The 6 Best Tall Skinny Trees for Privacy

September 22, 2025

Tall, skinny trees are the secret to turning even small yards into lush, private sanctuaries.

In urban and suburban settings, space is precious. Tall and skinny trees offer a smart way to add privacy, vertical interest, and timeless beauty without overwhelming your yard. Whether you’re seeking a Mediterranean flair, bright foliage, or year-round greenery, these trees can elevate your outdoor space into a secluded retreat.

In this guide: discover our top picks for narrow, vertical growers—from Italian Cypress to Blue Point Juniper— plus care tips and FAQs to help you choose the right fit.

Tall, narrow Italian Cypress trees rising into a bright blue sky.

1. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Famous for its Mediterranean charm, the Italian Cypress grows 40–60 ft tall but only 3–6 ft wide, making it perfect for lining driveways, creating borders, or standing tall at entryways.

Elegant, columnar form that maximizes vertical space.
Dense evergreen foliage for privacy and windbreaks.
Drought tolerant and low maintenance.

Tip: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Requires little pruning to keep its slim shape.

Two tall potted cypress trees stand on either side of a large arched wooden double door with black handles and small square windows.

2. Dwarf Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens 'Tiny Tower')

A compact version of the Italian Cypress, the Tiny Tower reaches 8–10 ft tall. Perfect for patios, containers, or small gardens where vertical greenery is desired without overwhelming the space.

Retains the same refined shape as its larger cousin.
Evergreen foliage ensures year-round beauty.
Ideal for tight spaces, balconies, or decorative pots.

Emerald Green Arborvitae trees lined up in a row, forming a tall, dense green hedge along a walkway.

3. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd')

A classic choice for narrow hedges, the Emerald Green Arborvitae grows 12–15 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide, offering a dense, upright form that stays bright green all year.

Excellent for privacy screens and tight borders.
Retains color even in winter.
Low-maintenance and cold-hardy.

Several potted lemon cypress trees with bright yellow-green foliage are lined up outdoors in sunlight, standing against a backdrop of darker green plants.

4. Cupressus Lemon Yellow (Goldcrest Cypress)

Known for its striking lemon-yellow foliage and fresh citrus scent, this fast-growing cypress reaches 15–20 ft tall with a narrow, upright form. A bold accent tree for modern gardens.

Vibrant golden color year-round.
Fragrant foliage adds sensory appeal.
Best in full sun with regular watering during establishment.

Row of lush Leyland cypress trees growing along a roadside, forming a dense green privacy screen under a clear blue sky.

5. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

One of the most popular fast-growing privacy trees, Leyland Cypress can grow 2–3 ft per year, reaching 40–60 ft tall with a 15–20 ft spread. Its dense foliage forms a reliable evergreen wall.

Extremely fast growth for quick screening.
Soft, feathery green foliage.
Handles shearing well for uniform hedges.

Blue Point Juniper trees in black nursery pots, grouped closely together, showing their upright, conical shape and dense, blue-green foliage.

6. Blue Point Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point')

A hardy evergreen reaching 12 ft tall and 8 ft wide. Its blue-green foliage and conical shape make it ideal for privacy hedges or focal accents.

Low-maintenance, drought tolerant.
Year-round color and structure.
Resistant to common pests and diseases.

Common Questions About Tall & Skinny Trees

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▶ Which tall, skinny tree grows the fastest for privacy?

Leyland Cypress and Italian Cypress are among the fastest-growing, often adding 2–3 feet per year once established.

▶ What are the best tall, narrow trees for small yards?

Dwarf Italian Cypress (‘Tiny Tower’) and Emerald Green Arborvitae are excellent for compact spaces and patios.

▶ Do these trees stay narrow as they mature?

Yes. Columnar species like Italian Cypress, Arborvitae, and Lemon Cypress naturally maintain a slim profile without heavy pruning.

▶ How far apart should I plant them for a privacy screen?

Plant Emerald Green Arborvitae 3–4 ft apart, Italian Cypress 3–5 ft apart, and Leyland Cypress 6–10 ft apart depending on desired density.

▶ Do they need a lot of pruning?

Most hold their shape naturally. Light trimming maintains density, especially for Leyland Cypress and Arborvitae used in hedges.

▶ Which trees provide year-round privacy?

Evergreens like Italian Cypress, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, and Blue Point Juniper provide dense foliage year-round.

▶ Do these trees attract pests or diseases?

Most columnar evergreens are pest-resistant, though occasional issues with aphids or scale can occur. Proper watering and spacing reduce stress.

▶ Will tall, skinny trees damage sidewalks or foundations?

No. Since they grow upright with compact root systems, columnar species are less likely to cause infrastructure issues than broad shade trees.

Conclusion

Tall and skinny trees are the perfect solution for creating privacy, elegance, and vertical interest in limited spaces. From the vibrant Lemon Cypress to the fast-growing Leyland, these columnar trees offer year-round beauty while fitting seamlessly into California landscapes.

Whether you need fast privacy, seasonal interest, or an evergreen accent, there’s a narrow tree to match your garden goals. With proper planting and care, these slender trees will transform your yard into a secluded sanctuary for years to come.

Shop Tall & Skinny Trees at Plants Express

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