Give Your Yard's Perimeter A New Look With This Dense, Weather-Hardy Tree

A backyard is like your own slice of the great outdoors, a private excursion into nature. However, without the right perimeter to keep away wandering eyes, your yard may be lacking privacy. Fences can be a great way to block the view of anyone passing by, but they may not match the aesthetic you're aiming for, and while there are stylish alternatives to wooden fences to consider, you may want a way to balance privacy with natural visual appeal for a yard that's private but not closed in. Fortunately, adding a fence isn't the only way to give your perimeter a new look. Steeplechase arborvitaes are a dense, compact tree that can bring privacy while adding an eye-catching touch.

Steeplechase arborvitaes (Thuja standishii x plicata) are a hybrid evergreen tree, meaning you can enjoy their sleek, timeless appearance year round. They're known for being a compact hybrid, topping out at around 30 feet tall with a spread of 8 feet. This, paired with their pyramid-like shape, has made them a popular choice in landscaping, especially when it comes to adding privacy while maximizing space in a smaller yard. When grown as a barrier, these trees can also mitigate noise from traffic and protect your yard from strong winds.

Another reason that Steeplechase has become such a popular choice is because of its hardiness. These evergreens are durable, low-maintenance, and fairly fast-growing, which makes them perfect for establishing a long-lasting barrier. As a result, if your yard's perimeter is in desperate need of a revamp, Steeplechase arborvitaes can add depth and visual appeal among many other benefits, such as creating a living fence wildlife can also enjoy.

Steeplechase are hardy in zones 5 through 8 with a notable resistance to many common garden pests, disease, and drought once they're established in your yard. They can also tolerate most soil types and near-neutral pH levels, so long as they are well-draining. Steeplechase arborvitaes do prefer soil that is kept moist, however. Because they can grow in most common soil conditions, deciding if this arborvitae is right for your yard's perimeter relies mainly on the sunlight available. 

On the bright side, Steeplechase is tolerant of varying light conditions, but it often grows best when offered full sun each day. However, some light shade throughout the day is no problem from these strong growers, and may be appreciated during hot summers. For a full screen or natural fence, plant each tree about 5 to 6 feet apart. As far as maintenance goes, this tree is fairly hands-off, with little to no need for pruning and water needed only as a supplement during longer drought periods.

One thing to consider when deciding to add the Steeplechase arborvitae to your yard's perimeter is your local climate. The Steeplechase can be weather-hardy in terms of dryness, which is why it can hold up to drought so well. However, ice and snow are another story, as their branches can break if snow and ice accumulate too heavily. With a USDA hardiness zone range as low as 5, where below-freezing temperatures are common, it's important to keep these conditions in mind.