmer temperatures and rain are what accelerate their rapid growth. Thus achieving your desired privacy screening sooner! Plus, if you are screening your pool, planting in the Spring is ideal. Let’s dive in and learn what are the best privacy trees for spring planting in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Northern West Virginia.
Spring Planting Quick Guide:
- Top Pick for Speed and Deer Resistance: Green Giant Arborvitae (up to 2.5 feet of growth per year in MD/VA/DC/WVA).
- Top Pick for Color: Nellie Stevens Holly (dense, evergreen foliage with bright red berries).
- Ideal Window: In the Mid-Atlantic, late March through May is the prime window for root establishment before the summer heat.
- Soil Tip: Ensure your site has adequate drainage; “wet feet” is the leading cause of spring planting failure.
Benefits of Spring Planting
- Fast Root Establishment: Trees planted in spring develop strong roots before summer heat stress.
- Best Selection Availability: Local growers have the freshest, healthiest stock after winter dormancy.
- Longer Growing Season: Trees get a head start, growing faster throughout the year when planted in the Spring.
- Lower Watering Needs: Spring rainfall helps trees establish with less irrigation.
Best Privacy Trees for Spring Planting
Choosing the right privacy tree depends on growth rate, space, soil type, and aesthetic preference. Here are the top three fast-growing privacy trees for backyards, property perimeter or as specimen trees in Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia, and Northern West Virginia:
1. Thuja Green Giant (Arborvitae)
Why Choose Thuja Green Giant?
- Thuja Green Giant Privacy Tree for Fast Coverage: With a growth rate of up to 2-2.5 feet per year in zones 6b-8a, this tree is perfect for large properties needing quick and dense privacy screens. Thrives in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Northern West Virginia zones.
- Mature Height: 30-50 feet, however for the Mid-Atlantic region they top out at approximately 35 feet due to shorter growing seasons.
- Benefits: Disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, and one of the low-maintenance evergreen trees.
- Best For: Medium-large properties needing fast-growing, dense privacy screens quickly
- Deer Resistant: Highly deer resistant, making it the go-to choice for homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic region looking for a deer-resistant evergreen privacy tree.
2. Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Why Choose Nellie R. Stevens Holly?
- Growth Rate: up to 14 inches per year in plant hardiness zones 6b-8a
- Mature Height: 15-25 feet with optimal growing conditions
- Benefits: Dense evergreen foliage with beautiful red berries for contrasting color and low maintenance. As an added bonus, clippings can be used in holiday decor!
- Best For: Medium height privacy barriers and decorative hedges for medium-large yards
- Fun Fact: The Nellie R. Stevens Holly was originally cultivated in Oxford, Maryland circa 1900.
3. Leyland Cypress
Why Choose Leyland Cypress?
- Growth Rate: up to 2-3 feet per year
- Mature Height: 40-60 feet on average in our Mid-Atlantic region but are known to top out as tall as 130ft in Wales, U.K.
- Benefits: Tall, lush privacy screens with quick growth
- Best For: Medium-large properties needing a high, uniform hedge, preferably within a fenced in area due to being a favorite food source for deer.
- Soil Adaptability: Thrives in various soil conditions throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia and West Virginia.
How to Choose the Right Privacy Tree for Your Yard
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Privacy Tree
- Growth Rate: How quickly do you need coverage?
- Mature Height & Width: Do you need a tall screen or a compact hedge?
- Soil & Sun Requirements: Ensure the tree matches your landscape conditions.
- Deer Resistance: Opt for deer-resistant varieties if wildlife is a concern.
- Maintenance Needs: Consider pruning and watering requirements.
Benefits of Choosing Locally Grown Trees
- Fresher Stock
- Reduced Transplant Shock
- Stronger Roots for Faster Root Establishment and Growth
- Less Chemicals Used
- Reduced Risk of Invasive Pests
- Reduced Carbon Footprint Due to Not Being Shipped
- Hardier Trees Since They Have Been Through Several Winters Growing Locally Before Being Transplanted
- Supports Local Businesses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the fastest-growing privacy trees, adding up to 2 feet per year in zones 6b-8a.
It depends on the variety. Thuja Green Giants should be planted 5-6 feet apart for a dense screen, while Leyland Cypress we recommend 6 feet spacing on center.
Most privacy trees are low-maintenance, but occasional pruning and watering during dry spells help them thrive.
Spring is the ideal time, as it allows trees to establish strong roots before the summer heat stress. However, Fall usually will require less watering due to the cooler weather. Both are great times to plant evergreen trees.
About the Author: Wade Pryor is a professional botanist and the founder of Pryor’s Nursery . Since 1981, he has installed over 82,000 evergreen trees, specializing in “Living Fence” privacy screens across the Mid-Atlantic region. Learn more about Wade’s expertise here.
