Best Privacy Hedges for Zone 5 (Chicago & Northern Illinois)

Fast-Growing Trees for Backyard Screening

If you’re looking for the best privacy hedges in northern Illinois, choosing the right plants can mean the difference between waiting years for coverage or getting a dense, beautiful screen quickly. Whether you’re trying to block neighbors, reduce road noise, or create a backyard retreat, these evergreen privacy trees are proven performers in Zone 5 climates like McHenry County and the Chicago suburbs. Grow with Perricone Garden Center and Nursery.

Best Arborvitae for Privacy Hedges (Clean, Classic Look)

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Best for narrow spaces and formal hedges

One of the most popular privacy hedge plants in Illinois, Emerald Green offers a clean, uniform look.

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Mature Size: 12–15 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide

• Spacing: 2.5–3 ft apart

Why it works:

• Tight, compact growth

• Maintains rich green color year-round

• Ideal for smaller yards

Best use: Property lines, patios, and tight spaces.

Techny Arborvitae

Best for durability and cold hardiness

Techny is a tougher, fuller arborvitae, making it one of the most reliable privacy options in Zone 5.

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Mature Size: 10–15 ft tall, 5–7 ft wide

• Spacing: 4–5 ft apart

Why it works:

• Better winter performance than many arborvitae

• Dense, full shape

• Handles tough conditions

Best use: Homeowners who want a low-maintenance, dependable hedge.

Fast-Growing Privacy Trees (Get Coverage Quickly)

Green Giant Arborvitae

Best fast-growing privacy hedge

If speed is your priority, Green Giant is one of the fastest-growing privacy trees available.

• Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year

• Mature Size: 30–50 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide

• Spacing: 6–8 ft apart

Why it works:

• Quickly creates a dense screen

• Resistant to most diseases and pests

• Low maintenance once established

Best use: Large properties or backyard borders where you want privacy fast.

Norway Spruce

Best for natural privacy and wind blocking

Norway Spruce is another fast-growing evergreen privacy tree, especially useful for blocking wind and noise.

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Mature Size: 40–60 ft tall

• Spacing: 12–16 ft apart

Why it works:

• Extremely hardy in cold climates

• Thick branching creates excellent screening

• Great for large, natural-looking landscapes

Best use: Windbreaks, rural properties, and larger yards.

Hardy Evergreen Privacy Hedge Alternatives

Black Hills Spruce

Best for tough conditions and smaller spaces

Black Hills Spruce is a more compact, extremely hardy evergreen that performs well in exposed areas.

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Mature Size: 30–40 ft tall

• Spacing: 10–14 ft apart

Why it works:

• Very cold tolerant

• Strong structure and dense growth

• More controlled size than Norway Spruce

Best use: Windy sites and colder microclimates.

How to Choose the Right Privacy Hedge

When selecting the best privacy screen plants, consider:

• Speed: Need privacy fast? Choose Green Giant or Norway Spruce

• Space: Smaller yard? Emerald Green is ideal

• Durability: Tough winters? Go with Techny or Black Hills Spruce

• Style: Formal vs. natural look

Privacy Hedge Spacing Guide (Important for Full Coverage)

Proper spacing is the difference between a hedge that fills in quickly—and one that never looks right.

• Emerald Green Arborvitae: 2.5–3 ft apart

• Techny Arborvitae: 4–5 ft apart

• Green Giant Arborvitae: 6–8 ft apart

• Norway Spruce: 12–16 ft apart

• Black Hills Spruce: 10–14 ft apart

When to Plant Privacy Trees in Illinois

The best times to plant are:

• Spring (April–June): Ideal for establishment

• Fall (September–October): Strong root growth before winter

Avoid planting during extreme summer heat unless irrigation is consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Privacy Hedges

What is the fastest-growing privacy hedge?

• Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the fastest, followed by Norway Spruce.

What is the best low-maintenance privacy hedge?

• Techny Arborvitae is one of the most reliable and hardy options.

What should I plant for a narrow privacy screen?

• Emerald Green Arborvitae is ideal for tight spaces.

Get the Right Hedge (and Get It Done Right)

Choosing the right plant is only half the battle—spacing, soil prep, and installation timing are what make a hedge actually fill in properly.

At our garden center, we carry all of these privacy trees and hedges and can help you:

• Choose the right plants for your yard

• Design proper spacing for full coverage

• Schedule professional installation

If you’re planning a privacy hedge in McHenry County or the Chicago suburbs, now is the time to get started before peak planting season fills up.

Final Takeaway

The best privacy hedge depends on your space and timeline:

• Fastest growth → Green Giant Arborvitae

• Tightest spacing → Emerald Green Arborvitae

• Most durable → Techny Arborvitae

• Natural screen → Norway Spruce

• Cold-hardy alternative → Black Hills Spruce

Plant the right one, and plant it correctly, and you’ll have a thick, green privacy wall for years to come.

Let Perricone Garden Center and Nursery help you grow!

Phone    815:-344-8678