Arborvitae Alternatives: 9 Resilient Plants For Privacy Screens
Add variety and wildlife appeal with low-maintenance hedges that thrive in any yard.
9 Superior Alternatives to Arborvitae for Privacy and Landscape Design
Arborvitae (Thuja) has dominated American landscapes as a go-to for privacy hedges and living fences. Known for their formal, symmetrical shapes and evergreen foliage, arborvitae certainly has its place. However, these shrubs and trees can be temperamental and susceptible to a host of problemsâfrom drought stress to fungal diseases. If you desire a lush, green barrier without the baggage, consider these robust alternatives. This guide presents nine outstanding substitutes for arborvitae, each offering distinct visual character, resilience, and beauty for your landscape.
Contents
- Why Should You Look Beyond Arborvitae?
- Problems Common to Arborvitae
- The 9 Best Arborvitae Alternatives
- How to Choose and Plant Alternatives
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Look Beyond Arborvitae?
While the classic arborvitae is widely used, it often results in monotonous, uninspired hedges. More critically, planting vast stretches of the same species increases vulnerability to pests and diseases, threatening the entire screen. Opting for alternatives helps you:
- Diversify your landscapeâreducing the risk of catastrophic losses from specific threats.
- Increase visual interestâincorporating varying textures, colors, and forms along your boundaries.
- Attract pollinators and wildlifeâwith options that flower, fruit, or provide unique habitats.
- Lower maintenance demandsâas some alternatives are less finicky about soil, water, or temperature fluctuations.
Problems Common to Arborvitae
The popularity of arborvitae does not make it an easy-care plant. Key challenges include:
- Poor drought tolerance: Arborvitaes demand consistent moisture, but dislike both extremesâdrought leads to shedding, while waterlogging invites root rot.
- Winter burn susceptibility: Needles may brown and drop after harsh winters or exposed, windy sites.
- Frequent pest attacks: Bagworms, leaf miners, spider mites, and scales are common adversaries.
- Fungal diseases: Blights can rapidly brown entire plants, especially in poor air circulation.
- Monoculture risk: Planting exclusively arborvitae hedges creates a uniform blockâif one falls to disease, others likely will too.
If these high-maintenance needs are a concern, numerous alternatives await. The selections below combine year-round screening ability with superior resilience.
The 9 Best Arborvitae Alternatives for Privacy and Design
1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
Leyland cypress is a fast-growing, evergreen giant that quickly forms towering privacy screens. Its feathery, dark green foliage mirrors the columnar shape of arborvitae but with enhanced vigor and adaptability.
- Grows 3â4 feet per year in ideal conditions
- Drought tolerant once established
- Best spaced at least 6â8 feet apart for airflow
- Resistant to many pests and diseases that plague arborvitae
Ideal if you need rapid, evergreen coverage for large spaces.
2. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)
The Hinoki cypress has elegantly layered foliage and a refined, pyramidal form. Unlike many conifers, it is slow-growing but makes up for it with minimal maintenance needs and enhanced disease resistance.
- Evergreen, soft aromatic foliage
- Varieties from dwarf (3â6 ft) to tall (20+ ft)
- Excellent choice for foundation plantings or focal points
- Pest and disease resistant
Choose Hinoki cypress for lasting beauty with little fuss.
3. Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
The Japanese cedar offers lush, feathery needles that take on a bronze tint in winter. Its fast-to-moderate growth and whimsical, conical habit make it a dynamic alternative for hedges and specimen planting.
What others are reading
- Grows 1â2 feet per year
- Tolerates sun, part shade, and a range of soils
- Generally free from serious pests
- Can reach impressive heights for privacy screens
A graceful solution for large properties or as a unique accent specimen.
4. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Related to arborvitae but notably tougher, the Western red cedar thrives in more varied conditions and offers long, graceful sprays of blue-green foliage.
- More tolerant of damp soils than arborvitae
- Less prone to browning in winter
- Can mature into a giant tree, so prune or select smaller cultivars for domestic gardens
- Pleasing fragrance when brushed or pruned
Best for larger landscapes or mixed screens where bold structure is desired.
5. Yew (Taxus spp.)
Yews are traditional favorites for hedges and can be shaped into various forms. Their dense, deep green needles and exceptional shade tolerance set them apart from most conifers.
- Thrives in sun or deep shade
- Slow to moderate growth; very long-lived
- Tolerant of regular pruning; can form formal or informal hedges
- Red berries in fall (note: poisonous to people and pets)
Choose the yew when you need reliable screening for shaded areas.
6. Holly (Ilex spp.)
Hollies add year-round privacy, evergreen luster, andâon female plantsâbright red berries for winter interest.
- Dense, prickly foliage deters unwanted traffic
- Many varieties, from American holly to compact inkberry
- Full sun to part shade tolerance
Optimal for multi-purpose hedges that add beauty, privacy, and wildlife value.
7. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
The Italian cypress commands attention with its extremely narrow, upright formâevoking Mediterranean vistas. It fits where space is tight but height is needed.
- Can reach 40â60 feet tall, but only 3â5 feet wide
- Grows up to 2â3 feet per year in zones 7â11
- Works in tight boundaries or as architectural accents
Pick Italian cypress for vertical drama and instant screening in narrow spaces.
8. Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’)
The Skip laurel boasts broad, glossy evergreen leaves rather than needles, forming lush, dense hedges and windbreaks.
- Grows 10â18 feet tall; can be easily shaped
- White fragrant flower spikes in spring
- Tolerates moderate drought and shade
- Resistant to most pests; occasional caterpillars or shot hole fungus possible
Ideal for formal privacy hedges with a leafy look.
9. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
For rapid coverage and dense growth, privet is hard to beat. Its rapid growth and tolerance for heavy pruning make it a classic for instant privacy screens.
- Quick to establishâregrows rapidly if cut back
- Glossy, semi-evergreen or deciduous foliage
- Fragrant white blooms in early summer; attracts pollinators
- Easily shaped into formal or naturalistic forms
Privet excels for fast results and versatility, but some species can be invasive in certain areasâcheck local guidelines before planting.
How to Choose and Plant Arborvitae Alternatives
The best alternative depends on your specific goals, site conditions, and long-term vision for your landscape. Consider the following key factors when making your plant selection:
- Climate compatibility: Not all options suit every hardiness zone. Confirm with your local extension office or nursery about zone suitability before purchase.
- Growth rate and mature size: Fast growers like Leyland cypress may rapidly fulfill privacy needs, but require space. Slower growers, like Hinoki cypress, offer a more measured pace.
- Sunlight and soil needs: Yews and laurel tolerate shade; Italian cypress and Leyland cypress require sun. Drainage, pH, and fertility also matter.
- Maintenance expectations: Some plants demand periodic shearing or thinning; others grow at their own pace with minimal intervention.
- Wildlife and ecological value: Hollies support birds, butterfly bushes attract pollinators, and blueberries yield edible fruit.
Tips for Planting a Successful Privacy Screen
- Avoid monoculture blocks by mixing two or three species for year-round resilience and variety.
- Stagger plantings or cluster in small groups rather than one rigid row, for a more natural and layered look.
- Space properlyâdon’t cram plants. Allow mature dimensions for airflow and disease prevention.
- Enrich your screen with perennials and shrubs of different sizes, forms, or blooms to soften transitions.
- Consider all-season appeal: Look for species that offer winter color, seasonal flowers, or decorative fruit.
Comparison Table: Key Features of Arborvitae Alternatives
| Plant | Growth Rate | Mature Height | Key Benefits | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leyland Cypress | Fast | 40â60 ft | Rapid coverage, tolerant of various soils | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Hinoki Cypress | Slow | 3â20 ft (varies) | Low maintenance, pest resistant | Full sun/part shade, moist, acidic soil |
| Japanese Cedar | Moderate | 50â60 ft | Aromatic, distinctive texture | Full sun/part shade, moist |
| Western Red Cedar | Moderate | 50+ ft | Wet-tolerant, graceful appearance | Full sun, moist |
| Yew | Slow | 2â20 ft (varies by cultivar) | Tolerates shade, formal or informal shapes | Sun or shade, well-drained |
| Holly | Moderate | 10â20 ft | Year-round privacy, berries for wildlife | Full sun to part shade |
| Italian Cypress | Fast | 40â60 ft | Space-saving, striking form | Full sun, well-drained |
| Skip Laurel | Moderate | 10â18 ft | Broadleaf evergreen, fragrant flowers | Part sun, adaptable |
| Privet | Fast | 8â15 ft | Rapid, dense, easily trimmed | Sun to part shade |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes arborvitae alternatives more desirable for privacy screens?
A: Alternatives typically have broader adaptability, stronger resistance to common pests and diseases, and can offer unique textures, colors, or wildlife benefits that arborvitae lacks.
Q: Are any alternatives truly low-maintenance?
A: Plants like Hinoki cypress and certain holly species need little to no annual pruning and have few pest problems once established.
Q: How quickly can I achieve privacy with these plants?
A: Fast-growing options such as Leyland cypress or privet may screen a yard in 3â5 years; slower growers like yew or Hinoki cypress require patience but last for decades.
Q: Can arborvitae alternatives handle heavy pruning?
A: Yew, privet, and holly tolerate hard pruningâideal for neat hedges or rejuvenation. Leyland and Italian cypress require lighter, more selective pruning.
Q: Do these alternatives attract wildlife?
A: Yesâhollies provide berries for birds, butterfly bush flowers for pollinators, and blueberry bushes attract both people and nature with blooms and fruit.
In Summary
Arborvitaeâs popularity speaks to its utility, but its drawbacks make exploring alternatives wise. By mixing evergreen conifers, broadleaf shrubs, and flowering plants, you build not only an effective privacy barrier, but also a landscape brimming with vitality, beauty, and year-round delight.
References
- https://blessingland.com/blog/best-plants-for-privacy-screening-that-dont-look-like-arborvitae/
- https://hicksnurseries.com/trees-and-shrubs/the-best-trees-shrubs-for-privacy/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/arborvitae-alternatives/
- https://plantsbymail.com/blogs/faqs/19-privacy-plants-picks-trees-and-shrubs-for-privacy-plantings
- https://bbbarns.com/garden-blog/screening-trees/
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