Privacy screen evergreen for full shade? - Ask Extension
We would like to plant some privacy hedging in an area of our yard that is full shade. Ideally we would like evergreen so that we have privacy year r...
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Privacy screen evergreen for full shade? #868870
Asked May 17, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
We would like to plant some privacy hedging in an area of our yard that is full shade. Ideally we would like evergreen so that we have privacy year round. What can you recommend?
We have Golden Dwarf Japanese Yew in another shady area of our yard and we like it very much, but it is quite slow growing and its mature height is not as tall as we would like. Possibly, does this shrub come in a non-dwarf variety?
Thank you so much for your assistance!
Carver County Minnesota
Expert Response
See the link for evergreens that grow in our zone and some of the shrubs described would work for a privacy hedge.
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/choosing-evergreens-your-landscape#evergreens-for-zone-4-851912
The Japanese yew doesn’t seem to have a standard height form.
https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_tacu.pdf
I don’t know anything about this company but they do advertise a golden yew that can reach 8 ft.
https://landscapedirectusa.com/products/sunburst-yew?variant=<personal data hidden>728&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=LandscapeDirect%20USA%20(2)&utm_content=Sunburst%20Yew&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwo6GyBhBwEiwAzQTmc2sXa1Bj4eWEMlNk4hpaTmJO81Es0zwUDa-tBqb0y07PNVJff5KXVBoCb9wQAvD_BwE
As a suggestion and probably cost prohibitive perhaps planting one yew and 3 arborvitae and repeat would give privacy as you wait for the yew to grow taller. The arborvitae could be removed as needed as the yew mature.
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/choosing-evergreens-your-landscape#evergreens-for-zone-4-851912
The Japanese yew doesn’t seem to have a standard height form.
https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_tacu.pdf
I don’t know anything about this company but they do advertise a golden yew that can reach 8 ft.
https://landscapedirectusa.com/products/sunburst-yew?variant=<personal data hidden>728&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=LandscapeDirect%20USA%20(2)&utm_content=Sunburst%20Yew&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwo6GyBhBwEiwAzQTmc2sXa1Bj4eWEMlNk4hpaTmJO81Es0zwUDa-tBqb0y07PNVJff5KXVBoCb9wQAvD_BwE
As a suggestion and probably cost prohibitive perhaps planting one yew and 3 arborvitae and repeat would give privacy as you wait for the yew to grow taller. The arborvitae could be removed as needed as the yew mature.
Thank you so much for your help!
I would be willing to plant arborvitae and see that they are very effective as a screen but am unsure how they will do in full shade. Our yard is heavily wooded and the line of shrubs will need to be tolerant of full shade. What do you think?
Thanks again!
-Amy Evans
Full shade is going to make them a poor choice.
https://renegadegardener.com/myth-of-the-week-archive/arborvitae-grow-in-shade/
I would think about when you want a privacy screen the most. If it’s in the summer when you are outside then shade tolerant shrubs would provide a lot of privacy and many grow fast. If you want a screen year round then installing free standing lattice work panels with 3-5 ft gaps between to reduce effort and cost might achieve your aim. The yews will have grown up by the time and inexpensive lattice panel looks shabby.
https://renegadegardener.com/myth-of-the-week-archive/arborvitae-grow-in-shade/
I would think about when you want a privacy screen the most. If it’s in the summer when you are outside then shade tolerant shrubs would provide a lot of privacy and many grow fast. If you want a screen year round then installing free standing lattice work panels with 3-5 ft gaps between to reduce effort and cost might achieve your aim. The yews will have grown up by the time and inexpensive lattice panel looks shabby.
Evelyn, thank you so much for your ideas and for sharing your expertise with me. I have decided, based upon your recommendation, that I will stick with all yews so that they will be happy in the shade. Thanks again!
They are beautiful and thanks for your note.
