Seattle homeowners know the value of a little extra privacy. Whether it\u2019s blocking out a neighbor\u2019s window, softening street noise, or simply creating a cozy green retreat, the right evergreen shrubs can transform a yard into a private oasis. Because our Northwest climate offers mild winters, wet springs, and dry summers, many shrubs thrive here year-round and give you a living fence that looks good in every season. Below are 20 of the best privacy shrubs for Seattle yards, with details on their mature height, spacing, watering needs, and sun preferences so you can find the perfect match for your space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reaches 10\u201315 ft tall<\/strong>; plant 3\u20135 ft apart<\/strong> for a dense hedge. Moderate watering until established, then drought-tolerant. Thrives in full sun to partial shade<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compact, topping out at 6\u201310 ft<\/strong>. Space 2\u20134 ft apart<\/strong>. Likes regular watering, especially in dry summers. Prefers full sun but tolerates shade<\/strong>, perfect for townhome gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can soar up to 50\u201360 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 5\u20138 ft apart<\/strong>. Needs steady watering the first 2 years. Loves full sun<\/strong> but can take partial shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maxes out at 12\u201315 ft<\/strong> with a narrow form. Plant 2\u20133 ft apart<\/strong>. Moderate water needs, especially in heat. Best in full sun<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grows to 10\u201320 ft tall<\/strong> depending on type. Space 3\u20135 ft apart<\/strong>. Tolerates drought once established. Thrives in full sun to deep shade<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually 4\u20138 ft tall<\/strong>. Plant 2\u20133 ft apart<\/strong>. Requires steady moisture but doesn\u2019t like soggy soil. Best in partial shade<\/strong>, though it tolerates sun with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varieties range from 6\u201320 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 3\u20136 ft apart<\/strong>. Needs consistent moisture, never waterlogged. Prefers part shade<\/strong>, thriving under taller trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Native shrub reaching 6\u201310 ft tall<\/strong>. Plant 3\u20135 ft apart<\/strong>. Minimal watering once established. Handles sun or shade<\/strong>, great for natural borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stays 2\u20133 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 2\u20133 ft apart<\/strong>. Very low water needs. Excellent in deep shade<\/strong>\u2014a true Northwest understory shrub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can reach 12\u201320 ft tall<\/strong> but usually kept smaller. Space 3\u20134 ft apart<\/strong>. Likes moderate water. Best in full sun to light shade<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ranges 6\u201312 ft tall<\/strong> depending on type. Space 4\u20136 ft apart<\/strong>. Drought-tolerant after year one. Needs full sun<\/strong> for best flowering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grows 10\u201315 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 4\u20136 ft apart<\/strong>. Low watering needs. Handles sun or partial shade<\/strong> with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slow-growing to 8\u201312 ft tall<\/strong>. Plant 3\u20135 ft apart<\/strong>. Consistent watering helps flower buds set. Prefers partial shade<\/strong> in Seattle\u2019s climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can grow 15\u201320 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 6\u20138 ft apart<\/strong>. Needs regular water when young, then drought-tolerant. Thrives in full sun<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compact, 8\u201312 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 4\u20136 ft apart<\/strong>. Water regularly in summer. Best in full sun<\/strong>, but tolerates partial shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varies, but often 8\u201315 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 3\u20135 ft apart<\/strong>. Very drought-tolerant. Prefers full sun<\/strong>, tolerates poor soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reaches 8\u201315 ft tall<\/strong>. Plant 4\u20136 ft apart<\/strong>. Needs consistent moisture but not soggy soils. Best in partial shade<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grows 10\u201320 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 3\u20134 ft apart<\/strong>. Water moderately, drought-tolerant later. Thrives in sun or shade<\/strong>, a versatile hedge choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically 8\u201312 ft tall<\/strong>. Space 3\u20135 ft apart<\/strong>. Regular watering first two years. Loves full sun<\/strong> for brightest foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reaches 10\u201315 ft tall<\/strong>. Plant 3\u20135 ft apart<\/strong>. Moderate water needs. Prefers full sun to light shade<\/strong>, with red spring growth that pops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the right shrub is about more than just filling space \u2014 it\u2019s about creating a yard that feels private, peaceful, and easy to maintain year after year. From fast growers like arborvitae and privet to Northwest natives like Oregon grape and rhododendron, Seattle homeowners have plenty of options that thrive in our climate. If you\u2019re not sure which plants will work best for your yard\u2019s soil, sun exposure, or long-term maintenance goals, it helps to get professional advice before you plant. A little planning up front means your hedge will grow in healthy, look great, and save you from costly mistakes later.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Seattle homeowners know the value of a little extra privacy. Whether it\u2019s blocking out a neighbor\u2019s window, softening street noise, or simply creating a cozy green retreat, the right evergreen shrubs can transform a yard into a private oasis. Because our Northwest climate offers mild winters, wet springs, and dry summers, many shrubs thrive here […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6244,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/lees-general-landscaping.b-cdn.net\/work-images\/lees_general_landscaping_20250507_130851.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lees-general-landscaping.b-cdn.net\/work-images\/lees_general_landscaping_20250507_130851.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1080&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Lee's Product Team","author_link":"https:\/\/www.leesgenerallandscaping.com\/blog\/author\/admin\/"},"yoast_head":"\n2. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja \u2018Green Giant\u2019)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis \u2018Smaragd\u2019)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Yew (Taxus spp., e.g., Hicksii)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Rhododendron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Dwarf Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Ceanothus (California Lilac)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Elaeagnus \u00d7 ebbingei<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
13. Camellia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Juniper (upright types)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. Hick\u2019s Yew (Taxus \u00d7 media \u2018Hicksii\u2019)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
19. Golden Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium \u2018Aureum\u2019)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20. Photinia (Photinia \u00d7 fraseri)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n