Privacy Tree Spacing Guide
Privacy Tree Spacing Guide
Plan a healthy, attractive privacy screen by choosing spacing that fits the tree variety, mature size, available planting area and coverage you want to achieve.
Spacing privacy trees too closely can cause crowding, restricted airflow and additional pruning. Spacing them too far apart may leave unwanted gaps. Use the recommendations below as a planning guide, then confirm your layout based on the specific plants and sizes available.
Privacy Tree Calculator
Enter the length of your planting line and select a tree variety to estimate the number of plants needed.
This calculator provides a planning estimate. Final quantity can change based on starting position, property boundaries, plant size and the desired density.
Recommended Spacing by Variety
Green Giant Arborvitae
Common spacing: 5–6 feet apart
- Fast-growing evergreen
- Suitable for tall, wide privacy screens
- Allow sufficient room for mature growth
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Common spacing: 3–4 feet apart
- Narrow, upright growth habit
- Useful where planting space is limited
- Well suited to formal evergreen rows
Leyland Cypress
Common spacing: 6–8 feet apart
- Fast-growing screening tree
- Best where substantial space is available
- Consider mature width before planting
Skip Laurel
Common spacing: 3–5 feet apart
- Dense, broadleaf evergreen foliage
- Useful for hedges and lower screening
- Can be maintained with selective pruning
Closer or Wider Spacing?
Closer spacing
- May create coverage more quickly
- Can require more plants initially
- May increase future pruning and crowding
Wider spacing
- Allows more room for mature growth
- Can improve airflow between plants
- May take longer to create a solid screen
Planting Tips for a Straight, Healthy Screen
- Mark the planting line with stakes and string before digging.
- Measure spacing from the center of one plant to the center of the next.
- Confirm the location of underground utilities before digging.
- Dig planting holes wider than the root ball, but avoid planting too deeply.
- Water thoroughly after planting and throughout establishment.
- Apply mulch around the root zone without piling it against trunks or stems.
- Consider mature width, nearby structures, fences and property boundaries.
Common Spacing Mistakes
- Choosing spacing based only on the plant’s current size
- Ignoring mature height and width
- Planting too close to fences, buildings or neighboring properties
- Using extremely tight spacing to force instant coverage
- Failing to account for sunlight, drainage and soil conditions
Need Help Planning Your Privacy Screen?
Send us the length of your planting area, photographs, sunlight conditions and desired screening height. The Fanelli team can help you compare available varieties, sizes and approximate quantities.