As homes get closer together and outdoor living becomes more important, homeowners are searching for ways to create peaceful, private environments in their yards. One of the most effective solutions is planting privacy trees—a long-lasting, natural, and visually appealing alternative to fencing. Privacy trees offer year-round or seasonal screening, noise reduction, beauty, and a softer, more organic look compared to man-made structures.
For Oakland County homeowners, privacy trees are one of the best landscape investments you can make. They grow fuller and stronger over time, increase property value, and transform your yard into a secluded outdoor retreat.
In this blog, we break down the best privacy trees for Michigan, why they work so well, where to plant them, and how Driftwood Landscape ensures proper installation for long-term success.
Privacy trees offer benefits that fencing simply can’t match.
Trees create a green, living screen that blends into your landscape. Unlike fences, they:
They make your outdoor space feel more peaceful and organic.
Fences weaken; trees grow stronger.
Privacy trees fill in:
As they mature, the screening becomes denser and more effective.
Trees help absorb sound from:
They create a quieter environment around your home.
Professionally planted privacy trees improve curb appeal and make your property more appealing to buyers.
Evergreen privacy trees stay full all year, while deciduous privacy trees offer lush coverage through spring, summer, and fall.
Trees help:
Your privacy investment benefits the ecosystem too.
Driftwood Landscape installs trees that thrive in Michigan’s climate and provide excellent screening.
One of the most popular privacy trees.
✔ Dense, columnar shape
✔ Stays green all year
✔ Ideal for narrow spaces
✔ Grows 10–12 ft tall
Best for homeowners wanting a clean, uniform privacy wall.
A fast-growing privacy giant.
✔ Grows up to 3 ft per year
✔ Tall, full, and hardy
✔ Perfect for large property lines
Ideal when you want privacy quickly.
Excellent for long-term, year-round privacy.
✔ Beautiful branching structure
✔ Tall and wide for large screening
✔ Handles Michigan winters very well
Perfect for rural or large suburban lots.
A deciduous privacy tree with multi-season beauty.
✔ Dense summer foliage
✔ Beautiful flowers and berries
✔ Great for layered privacy
Not evergreen, but stunning as part of a mixed screen.
Great for softening large property lines.
✔ Fast growth
✔ Multi-trunk visual appeal
✔ Thick summer foliage for privacy
Excellent for natural-looking landscapes.
Medium-height screening shrubs.
✔ Dense growth
✔ Fast establishment
✔ Beautiful seasonal interest
Perfect for smaller yards or layered privacy.
Strategic placement ensures maximum privacy and aesthetic balance.
The most common use—blocks neighbors and creates a defined boundary.
Trees protect:
This creates a secluded retreat in your backyard.
Avoid direct sightlines from neighbors or streets.
Trees offer privacy without the harsh appearance of fencing.
Great for homes near busy streets or intersections.
This depends on species, but general spacing recommendations include:
Driftwood ensures proper spacing for fullness and long-term health.
Privacy trees grow large and require correct installation for long-term success. Driftwood ensures:
Incorrect planting is the #1 reason privacy trees fail early.
You may benefit from privacy trees if:
Privacy trees offer peace, beauty, and comfort.
Driftwood Landscape installs premium privacy trees tailored to your yard, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
