More and more homeowners in Oakland County are turning to privacy trees and screening shrubs as a beautiful, natural way to create separation, reduce noise, and block unwanted views. Unlike fencing—which can feel harsh or restrictive—privacy plantings offer year-round beauty, environmental benefits, and long-lasting coverage that blends seamlessly with your landscape.
Whether you want to screen a neighbor’s second-story window, create a barrier along your property line, or build a private outdoor living retreat, the right combination of trees and shrubs can completely transform your yard. Driftwood Landscape specializes in designing and installing privacy plantings tailored to your property, ensuring healthy growth, maximum coverage, and long-term success.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best privacy trees for Michigan, why professional installation matters, and how a customized privacy planting design can elevate both beauty and comfort in your outdoor space.
Unlike traditional fencing, privacy trees grow fuller and more beautiful over time. They create scenery, shade, and natural sound barriers while adding property value.
Here’s why privacy trees are one of the most popular landscape upgrades:
With strategic placement, privacy trees immediately block sightlines to:
As they mature, they create even deeper, fuller coverage.
Evergreen trees, flowering shrubs, and layered plantings provide:
Privacy can be functional and beautiful.
Dense trees and shrubs absorb sound—perfect for homes near:
Your yard becomes a peaceful retreat.
Privacy plantings improve curb appeal, create usable space, and are highly attractive to buyers. A well-designed privacy screen is seen as a premium landscape feature.
Trees and shrubs:
You get privacy and environmental benefits.
Driftwood Landscape installs plants proven to thrive in Michigan’s climate. Here are top choices for long-lasting privacy:
A homeowner favorite for dense, fast-growing privacy.
Benefits:
✔ Evergreen year-round
✔ Fast growth rate
✔ Uniform, clean appearance
✔ Excellent for long privacy rows
Tall, strong, and layered coverage.
Benefits:
✔ Handles Michigan winters extremely well
✔ Thick branches for sound reduction
✔ Long lifespan
Perfect for narrow spaces or modern landscapes.
Benefits:
✔ Upright growing habit
✔ Hardy and drought-tolerant
✔ Evergreen coverage
Ideal for mixed privacy planting designs.
Benefits:
✔ Spring blooms
✔ Dense foliage
✔ Works well in layered privacy screens
Beautiful fragrance + effective privacy
Benefits:
✔ Fast-growing
✔ Thick foliage
✔ Seasonal flowers
Great for tight spaces where width is limited.
Benefits:
✔ Grow tall without spreading wide
✔ Ideal along driveways or property lines
While not evergreen, hydrangeas add full summer coverage and beauty.
Benefits:
✔ Large blooms
✔ Adds softness to privacy rows
Driftwood Landscape uses a layered strategy for privacy installations because it offers:
A typical layered design may include:
This creates a thick, full, beautiful screen that looks natural instead of one-dimensional.
Driftwood Landscape designs and installs premium privacy trees and shrubs tailored to your home’s layout and needs.
