Winter brings with it a certain kind of quiet. The trees stand bare, the winds sweep through open spaces, and our yards can feel exposed. It’s the time of year when we wish we could close ourselves off a little more from the world around us. But it’s not just during winter. Sometimes, we just need a little extra peace of mind and alone time. That’s where privacy trees come in!

They offer more than just a way to shield your yard from the outside world, they’re incredibly comforting and peaceful. But not just any trees will do. If you’re thinking about planting trees for privacy, you need to choose those that can weather both the coldest winter months and the scorching summer heat. (And if you have existing trees that are blocking your ideal privacy space, it might be time to consider removing them. Our professional tree-cutting in New York can help clear the way for new privacy trees.)

Here’s our list of privacy trees that can stand strong through it all – trees that will grow thick and lush, offering shelter, privacy, and beauty in any NYC climate.

1. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Arborvitae is the privacy tree that comes to mind for many homeowners, and for good reason. It’s known for being incredibly reliable in all sorts of weather. Its dense, soft needles provide solid coverage, keeping prying eyes away even during the colder months.

Cold Tolerant: It can withstand freezing temperatures and still look great.
Heat Tolerant: Arborvitae thrives under the summer sun, making it a great all-season option.
Easy Care: Once established, it’s low-maintenance, which is always a win in busy seasons.
Privacy Year-Round: The thick foliage stays lush through the winter, making it a year-round privacy option.

Arborvitae grows in a columnar shape, which makes it perfect for narrow spaces where you need privacy but can’t afford to lose room.

2. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

If you’re looking for something a little more rugged, the Eastern Red Cedar could be just what you need. This tree does well in all kinds of weather and provides year-round privacy with its dense, evergreen needles.

Cold Hardy: Eastern Red Cedars hold up well in freezing temperatures, making them perfect for northern climates.
Heat and Drought Tolerant: Once established, they can handle hot summers and dry conditions.
Wildlife-Friendly: Birds love this tree, and it can provide shelter for local wildlife.
Year-Round Coverage: Like the Arborvitae, the Eastern Red Cedar keeps its foliage all year long.

What makes this tree special is its adaptability. It’s perfect if your soil isn’t ideal, and its deep roots make it more drought-resistant than other trees.

3. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)

For a quick-growing privacy screen, the Leyland Cypress is a great choice. It’s perfect if you want privacy in a hurry. It grows fast, fills in gaps quickly, and provides that much-needed privacy.

Fast Growth: This tree doesn’t waste any time filling in gaps and providing privacy.
Hardy: It handles both cold and heat with ease.
Disease-Resistant: Leyland Cypress isn’t as prone to pests and diseases as other fast-growing trees.
Thick Privacy: It grows dense, making it one of the most reliable trees for privacy.

While this tree does need room to spread, it will give you a solid screen and grow quickly to block out unwanted views.

4. Boxwood (Buxus)

If you’re working with a smaller space and want a low-growing privacy tree, Boxwood could be your best option. It’s not a towering tree like the others, but it can still provide plenty of coverage for areas where you need a more compact privacy solution.

Cold Hardy: Boxwoods are tough and can handle freezing temperatures without breaking a sweat.
Heat Tolerant: They’re happy in full sun and can endure hot summers.
Low Maintenance: Boxwoods don’t need much upkeep once they’re established. A quick trim here and there, and you’re set.
Compact Privacy: These trees stay dense and low-growing, making them ideal for hedges and borders.

Boxwoods are often used in more formal landscaping, but they’re just as effective in informal settings where you need privacy in smaller spaces.

5. Pines (Pinus spp.)

Pines are another sturdy option if you’re looking for tall, robust trees that provide plenty of privacy. They are great, especially when you need something that will be able to stand up to harsh weather year after year.

Cold and Heat Resistant: Pines are adaptable to extreme cold and intense heat, which makes them great for a wide range of climates.
Evergreen: Their needles stay green through all seasons.
Low Water Needs: Once established, pines need very little watering, making them low-maintenance.
Height and Coverage: Pines grow tall and wide, which is perfect if you’re looking for height in your privacy screen.

Pines are excellent options for large yards or properties where you need coverage and wind protection. Their towering height combined with their dense needles make them excellent for blocking out noise and providing solid coverage.

6. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

For those looking for something a bit more refined and compact, Japanese Holly is the perfect solution. This evergreen shrub can function like a privacy tree when trimmed and shaped properly, and it does well in a variety of climates.

Cold Hardy: Japanese Holly can handle the chill of winter, providing year-round coverage.
Heat Tolerant: It’s also fine in the heat of summer, needing very little water once established.
Low Maintenance: Because of its growth rate, it does not need high maintenance. It will remain tidy with periodic pruning.
Good for Smaller Yards: Since Japanese Holly isn’t overwhelming and stays relatively full, this may be used for privacy if yard space is limited.

7. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

The Norway Spruce is ideal for larger properties where a tall, fast-growing evergreen tree is needed for property privacy. It is one of the strongest privacy screens and can take extreme weather conditions.

Handles -0: Handles below-freezing temperatures well and doesn’t flinch at harsh winters.
Heat Tolerant: Norway Spruce grows just as well in the heat of summer as it does in the cold.
Fast Growth: It is fast-growing, so you will not wait that long for privacy.
Evergreen: Its needles are always green, making it an excellent evergreen for privacy.

This tree is suitable for a larger yard in which you need something high to give a natural, dense screen. Also, this tree is good for windbreaks.

Our Last Thought on Privacy Trees

For the best privacy trees, selection all depends on specific needs in your borough. These options are best suited for all weather, but your choice depends on the size and style you most prefer with the amount of privacy you feel most comfortable in.