The size of trees at installation varies by species and project requirements. For privacy screening projects, we commonly install hollies in the 14- to 18-foot range, and we have installed trees as tall as 18+ feet. Shade trees and specimen trees may be even larger—we once installed a 6,000-pound flowering cherry tree. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the ideal size for your specific situation and budget.

Leyland cypress has been massively overplanted across North Carolina and is increasingly prone to serious diseases including Seiridium canker and bot canker, as well as root rot in our clay soils. Many homeowners are discovering their Leyland cypress hedges failing after 15–20 years. Superior alternatives for screening in NC include Emily Bruner Holly, Nellie Stevens Holly, Green Giant Arborvitae, and Cryptomeria—all of which offer better long-term disease resistance and adaptability to North Carolina conditions.

Emily Bruner Holly is one of the best privacy screening trees for shaded areas in North Carolina. It performs well in conditions ranging from full sun to full shade and can reach heights of 20+ feet. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and maintains dense evergreen foliage year-round, making it an excellent long-term screening solution for properties with limited sunlight.

We use a variety of plants depending on your property’s specific conditions, including sun exposure, soil type, and the level of privacy needed. Our most commonly used screening plants include Emily Bruner Holly (one of our favorites for its adaptability to sun and shade), Nellie Stevens Holly, Southern Magnolia, Green Giant Arborvitae, Cryptomeria, Eastern Red Cedar, and Canada Hemlock. We work with each client to find the right solution or combination of plants for their unique situation.

Instant privacy screening is the installation of mature, full-grown trees and shrubs—typically 10 to 20+ feet tall—to create an immediate visual barrier on your property. Unlike planting small nursery trees and waiting years for them to grow, our mature screening plants provide complete privacy from the day they are installed. This is ideal for homeowners who have lost privacy due to new construction, Leyland cypress decline, or tree removal on neighboring properties.