For a versatile evergreen screen, Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft, 8-Pack is my best overall pick, while Emerald Green Arborvitae suits narrower spaces and Waxleaf Privet offers a broadleaf hedge option. The main tradeoff is speed versus space: fast-growing plants can fill a boundary sooner but need room and regular trimming, while compact choices take longer to form a screen. Pack size and starting height also affect how quickly a planting looks private. Climate, soil, and mature width matter as much as the plant’s advertised height. Read on for how these 13 options compare and which one fits your yard.
Get books, candles and calm essentials delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Key Takeaways
- Green Giant Arborvitae offers the strongest balance of screening potential and starter size among the listed multi-plant options, but its mature scale calls for generous space.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae is the more space-conscious evergreen choice; its narrow form favors tighter boundaries, though small starts take time to screen.
- Waxleaf Privet appears in both small-pot multipacks and a larger 3-gallon shrub, illustrating the tradeoff between planting more for coverage and starting with a larger specimen.
- Podocarpus and Boxwood suit more controlled, formal plantings, but they are less direct choices for quickly screening a long boundary.
- Austree Hybrid Willow and Wax Myrtle provide alternatives to the arborvitae-heavy lineup, but buyers should match their growth habits and regional conditions to the site.
| Waxleaf Privet Live Plants, 10-Pack, 2-Inch Pots |  | Best for Fast Hedge Coverage | Plant type: Upright deciduous, occasionally semi-evergreen shrub | Quantity: 10 live plants | Pot size: 2 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae Live Plant, 1–2 Feet |  | Best for Narrow Spaces | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Height: 1–2 feet | Recommended use: Privacy screen and foundation planting | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack |  | Best for Large-Scale Windbreaks | Quantity: 18 liners | Mature height: Up to 60 feet | Mature width: Up to 20 feet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet Shrub, 3 Gallon |  | Best for Shaped Hedges | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Foliage: Glossy | Container size: 3 gallons | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Austree Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings for Privacy Hedges, Shade, and Wind Protection, 24 Trees |  | Best for Rapid, Tall Coverage | Plant type: Austree hybrid willow | Quantity: 24 trees | Growth rate: Advertised up to 12 feet per year | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Podocarpus Japanese Yew Live Plants, 10-Pack |  | Best for Flexible Hedge Planting | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Quantity: 10 live plants | Scientific name: Podocarpus macrophyllus | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft, 8-Pack |  | Best for Tall, Fast-Growing Screens | Quantity: 8 trees | Height at shipment: 2 feet | Mature height: Up to 60 feet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Highlander Boxwood Live Plants, 2-Pack, 3.5-Inch Cubes |  | Best for Compact Formal Hedges | Quantity: 2 plants | Plant: Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’) | Container size: 3.5-inch cubes | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees, 6–12 Inches Tall |  | Best Value for Long, Narrow Rows | Quantity: 20 plants | Plant type: Emerald Green Arborvitae | Height at shipment: Approximately 6–12 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki Live Plant, 1 Gallon, Japanese Yew |  | Best for Narrow, Mild-Climate Screens | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Container size: 1 gallon | Mature height: 8–10 feet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Sea Green Juniper Shrubs, 5 Live Plants in 4-Inch Pots |  | Best for Shaped, Mid-Height Screens | Botanical name: Juniperus chinensis ‘Sea Green’ | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Quantity: 5 live plants | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2–3 ft |  | Best for Fast, Tall Screening | Plant type: Evergreen tree | Starting height: 2–3 feet | Growth rate: 3–5 feet per year once established | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera), 20 Live Plants |  | Best for Large, Low-Maintenance Screens | Scientific name: Myrica cerifera | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Quantity: 20 live plants | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| shrubs for privacy | Plant type | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Waxleaf Privet Live Plants | Upright deciduous, occasionally semi-evergreen shrub | 10 live plants |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae Live | Evergreen shrub | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — | 18 liners |
| Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet | Evergreen shrub | — |
| Austree Hybrid Willow Tree Cut | Austree hybrid willow | 24 trees |
| Podocarpus Japanese Yew Live P | Evergreen shrub | 10 live plants |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — | 8 trees |
| Highlander Boxwood Live Plants | — | 2 plants |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Tr | Emerald Green Arborvitae | 20 plants |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki | Evergreen shrub | — |
| Sea Green Juniper Shrubs | Evergreen shrub | 5 live plants |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Gi | Evergreen tree | — |
| Wax Myrtle | Evergreen shrub | 20 live plants |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Waxleaf Privet Live Plants, 10-Pack, 2-Inch Pots
Fast growth and a 10-plant bundle make this privet a practical pick for buyers starting a longer hedge on a manageable scale. Its glossy foliage and 8–10-foot potential can create a substantial screen, while its tolerance for sun or partial shade gives it more placement flexibility than the Emerald Green Arborvitae, which is positioned for narrow spaces. The tradeoff is seasonal coverage: this privet is deciduous in many conditions, so it may leave sightlines exposed when foliage drops. The small 2-inch pots also mean the plants need time to fill in, rather than providing an immediate tall barrier. Fragrant flowers and blue-black fruit add garden interest, but buyers should be ready to prune as the shrubs grow.
Pros:- Ten plants provide a starting group for a hedge or border
- Can reach 8–10 feet for substantial screening
- Grows in sun or partial shade
- Fragrant flowers and blue-black fruit add seasonal interest
Cons:- May be deciduous, leaving less privacy during leafless seasons
- Small 2-inch pots require time to grow into a screen
- May need pruning to manage its mature height
Best for: Gardeners who want to establish a flexible, flowering hedge and can wait for small starter plants to fill in
Not ideal for: Buyers who need year-round screening or an instant tall privacy barrier, since the plants may lose leaves and arrive in 2-inch pots
- Plant type:Upright deciduous, occasionally semi-evergreen shrub
- Quantity:10 live plants
- Pot size:2 inches
- Mature height:8–10 feet
- Light:Sun or partial shade
- Flowers:Fragrant creamy-white
- Fruit:Round blue-black
Our verdict“Choose this privet for a flexible, flowering hedge you can grow over time, and skip it if winter privacy is a priority.”
Emerald Green Arborvitae Live Plant, 1–2 Feet
Narrow-space planting is this arborvitae’s clearest advantage in a lineup that includes much larger screening plants. Its evergreen habit suits buyers who want foliage through the year, and planting several in a cluster can form a neat screen alongside a foundation. Compared with the Thuja Green Giant liners, which can reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, this option is presented for more confined sites. It arrives at just 1–2 feet tall, though, so it will not block a view quickly; buyers need patience while it establishes and fills out. The listed adaptability to varied soil and weather conditions offers some flexibility, but shipping exclusions for Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon rule it out for gardeners in those states.
Pros:- Evergreen foliage supports screening through the year
- Suited to narrow spaces and foundation planting
- Clusters can create a neat privacy screen
- Described as adaptable to varying soil types and weather conditions
Cons:- At 1–2 feet tall, it takes time to provide meaningful screening
- Shipping is unavailable to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon
Best for: Homeowners with a narrow planting strip who can wait for young evergreens to grow into a screen
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking an immediate tall barrier or gardeners in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon, where shipping is unavailable
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Height:1–2 feet
- Recommended use:Privacy screen and foundation planting
- Planting approach:Plant in clusters for a neat screen
- Soil and weather:Adapts to varying soil types and weather conditions
- Shipping restrictions:Unavailable to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon
Our verdict“Pick this young arborvitae for a narrow evergreen planting area if you can wait for coverage and your location is eligible for shipping.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liners, 18-Pack
Eighteen evergreen liners make this the lineup’s broadest starter set for a long screen or windbreak, and dense, dark green foliage is suited to blocking views once the plants mature. Compared with the Emerald Green Arborvitae, which is intended for narrow spaces, Thuja Green Giant needs room: the listed mature dimensions reach up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide. That scale can work for buyers screening a large property, but it is a poor fit beside tight boundaries unless the planting plan accounts for its spread. Pruning can manage its size, and the listing describes low maintenance after establishment. These are liners, so they need growing time before they provide a substantial barrier. Shipping is unavailable to California and Arizona.
Pros:- Eighteen liners suit a long screen or windbreak
- Dense, dark green evergreen foliage
- Can be pruned to manage size
- Described as requiring little maintenance once established
Cons:- Mature height and width require substantial planting space
- Liners need time to grow before they block views
- Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Best for: Owners of large properties who want to start a long evergreen windbreak and have room for broad, tall trees
Not ideal for: Gardeners with narrow yards, close property boundaries, or a need for immediate screening; shipping is also unavailable to California and Arizona
- Quantity:18 liners
- Mature height:Up to 60 feet
- Mature width:Up to 20 feet
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Foliage:Dense, dark green evergreen
- Growth habit:Wide-bottomed pyramidal
- Shipping restriction:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose this pack for a spacious property and a long-term evergreen windbreak, but avoid it where mature tree spread is a problem.”
Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet Shrub, 3 Gallon
A 3-gallon container and glossy evergreen foliage make this privet a more established, shapeable choice than the 2-inch-pot Waxleaf Privet 10-Pack. The listing highlights pruning into a hedge, topiary, or small standard tree, so this suits gardeners who want screening that can be tailored to a particular space or style. For privacy, the hedge form is the most relevant; topiary and standard-tree forms offer more design flexibility but may not create as continuous a screen. That shaping comes with upkeep, since regular pruning is needed to maintain the chosen form. Compared with the young Emerald Green Arborvitae, this pick emphasizes a clipped, designed look rather than a narrow natural screen. Shipping orders to AK, AZ, HI, OR, and PA will be cancelled.
Pros:- Glossy evergreen foliage
- Can be pruned into a hedge for screening
- 3-gallon container offers a more established starting point than the 2-inch-pot privet pack
- Can also be shaped as a topiary or small standard tree
Cons:- Regular pruning is needed to maintain its shape
- Shipping orders to AK, AZ, HI, OR, and PA will be cancelled
Best for: Gardeners who want an evergreen privet hedge they can shape and maintain as part of a designed landscape
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a low-pruning privacy screen or residents of AK, AZ, HI, OR, or PA, where orders will be cancelled
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Foliage:Glossy
- Container size:3 gallons
- Pruning uses:Hedges, topiaries, or small standard trees
- Shipping restrictions:Orders to AK, AZ, HI, OR, and PA will be cancelled
- Experience level:Suitable for gardeners of all experience levels
Our verdict“Choose this privet if you want a shapeable evergreen hedge and are willing to prune it regularly.”
Austree Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings for Privacy Hedges, Shade, and Wind Protection, 24 Trees
Advertised growth of up to 12 feet per year gives this 24-tree cutting bundle the most aggressive screening potential in the group. It is pitched for privacy, wind protection, shade, noise reduction, and erosion control, so it suits open ground where a fast-growing barrier can serve several purposes. Compared with the Emerald Green Arborvitae, which is intended for narrow spaces and a neater screen, the Austree is a much larger, less restrained choice: listed mature height is 50–75 feet. Trimming can keep it lower and dense, but that means ongoing size management, and the planting guidance calls for moist soil after planting. Buyers should treat the growth rate as an advertised maximum rather than a guaranteed timetable and plan for its eventual scale.
Pros:- 24 cuttings provide a large starting group for a screen
- Advertised growth rate of up to 12 feet per year
- Can be trimmed to stay low and dense
- Listed for privacy, shade, wind protection, noise reduction, and erosion control
Cons:- Mature height may reach 50–75 feet
- Soil needs to stay moist after planting
- Maintaining a low, dense form requires trimming
Best for: Property owners with open space who want a fast-growing screen that can also provide shade or wind protection
Not ideal for: Gardeners with small lots, dry planting sites, or limited capacity to manage trees that may reach 50–75 feet
- Plant type:Austree hybrid willow
- Quantity:24 trees
- Growth rate:Advertised up to 12 feet per year
- Maximum height:50–75 feet
- Care:Keep soil moist after planting
- Planting guidance:Plant cuttings past the root line
- Uses:Privacy hedge, wind block, shade, noise reduction, and erosion control
Our verdict“Choose Austree cuttings for rapid, multipurpose coverage on spacious, moist ground, and skip them where mature tree size would overwhelm the site.”
Podocarpus Japanese Yew Live Plants, 10-Pack
For a buyer who wants to shape a hedge over time, this 10-plant Podocarpus pack offers evergreen foliage and room to choose between a formal screen and looser planting. It tolerates varied soils and urban pollution, and grows in full sun or partial shade. Compared with the Thuja Green Giant 8-pack, it stays a more manageable shrub option, but its slow to moderate growth means privacy takes patience. The listed 2-inch expected height also signals a very small starting size, so it will not block a view soon after planting. Well-drained soil is a must. This suits gardeners willing to nurture a gradual screen; buyers who need fast coverage should look at a larger or faster-growing option.
Pros:- Ten plants provide multiple starts for a hedge or screen
- Evergreen foliage maintains visual coverage through the year
- Tolerates full sun and partial shade
- Handles varied soils and urban pollution when planted in well-drained soil
Cons:- Slow to moderate growth delays a filled-in privacy screen
- Listed expected height is only 2 inches
- Requires well-drained soil
Best for: Gardeners who want several evergreen shrubs for a shaped hedge and can wait for them to fill in
Not ideal for: Buyers who need immediate screening or want to avoid planting very small starts
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Quantity:10 live plants
- Scientific name:Podocarpus macrophyllus
- Foliage:Green
- Light:Full sun or partial shade
- Growth rate:Slow to moderate
- Expected plant height:2 inches
- Use:Outdoor
Our verdict“Choose this pack for a patient, shapeable evergreen hedge; skip it if you need privacy soon.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft, 8-Pack
This is the strongest fit in this batch for buyers who have space and want a screen to gain height quickly. The 8 trees arrive at 2 feet, already larger than the bareroot Emerald Green Arborvitae, and Green Giants can reach up to 60 feet tall. That growth potential can block sightlines more effectively than the compact Emerald Green form, but it demands careful spacing and a plan for mature size. Each tree may spread up to 20 feet if left unpruned, so narrow yards will need ongoing size management or another pick. It suits USDA zones 5–9 and needs little maintenance once established. Choose it over the small Emerald Green starts for scale; choose those instead when a tighter footprint matters.
Pros:- Fast growth can build a tall screen sooner than small bareroot starts
- Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round visual coverage
- Two-foot starting height gives the planting a head start
- Low maintenance once established
Cons:- Mature height and width can overwhelm small spaces
- Pruning may be needed to keep growth within boundaries
- Hardiness range is limited to USDA zones 5–9
Best for: Homeowners in USDA zones 5–9 with a large yard who want a tall evergreen screen
Not ideal for: Gardeners with narrow lots or limited room for trees that can mature to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide
- Quantity:8 trees
- Height at shipment:2 feet
- Mature height:Up to 60 feet
- Mature width:Up to 20 feet
- Hardiness zones:USDA zones 5–9
- Foliage:Dense, dark green evergreen
- Growth habit:Pyramidal
Our verdict“Pick Green Giants for a roomy site where quick height matters more than a compact footprint.”
Highlander Boxwood Live Plants, 2-Pack, 3.5-Inch Cubes
With a mature footprint of 6–7 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, Highlander Boxwood is the more contained choice beside the towering Thuja Green Giant. Its upright evergreen growth can form a narrow screen where a broad tree would crowd paths or beds, though the two-plant pack covers less ground than the 10-pack Podocarpus. These arrive in 3.5-inch cubes, so they are starter plants rather than an instant barrier; regular watering will matter while they establish. The listing includes care instructions and a 30-day replacement guarantee, useful details for new shrub growers, but the plants are unavailable for shipment to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This pick favors neat proportions over rapid, broad coverage.
Pros:- Upright 2–3-foot width fits tighter planting spaces
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round screening potential
- Grows in full sun to partial shade
- Includes care instructions and a 30-day replacement guarantee
Cons:- Only two starter plants are included
- Requires regular watering
- Shipping excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
Best for: Gardeners in zones 5–9 who want a narrow evergreen hedge near a foundation, border, or walkway
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a long privacy line from one purchase or immediate screening from larger plants
- Quantity:2 plants
- Plant:Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Highlander’)
- Container size:3.5-inch cubes
- Mature height:6–7 feet
- Mature width:2–3 feet
- Hardiness zones:USDA zones 5–9
- Light:Full sun to partial shade
- Guarantee:30 days from delivery
Our verdict“Choose Highlander Boxwood for a tidy, narrow hedge in a modest space, with patience for starter growth.”
20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees, 6–12 Inches Tall
The main advantage here is quantity: 20 plants give buyers many starts for a continuous row, while the compact, pyramidal habit is easier to place along a border than the wide-ranging Thuja Green Giant. That makes this a sensible choice for planning a long, narrow screen, but the plants ship bareroot at about 6–12 inches tall, so they need planting and establishment before they provide meaningful privacy. Unlike the 2-foot Green Giant pack, these starts are smaller and their growth rate is not specified in the product data. Treat them as a longer-term hedge project, with attention to planting and care after arrival. Buyers who prioritize fewer, taller plants should compare the Green Giant instead.
Pros:- Twenty plants can cover a longer planting row
- Compact, pyramidal form suits borders and foundation plantings
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round screening potential
- Naturally compact shape may reduce pruning needs
Cons:- Plants arrive only about 6–12 inches tall
- Bareroot starts need prompt planting and establishment
- Product data does not specify growth rate or mature dimensions
Best for: Gardeners planting a long border who can establish many small bareroot starts over time
Not ideal for: Homeowners who need a screen this season or prefer ready-to-plant container-grown shrubs
- Quantity:20 plants
- Plant type:Emerald Green Arborvitae
- Height at shipment:Approximately 6–12 inches
- Shipping form:Bareroot
- Growth habit:Compact, pyramidal column
- Foliage:Evergreen green foliage
Our verdict“Choose this set for a budget-conscious, long-term row of compact evergreens, not quick privacy.”
Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki Live Plant, 1 Gallon, Japanese Yew
Podocarpus Maki fills a different role from the small 10-pack of Japanese Yew: this 1-gallon plant is specified to mature at 8–10 feet tall but only 3–4 feet wide, making it a better match for a narrow privacy line in warmer regions. Glossy evergreen foliage and upright growth suit a hedge or foundation screen, and established plants are drought-tolerant. Compared with the Green Giant Arborvitae, it stays much narrower, though its USDA zones 7–11 exclude colder gardens that can grow Green Giants. The soil must drain well, and shipping is unavailable to California and Arizona. It is a useful space-saving option when the climate fits, but the single plant will not screen a long boundary by itself.
Pros:- Mature 3–4-foot width suits narrow planting spaces
- Glossy evergreen foliage supports year-round screening
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Tolerates pests, diseases, and air pollution according to the product description
Cons:- Hardiness range is limited to USDA zones 7–11
- Does not ship to California or Arizona
- Requires well-draining soil
Best for: Gardeners in USDA zones 7–11 who need a narrow evergreen screen and can source several plants for a longer boundary
Not ideal for: Buyers in colder zones, California, or Arizona, or anyone seeking a complete long hedge from one plant
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Container size:1 gallon
- Mature height:8–10 feet
- Mature width:3–4 feet
- Hardiness zones:USDA zones 7–11
- Light:Full sun to partial shade
- Soil:Well-draining
- Shipping restrictions:Does not ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose Podocarpus Maki for a narrow screen in a suitable warm climate, provided you can plant enough for your boundary.”
Sea Green Juniper Shrubs, 5 Live Plants in 4-Inch Pots
Sea Green Juniper suits buyers who want year-round screening at a more manageable 4–6-foot height than a tall tree row. Its five plants can form a border or windbreak, and the arching branches give the screen a looser look than the uniform line of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae. It also tolerates clay soil and needs only occasional watering after it establishes, a useful combination for sites that are not consistently moist. The tradeoff is that it needs well-drained soil; wet ground can rule it out, and regular watering matters during establishment. Annual shearing may also be needed to hold a chosen shape, unlike the Green Giant listing’s no-pruning claim. Choose this juniper for a sunny, drainable site where a shaped, mid-height screen fits better than rapid towering growth.
Pros:- Evergreen foliage provides year-round screening
- Five plants can be arranged as a border, windbreak, or screen
- Tolerates clay soil when drainage is adequate
- Some drought tolerance after establishment
Cons:- Does not tolerate wet soil
- Needs regular watering while establishing
- Annual shearing may be needed to maintain the desired shape
Best for: Gardeners with a sunny, well-drained yard who want an evergreen border or screen around 4–6 feet tall
Not ideal for: Buyers screening a wet site or seeking a tall, fast-growing screen with little shaping
- Botanical name:Juniperus chinensis ‘Sea Green’
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Quantity:5 live plants
- Pot size:4 inches
- Mature height:4–6 feet
- Sunlight exposure:Full sun
- Soil:Well-drained; tolerates clay
- Watering:Regular until established; occasional afterward, with more during drought
- Brand:Florida Foliage
Our verdict“Choose Sea Green Juniper for a sunny, well-drained site where a shaped 4–6-foot evergreen screen is a better fit than the taller Thuja Green Giant.”
Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2–3 ft
Thuja Green Giant is the speed-focused choice here: once established, the listing gives a growth rate of 3–5 feet per year, which can help a screen gain height faster than the 4–6-foot Sea Green Juniper. Its starting height of 2–3 feet gives buyers a head start over very small liners, while straight or staggered planting offers flexibility for the shape of the barrier. The listed no-pruning-needed feature may appeal to people who want a uniform row without regular trimming. That claim does not make this a fit for every yard, though: the product is described as an evergreen tree, so it is better for buyers seeking height than a compact shrub border. Shipping is also unavailable to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon. Check regional availability before choosing it over juniper or privet.
Pros:- Listed growth rate of 3–5 feet per year once established
- Starts at 2–3 feet tall
- Can be planted in straight or staggered rows
- Listing says pruning is not needed
Cons:- Cannot be shipped to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon
- Evergreen tree habit may not suit buyers wanting a compact shrub screen
Best for: Homeowners who want a fast-growing evergreen row for a tall privacy screen and can plant in an eligible shipping state
Not ideal for: Gardeners seeking a compact shrub border or buyers in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon
- Plant type:Evergreen tree
- Starting height:2–3 feet
- Growth rate:3–5 feet per year once established
- Pruning:Listing says no pruning is needed
- Planting arrangement:Straight line or staggered row
- Shipping restrictions:Cannot ship to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon
Our verdict“Pick this Green Giant for fast height and a uniform row if it ships to your state and you have room for an evergreen tree screen.”
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera), 20 Live Plants
Wax Myrtle is the strongest fit for buyers planting a longer screen who value adaptable, low-maintenance greenery. The 20-plant quantity can cover more ground than Sea Green Juniper’s five plants, while its tolerance for both drought and wet soils gives it flexibility where juniper’s dislike of wet ground is a problem. Aromatic evergreen foliage and grayish-white berries add seasonal character to a screen, rather than the more uniform appearance offered by Thuja Green Giant. The listing describes fast growth and little maintenance, but leaves out mature height and spacing. That makes it harder to plan coverage or estimate how quickly the row will close. Full sun is specified too, so shaded planting areas may not suit it. I’d favor this option when soil adaptability and planting quantity matter more than a clearly stated final size.
Pros:- Twenty plants support a longer or broader planting
- Evergreen aromatic foliage and berries add year-round and seasonal interest
- Tolerates drought, wet conditions, and varied soils
- Described as fast-growing and low-maintenance
Cons:- Mature height and spacing are not provided
- Full sun requirement limits shaded planting locations
Best for: Gardeners planning a broad outdoor screen who need many plants and want tolerance for both wet and dry conditions
Not ideal for: Buyers who need specified mature height and spacing or have a shaded planting site
- Scientific name:Myrica cerifera
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Quantity:20 live plants
- Outdoor usage:Outdoor
- Color:Green
- Sunlight exposure:Full sun
- Expected planting period:Spring
- Expected blooming period:Spring, winter
- Special features:Drought tolerant; low maintenance
Our verdict“Choose Wax Myrtle for a larger, adaptable screen when you can plan around unspecified mature dimensions and provide full sun.”
How We Picked
I compared these 13 listings by how well their plant type, starting size, and pack quantity could serve a privacy screen. The ranking favors options that combine useful screening potential with a practical number of plants and a manageable path from planting to coverage. I also weighed whether the plant’s form fits common yard constraints: narrow boundaries, formal hedges, larger open spaces, or mixed screens.
Listings with larger starts or a clear multi-plant planting role rank ahead of very small starts when they offer a more direct route to a screen. Compact and formal choices earn their place for buyers who value shape or limited width, even if they are not the quickest way to cover a boundary. Because these listings do not establish local climate suitability, mature dimensions, or guaranteed growth rates, I treat those as buyer checks rather than assume every option will thrive in every yard.
| shrubs for privacy | Plant type |
|---|---|
| Waxleaf Privet Live Plants | Upright deciduous, occasionally semi-evergreen shrub |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae Live | Evergreen shrub |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — |
| Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet | Evergreen shrub |
| Austree Hybrid Willow Tree Cut | Austree hybrid willow |
| Podocarpus Japanese Yew Live P | Evergreen shrub |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — |
| Highlander Boxwood Live Plants | — |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Tr | Emerald Green Arborvitae |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki | Evergreen shrub |
| Sea Green Juniper Shrubs | Evergreen shrub |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Gi | Evergreen tree |
| Wax Myrtle | Evergreen shrub |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shrubs For Privacy
A privacy planting is a long-term layout decision: the right shrub depends on the boundary, the local growing conditions, and how soon you need coverage. I would settle those constraints before choosing by pack size or starting height.
Measure the screen at mature size
Measure the length and usable width of the planting area, then check the mature height and spread for the exact plant and variety. A hedge that fits on planting day can crowd paths, fences, or neighboring plants once established. Buyers often focus on height alone, even though width determines whether shrubs can fill gaps without being packed too tightly. Allowing room for air and maintenance access can reduce crowding and make trimming easier. If the space is narrow, prioritize naturally upright forms over a plant that needs repeated pruning to stay in bounds. Confirm spacing guidance for your site before deciding how many plants to order.
Match the plant to your local conditions
Hardiness, summer heat, humidity, rainfall, soil drainage, and sun exposure all affect whether a privacy hedge will thrive. Check a reliable regional growing source for the specific plant, then compare its needs with the conditions along your boundary. A site beside a hot wall or under tree roots can differ from the rest of the yard. Poor drainage is a common source of trouble for plants that prefer well-drained soil, while drought-prone sites may demand more watering during establishment. Do not assume that a plant marketed for privacy is suitable for every region. Local suitability can matter more than a small difference in pot size.
Set a realistic timeline for coverage
Privacy takes time, and a taller start is not the only factor affecting how soon a planting screens a view. Growth depends on the plant, site conditions, establishment, and care, so compare the likely growth habit with your actual deadline. If you need immediate screening, a living hedge may not meet that need in its first season. Smaller starts can make it practical to plant a longer boundary, but gaps will remain until the plants grow and fill out. Larger specimens can shorten the visual wait, though they still need careful establishment. Decide whether you value faster initial coverage or more plants distributed along the boundary.
Plan spacing and quantity together
Pack counts do not translate directly into a finished hedge because spacing depends on mature spread and the screen’s intended density. Planting too closely may create competition and maintenance problems; planting too far apart can leave open sightlines for years. Sketch the boundary and mark each plant position using spacing guidance for the specific variety. Account for corners, gates, utilities, and access before settling on a quantity. Multipacks can simplify a uniform hedge, while a mixed planting may suit buyers who want varied texture or seasonal interest. Avoid ordering based on the number of plants alone without checking the total boundary length they can cover.
Choose a maintenance level you can sustain
Evergreen foliage can screen a boundary year-round, but evergreen does not mean maintenance-free. Consider how often you can water new plants, trim a formal hedge, clear fallen material, and inspect for pests or stress. A clipped, uniform look calls for recurring pruning, while a looser screen may need less shaping but more room. Buyers sometimes plan only for installation and overlook access to the back of a hedge. If you cannot easily reach the planting, favor a form that can grow naturally within the available space. Check care needs before choosing a plant solely for its appearance.
Compare starter size with planting scale
Starting height, pot or liner size, and pack quantity all affect the work and timeline, but none guarantees how a plant will perform after planting. Small liners can be a fit for long projects where the buyer can tend young plants; larger starts may be easier to place in a small focal section. Read the listing carefully to understand whether you are buying established potted plants, liners, or cuttings, since their planting and care needs differ. For a long screen, calculate the full number needed at the recommended spacing before comparing formats. Leave room in your plan for watering and replacement if some plants fail to establish. The best format is the one that suits both the planting scale and the care you can provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option makes the most sense for a narrow property line?
I would start by comparing the mature width of Emerald Green Arborvitae with the available planting strip, since its upright habit is more suited to restricted width than a broad, fast-growing screen. Check the specific variety’s mature dimensions and recommended spacing before ordering. A narrow planting can still become crowded if the shrubs are set too close together. If the site is too tight for the plants to reach their natural size, consider a different screen strategy rather than relying on frequent cutting to contain them.
Can I expect small plants to block a view in their first year?
Small starts such as liners or young plants are unlikely to create an immediate solid screen; coverage depends on their size, growth, spacing, and conditions after planting. Even a larger shrub may leave gaps while it establishes. If the view needs screening right away, plan for a temporary solution alongside the hedge. For a permanent planting, set expectations around gradual growth and avoid placing plants so closely that they compete as they mature.
Should I choose an evergreen hedge or a mixed planting?
An evergreen hedge is the clearer fit when you want a consistent screen through the year, while a mixed planting can add variation and spread risk across more than one plant type. The tradeoff is that different plants may grow at different rates and need different care, so the screen can look less uniform. A single-species row is easier to plan for consistent spacing, but it concentrates the planting around one set of growing conditions. Choose based on whether year-round uniformity or diversity matters more on your boundary, then check that every plant suits the same site.
How do I estimate how many plants to order?
Measure the boundary, then divide its usable length according to the recommended spacing for the exact variety and the density you want. Do not use pack count or a seller’s general hedge description as a substitute for spacing guidance. Leave room for mature spread, access, and any gates or corners that interrupt the row. If you plan a layered or mixed screen, map each row separately. A quick sketch can prevent both uncovered gaps and overcrowding.
What should I check before ordering live shrubs online?
Confirm the plant’s identity, the number of plants, the supplied form and dimensions, and the seller’s shipping and arrival instructions. Liners, cuttings, and potted shrubs are different starting materials, so their planting needs may differ. Check your local planting window and prepare the site before delivery to limit the time roots spend waiting. Read the seller’s current care guidance and inspect plants on arrival for damage or signs of stress. Regional suitability and mature dimensions should be checked independently against your yard conditions.
Conclusion
For the best overall balance, I would start with Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft, 8-Pack, provided the yard has room for its mature size. Best for a tighter boundary is Emerald Green Arborvitae; choose a listing size and quantity that fit your timeline. Waxleaf Privet in a 10-pack is my best value-style planting format for buyers prioritizing more starts across a longer run, while the Brighter Blooms 3-gallon privet is better suited to someone who wants a larger individual shrub. For beginners, the most forgiving choice is the plant that matches local conditions and can be watered and maintained consistently, so verify regional fit before choosing among the arborvitae or privet options. Podocarpus or Highlander Boxwood make more sense for formal, controlled spaces; choose Austree Willow or Wax Myrtle only after checking their site needs and growth habits. The right pick is the one whose mature form, planting scale, and care demands fit the actual boundary.
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
