What type of trees to plant along fence in backyard - Ask Extension
We purchased our home 3 years ago. The road behind the house is busy and a bit noisy. We have no trees in our backyard and would like to plant a row o...
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What type of trees to plant along fence in backyard #894275
Asked March 12, 2025, 8:09 PM EDT
We purchased our home 3 years ago. The road behind the house is busy and a bit noisy. We have no trees in our backyard and would like to plant a row of trees or tall bushes across the back fence to help with traffic noise and allow for more privacy. The backyard faces west and gets full sun in the afternoons. We would like to keep with native species if possible.
What types of trees or tall bushes would you all recommend?
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Here is a link to CSU's list of trees and shrubs for Colorado landscapes. There is one for Native Trees and another for Native Shrubs that can grow 10+ feet tall. Another option is Small Deciduous Trees, Columnar/Fastigiate Trees, or Evergreen Trees. Hedging is also an option.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/?target=publications#trees
For year-round screening, you may have to select a large evergreen, much like the one that is seen in the background of your first picture.
Since you didn't provide a lot of detailed information such as how tall x wide you would like something to grow, specifically tree or shrub, how it will be irrigated, or whether you want deciduous or evergreen, it is difficult to suggest something in particular.
Please take a look at the Fact Sheets first. If you have questions about specific plants, you can call the Arapahoe County Master Gardener Office at<personal data hidden> and speak to a Master Gardener.
It may also be worth your time, money, and effort to contact a landscape designer to help you pick the appropriate plants. They may be able to help you select a variety of trees and shrubs that can showcase your backyard with function, structure, and seasonal beauty, and not just plant a long row of trees.
Selecting the wrong plant and placing it in the wrong place can create a host of problems, be a waste of money, and not be the right solution to the problem you are trying to solve. You can find landscape designers here:
https://www.aslacolorado.org/landscape-architects-resources/find-a-landscape-architect/
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/?target=publications#trees
For year-round screening, you may have to select a large evergreen, much like the one that is seen in the background of your first picture.
Since you didn't provide a lot of detailed information such as how tall x wide you would like something to grow, specifically tree or shrub, how it will be irrigated, or whether you want deciduous or evergreen, it is difficult to suggest something in particular.
Please take a look at the Fact Sheets first. If you have questions about specific plants, you can call the Arapahoe County Master Gardener Office at<personal data hidden> and speak to a Master Gardener.
It may also be worth your time, money, and effort to contact a landscape designer to help you pick the appropriate plants. They may be able to help you select a variety of trees and shrubs that can showcase your backyard with function, structure, and seasonal beauty, and not just plant a long row of trees.
Selecting the wrong plant and placing it in the wrong place can create a host of problems, be a waste of money, and not be the right solution to the problem you are trying to solve. You can find landscape designers here:
https://www.aslacolorado.org/landscape-architects-resources/find-a-landscape-architect/
