privacy. naturally.

Plant a Privacy Screen That Grows with You

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a yard that feels like your own private retreat - and one of the most beautiful, natural ways to get there is with a well-placed row of evergreens. Whether you’re looking to block a neighbor’s view, buffer road noise, create a windbreak, or simply add a lush green backdrop to your landscape, an evergreen privacy screen is a long-term investment that only gets better with time. And here’s the best part - fall is one of the ideal times to get them in the ground.

Why Plant Evergreens in the Fall?

Fall planting gives evergreens the chance to establish their root systems before winter sets in, without the stress of summer heat and drought. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock, and natural rainfall does a lot of the watering work for you. By the time spring arrives, your trees will be ready to hit the ground running - quite literally.

White Pine - The Fast-Growing Native

If you’re looking for a privacy screen that establishes quickly and has a soft, graceful presence, White Pine is hard to beat. As Wisconsin’s only native five-needled pine, it’s perfectly suited to our climate and grows at an impressive rate - often two feet or more per year under good conditions. Its long, feathery needles give it a delicate, natural texture that looks beautiful in any landscape setting, and it provides excellent year-round coverage once established.

White Pine thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is an excellent choice for larger properties where you have room for its mature spread. Give each tree plenty of space - typically 20 to 30 feet apart for a screen planting - and it will reward you with decades of beauty, privacy, and wildlife habitat.

Norway Spruce - Dense, Dramatic Coverage

For a privacy screen with serious density and a bold, classic evergreen look, Norway Spruce is one of the top performers in the Midwest. This fast-growing spruce develops a beautifully pyramidal shape with dense, dark green foliage and gracefully drooping branches that give it an elegant, distinctive character. It fills in more fully than many other evergreens, making it an excellent choice for blocking views and buffering wind.

Norway Spruce is tough, adaptable, and highly tolerant of Wisconsin winters. Plant trees 15 to 20 feet apart for a screen planting, and expect impressive growth within just a few seasons. It’s equally stunning as a single specimen tree or in a massed planting along a property line.

Other Great Options for Privacy Screens

While White Pine and Norway Spruce are two of our top picks, they’re far from your only options! Depending on your space, sun exposure, soil conditions, and the look you’re going for, there are a number of other excellent evergreens to consider. Arborvitae is a popular choice for tighter spaces and more formal screens, while Blue Spruce adds incredible color and texture. Concolor Fir offers a soft, blue-green hue and a more refined silhouette. Our team can walk you through all the options and help you find the perfect fit for your specific yard and goals.

Tips for Planting Your Privacy Screen

• Spacing matters. Give trees enough room to reach their mature width - crowded trees compete for resources and won’t fill in as well over time.
• Think about your goal. Do you want a formal, structured screen or a more natural, layered look? Different trees lend themselves to different aesthetics.
• Consider mature height. Some evergreens top out at 20 feet while others can reach 60 feet or more — make sure you’re planting the right tree for the right spot.
• Water well after planting. Even in fall, newly planted trees need consistent moisture until the ground freezes.
• Mulch around the base. A ring of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect roots through the winter.

Come See Us at Down to Earth

Ready to create your own private retreat? Stop in and explore our selection of evergreens this fall — we carry a wonderful variety of trees to suit every yard, space, and goal. Our team is here to help you choose the right trees, map out your spacing, and set your new privacy screen up for success. Plant now, and enjoy the payoff for years to come!