Creating a private backyard retreat can be a challenge, especially if you’re dealing with limited space. However, one effective way to enhance your privacy while adding greenery to your outdoor area is by planting privacy trees. Privacy trees can shield your garden from prying eyes, reduce noise pollution, and even improve air quality. Fortunately, there are many species of trees that are compact enough for small yards but still excellent for providing the screening you need. Here are 10 of the best privacy trees for small backyards.

1. Arborvitae ‘Emerald Green’ (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’) – This evergreen is a popular choice for narrow spaces. It grows in a tight, columnar form reaching 12-14 feet in height but only 3-4 feet in width.

2. Holly ‘Sky Pencil’ (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’) – Ideal for tight spaces, this holly cultivar has a sleek, upright growth pattern, and it can reach heights of 8-10 feet without taking up much space.

3. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – Known for its tall and slender appearance, the Italian Cypress can grow to be quite tall but remains narrow, so it’s perfect for creating vertical screening without eating up yard space.

4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)– The Eastern Redbud offers not only privacy but also beautiful spring blooms. Despite its branching patterns, it stays relatively small and is suitable for limited spaces.

5. Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’) – A dwarf variety of the Southern Magnolia, this tree reaches about 20 feet in height but remains compact enough for small yards.

6. Bamboo (Various species) – Clumping bamboo varieties such as ‘Alphonse Karr’ or ‘Golden Goddess’ can provide fast-growing privacy without spreading uncontrollably like their running bamboo counterparts.

7. Boxwood Shrubs (Buxus spp.) – Boxwoods are versatile and can be trimmed into formal shapes or left to grow naturally; they offer dense foliage that provides excellent privacy all year round.

8. Juniper ‘Skyrocket’ (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’)– As another columnar option, the ‘Skyrocket’ juniper grows tall but maintains a very narrow footprint suitable for side-yards or small backyards looking for vertical accents.

9. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) – Cherry Laurel is an evergreen shrub that can be grown as a small tree; it offers thick foliage and is robust enough to withstand pruning into desirable shapes or hedges.

10. Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) – For colder regions, this compact evergreen spruce stays small and features a classic conical shape that works well in both formal and informal landscapes.

When choosing privacy trees for your backyard, consider factors such as growth rate, ultimate height and width, evergreen versus deciduous foliage, and maintenance required to keep them looking their best. With the right selection of trees or shrubs, you can transform your small backyard into a cozy hideaway tailor-made just for you.