Tall Hedge Plants

Giant Arborvitae

• Big trees for expansive properties, giant arbovitae trees grow to a height of 50 to 70 feet. The giant arborvitae, Thuja plicata, is an evergreen with finely textured foliage that forms a dense screen when used as a hedge. Ideal for planting along a roadside to block prying eyes and reduce traffic noise, these plants are moderately drought tolerant and flourish in full sun to partial shade. Also known as giant cedar, the tree is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions as long as the roots are in well-drained ground. Grow giant arborvitae in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 to 8.

Nannyberry

• Tall for a suburban landscape, but not overwhelming on moderate-size properties, Nannyberry, Viburnum lentago, is a deciduous tree suitable for a hedge at the far end of a deep backyard or beside a long driveway. The ridged, deep-green leaves complement the clusters of creamy-white flowers that bloom in May, followed by bunches of bright-red berries. Nannyberry foliage turns a reddish-purple in the fall, blending in with the colors of your autumn garden. It is adaptable to sun or shade, and either dry or moist soil conditions. Nannyberry is hardy to zone 2 and grows up to 15 feet high.

Canadian Hemlock

• Measuring in at 80-feet tall in its natural environment, cultivated Canadian hemlock tends to grow about 25-feet tall, with a 10-foot spread. For a big tree, its needles are delicate and the branches fine-textured, creating a thickly matted hedge when planted in a row. Shear Canadian hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, to create a straight-edged hedge in a formal garden landscape. Allowed to grow in their natural form, a row of these trees makes an effective windbreak and shades wide swaths of ground depending on the hedge's orientation to the sun. Canadian hemlock grows in hardiness zones 4 to 7.

American Holly

• American holly, Ilex opaca, makes a formidable hedge that grows 30 to 50 feet high. The dull green leaves bear sharp stickers that cause discomfort, if not damage, should an intruder try to breach the hedge. Besides making a significant contribution to privacy, American holly is an attractive, evergreen backdrop for bold-colored flower beds. Holly cultivars thrive in sun, are shade tolerant and adapt to problem soil conditions. Include both male and female plants in the hedge, ensuring the pollination required to produce holly's signature red berries. Prune your holly hedge in the winter and use the red-berry-laden branches for holiday decorations. Grow American holly in zones 5 to 9.