Columnar Trees for Privacy in Shade: Fast-Growing Options

A homeowner needed a shade-tolerant, fast-growing privacy screen for a backyard that sits higher than neighboring homes. Turf expert Ashton Ritchie recommended ‘Bright ’n Tight’ cherrylaurel and sweetbay magnolia. Other options include ‘Scarlet’s Peak’ columnar yaupon holly and ‘Slender Silhouette’ sweetgum (40′ tall, only 5′ wide, with few spiky balls).

Cherry Laurel Bright & Tight

Scarlet’s Peak holly