The Low-Maintenance Privacy Tree That's Perfect For Small Backyards With Damp Soil

While you might love your backyard, a lack of privacy can pose an issue. If you're looking for a more nature-inspired solution in lieu of a fence, you can strategically plant privacy trees around your property to help create barriers between you and the neighbors. It turns out that Chinese fighazel (Sycopsis sinensis) is among one of the best trees you can plant for privacy if you have a smaller backyard.

Chinese fighazel is an evergreen that is native to China and Taiwan. The tree is known for its broad, glossy, and dark green colored-leaves, as well as small white flowers that may bloom in the early spring months. On average, Chinese fighazel is a fast-growing tree that can reach at least 10 to 12 feet tall, with some towering up to 20 feet tall. This makes it large enough to provide privacy without the risk of overtaking a smaller backyard. While often considered for ornamental purposes, this tree also works well in multiples as a screen if you have the space for them. Another benefit of the Chinese fighazel is that it's low maintenance, and typically not susceptible to diseases and pests. While not considered a show-stopper by any stretch, it is still an attractive tree that can do its job of providing privacy with very little hassle on your part.

Once you have decided on planting Chinese fighazel in your backyard, there are a few things to keep in mind before getting started. The first is deciding how many trees you want to plant, and if you want to create a full hedge-like barrier between your property and your neighbor's. While planting multiple Chinese fighazel trees in a row can add even more privacy, keep in mind that each tree can grow at least 12 feet wide. Just as you should know where you should plant other witch hazel trees in your garden for the best growth, consider planting Chinese fighazel 10 to 12 feet apart so they have plenty of room to fill in. Also keep in mind that these trees fall into USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9.

Growing and maintaining a Chinese fighazel doesn't take much time and effort, so long as it's grown in areas with partial to full sun and moist, well-draining soil. You might consider holding off on pruning until at least late spring when the flowers have likely finished blooming. Once established, you can count on Chinese fighazel as a fast growing tree to add privacy in your yard in no time.