How to Install and Care For Privacy Trees

Our quick guide to proper installation and care for privacy trees.

  • Steps for planting your own privacy trees

    1. Measure off the area that you are trying to cover.

    2. Space trees according to their growth needs (see tree info).

    3. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the pot.

    4. Plant the root ball even with the soil or 1 inch above ground level.

    5. Before putting the plant in the hole rough the roots up to promote root growth.

    6. Pack soil back around the root ball with your foot to ensure stability.

    7. Spread remaining soil around the tree but do not pile dirt on the root ball or this will cut off air to the root system.

    8. If you have fertilizer apply it above ground around the outside of the plant.

    9. It can be helpful to stake your plants but if you are going to do so be sure to use a plant tape to tie the stake to the tree because string or rope may damage the stem.

    10. If you want to put mulch around the trees this will help hold in the moisture for the roots to grow but this is not a necessity.

  • Steps for taking care of trees after planting

    1. Keep an eye on the trees and take a look at them up close every couple of weeks to make sure there are staying healthy.

    2. Water the trees 2-3 times per week during the months May through October.

    3. If you plan on using a garden hose to water your plants be sure to water each tree for 30-45 seconds each and it may be helpful to switch up to ensure you do not wash the soil away from around the trees.

    4. If you plan on using drip irrigation you can turn it on 2-3 days per week for 1-2 hours each day.

    5. If you applied stakes be sure to take them off after 1 year to keep from growing into the tree.

    6. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and in the fall. I recommend getting a slow release granular fertilizer or evergreen stakes and applying in April and September.

  • Helpful Tips

    1. Do NOT use fast release fertilizer on these plants such as 10-10-10, be sure to use a slow release to keep the plants from receiving too much nitrogen at once and dying.

    2. Keep grass and weeds trimmed down from around your plants.

    3. These trees need plenty of sunlight to grow to their full potential, do NOT plant them directly under a larger tree. They need at least part sun to thrive.

  • Common Questions

    What kind of fertilizer should I use for my plants? We use a slow release fertilizer in all of our landscapes, we also sell smaller packs for homeowner use.

    How far apart do I space my plants for privacy? The distance between each plant primarily depends on what type of plant it is. Each privacy tree and border plant will show the suggested spacing under the plant information section.

  • Deciding on the Right Trees for Your Property

    Thuja “Green Giant”

    1. Fastest growing Privacy Tree, up to 3ft per year.

    2. Best trees to use in an open landscape to block out neighbors and other properties.

    3. Requires an area with at least 15-20 feet for growth.

    4. Spacing is 5-8 ft apart for privacy or further to leave space between plants.

    5. Mature size is 40 ft tall x 15 ft wide.

    “Emerald Green” Arborvitae

    1. Slower growing/ compact privacy tree or border plant.

    2. Grows 1 ft per year, great for next to houses or tight spaces.

    3. Requires an area with at least 5 feet for growth.

    4. Spacing is 3ft apart for privacy or further to leave space between plants.

    5. Mature size is 10-15 ft tall and 3-4 ft wide.

    “Virginian” Arborvitae

    1. Average growing privacy tree or border plant.

    2. Grows 2 ft per year, great for small yards and next to fences.

    3. Requires an area with at least 6-10 ft for growth.

    4. Spacing is 3-4 ft apart for privacy or further to leave space between plants.

    5. Mature size is 15 ft tall and 6 ft wide.