5 Best Privacy Trees for Northeast Ohio Properties

Tired of feeling like your backyard is on display? Whether it’s nosy neighbors, street traffic, or just the need for a little peace and quiet, privacy is something every homeowner deserves. And while a fence might do the job, it can’t match the natural beauty and year-round coverage of a thoughtfully planted row of trees.

Privacy trees don’t just block views – they create a sense of seclusion, reduce noise, and turn ordinary yards into private retreats. And when you choose the right ones for Northeast Ohio’s climate, they’ll do it effortlessly for decades to come.

Key Takeaways:

• Privacy trees provide year-round screening and a natural alternative to fencing, enhancing both privacy and property value.
• Not all privacy trees thrive in Northeast Ohio – choose species that are cold-hardy, disease-resistant, and suited to local soil conditions.
• Fast-growing options, like Norway spruce and Leyland cypress can establish a screen in just a few years, while slower growers offer long-term structure with minimal maintenance.
• Tree shape matters: Upright, dense, and columnar species, like arborvitae and eastern redcedar, are ideal for tight spaces or formal hedges.
• Expert guidance ensures success – from selecting the right species to proper spacing and long-term care, working with a professional can prevent costly mistakes and maximize results.

The Best Trees for Privacy in Northeast Ohio

In Northeast Ohio, privacy trees, which are also known as shelterbelts, need to do more than just look good. They need to handle cold winters, humid summers, and sometimes compacted or clay-heavy soil. The trees below are either native to Ohio or extremely well-adapted to our area’s climate and have been proven to perform well over time – offering dense, dependable coverage year after year.

Left photo by John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org; Right photo: A close-up look at the needles of a cedar tree

1. Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)

This native evergreen is a strong performer in Northeast Ohio landscapes, especially where conditions are dry, rocky, or less than ideal. Its tight, upright growth habit and dense branching from ground to crown make it one of the most effective natural screening options available.

Eastern redcedar also provides year-round structure and visual separation, even in open or rural areas where wind can be an issue. Its small, waxy cones are a food source for birds, adding an ecological benefit to its already practical appeal. It’s a reliable, low-maintenance solution for homeowners looking for lasting privacy with minimal input.

Quick Facts

• Height: 30–50 ft
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Tolerates dry, rocky, or poor soils
• Form: Narrow, columnar; dense from base to tip
• Best For: Natural screening, windbreaks, rural or open properties

Left photo: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org; Right photo: A close-up look at the branches of a white pine.

2. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Eastern white pine is valued for its fast growth and soft, layered appearance, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want privacy without a rigid or formal look. When planted in groups, it quickly establishes a natural screen that also functions well as a windbreak.

It performs best in areas with good air circulation and well-drained soils. While it’s not ideal for urban conditions due to sensitivity to salt and compaction, it excels on larger properties where space and light are abundant. With the right placement, this species delivers both scale and screening in just a few growing seasons.

Quick Facts

• Height: 50–80 ft
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
• Form: Broad, pyramidal; soft, layered branches
• Best For: Large properties, wind protection, fast-growing screens

Left photo: Jason Sharman, Vitalitree, Bugwood.org; Right photo: A landscape with wall-lined arborvitae trees

3. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Arborvitae is one of the most versatile and widely used privacy trees in the region – and for good reason. It offers a narrow, upright form with dense foliage that holds its shape and color throughout the winter. It’s particularly well-suited for suburban properties where space is limited but full-year coverage is still a priority.

Homeowners appreciate how well arborvitae responds to shaping, making it ideal for both formal hedges and natural screens. Certain cultivars, like ‘Emerald Green,’ stay compact and tidy, while others, like ‘Nigra,’ offer a darker tone and fuller structure. It performs reliably in a range of soil types and light conditions and is one of the more adaptable evergreens on this list.

Quick Facts

• Height: 40–60 ft (smaller with some cultivars)
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained; adaptable
• Form: Dense, narrow, columnar
• Best For: Tight spaces, formal hedges, low-maintenance screening

Norway Spruce, Richard Webb, Bugwood.org

4. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Norway spruce stands out as one of the fastest-growing evergreen trees suitable for privacy. Its dense branching habit creates an effective barrier within just a few years, and its mature form – known for its gracefully drooping lower branches – adds visual interest while maintaining coverage.

Unlike some spruces that struggle with disease in Ohio’s humid summers (like the Colorado blue spruce), Norway spruce is more resilient and requires less intervention over time. It’s often used in estate-scale landscapes and along property lines where both screening and wind protection are priorities. For homeowners looking for fast, large-scale privacy with strong visual presence, this tree is a top contender.

Quick Facts

• Height: 40–60 ft
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained preferred
• Form: Broad pyramidal with drooping branches at maturity
• Best For: Large-scale privacy, windbreaks, fast coverage

Left image by John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org; Right image: Leyland Cypress planted uniformly for a residential privacy.

5. Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)

Leyland cypress is a top choice for homeowners who want fast, full coverage and clean, uniform lines. Known for its rapid growth and dense, upright form, it can establish a solid privacy screen in just a few years. Its fine, soft needles form a tight wall of greenery that remains attractive year-round.

While not native to Ohio, Leyland Cypress is widely planted across the region thanks to its performance and adaptability. It thrives in full sun, prefers well-drained soil, and responds well to shaping if a more defined hedge is desired. One consideration: it performs best with good air circulation and slightly drier conditions – avoid planting in areas with standing water or poor drainage.

Quick Facts

• Height: 40–60 ft
• Growth Rate: Very fast
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained; avoid poor drainage
• Form: Tall, narrow, columnar; dense foliage
• Best For: Fast-growing privacy screens, windbreaks, uniform hedging

Get Help Choosing the Right Privacy Tree for Your Property from Independent Tree

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to privacy trees. The best choice depends on your property’s unique conditions and your long-term goals for maintenance, growth rate, and visual impact.

Whether you want a fast-growing screen, a formal hedge, or a low-maintenance natural barrier, Independent Tree can help you make informed, confident decisions about your landscape. From species selection and spacing to expert planting and long-term care, our team brings the knowledge and experience needed to ensure your investment pays off for decades to come.

Give us a call at 440-564-1374 to fill out our online form to request a free estimate.