Our Favourite Privacy Trees For Small Gardens

5th September 2024

When it comes to creating a private sanctuary in your small garden, choosing the right trees is essential. The ideal privacy trees should provide dense foliage, year-round coverage, and be easy to maintain. Here are some of our top picks for small gardens that offer both beauty and practicality.

1. Largo Holly (Ilex largo)

Why We Love It:

• Dense Foliage: This holly variety offers excellent privacy with its dense, dark green leaves.
• Evergreen Beauty: Enjoy continuous screening throughout the year.
• Attractive Berries: Bright red berries add a splash of color and attract wildlife.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it’s relatively easy to care for.
• Versatile: Thrives in various soil types and light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

2. Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilior)

Why We Love It:

• Slim Profile: Perfect for narrow spaces with its tall, slender growth habit.
• Year-Round Coverage: Evergreen foliage ensures consistent privacy.
• Easy Care: Minimal pruning required and drought-tolerant once established.
• Flexible: Can be shaped into various forms, including elegant topiaries.
• Non-Invasive Roots: Safe to plant near structures without worrying about root damage.

3. Ficus 'Tuffy' (Ficus microcarpa)

Why We Love It:

• Lush Growth: Thick, lush foliage provides excellent coverage.
• Quick Growth: Establishes quickly, making it ideal for creating a privacy screen in no time.
• Evergreen: Maintains leaves all year for uninterrupted privacy.
• Hardy: Adapts well to various soil conditions and urban environments.
• Low Maintenance: Requires only occasional pruning to maintain its shape.

4. Green Goddess Bamboo (Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis')

Why We Love It:

• Non-Invasive: Clumping growth habit is easier to control than running bamboos.
• Tall and Dense: Provides a high, dense screen perfect for privacy.
• Rapid Growth: Quickly establishes itself, offering fast results.
• Evergreen Elegance: Year-round foliage for continuous coverage.
• Graceful Appearance: Adds an exotic, elegant touch to any garden.

5. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Why We Love It:

• Fragrant Leaves: Aromatic leaves can be used in cooking, adding extra value.
• Evergreen: Provides year-round privacy with its lush foliage.
• Thick Growth: Forms a dense hedge ideal for screening.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it’s low-maintenance and resilient.
• Versatile: Can be pruned into various shapes and sizes, fitting both formal and informal gardens.

6. Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)

Why We Love It:

• Dense Foliage: Offers excellent coverage with its thick, dark green leaves.
• Year-Round Privacy: Evergreen nature ensures consistent screening.
• Beautiful Flowers: Small, fragrant white flowers in spring add seasonal interest.
• Fast Growth: Quickly forms an effective hedge, perfect for impatient gardeners.
• Hardy: Tolerates a range of soil types and conditions, including coastal and urban areas.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal pruning and care required once established.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to create a cozy, private retreat or simply block out unwanted views, these trees are fantastic options for small gardens. Each offers unique benefits, from rapid growth to low maintenance, ensuring that you can enjoy a peaceful, secluded space year-round. Happy planting!