What Can I Plant For Privacy In Winter?

Fall is here, and as the leaves come down, so does your natural privacy. If your backyard feels a little too open, don’t worry, now is still a great time to plant for privacy. Many of our favorite privacy plants are evergreen, providing a lush green backdrop that not only adds texture and screening but also brings life and color to Michigan’s dreary winter months. Planting in fall gives your new greenery a head start, allowing roots to establish before spring growth.

In Midland’s climate, the right mix of evergreens, shrubs, and ornamental grasses can create year-round privacy that looks natural and inviting. But every yard is different, sunlight, soil, space, and even local deer activity can all make a big difference in what will thrive.

Here are five of our favorite plants for privacy in the Great Lakes Bay Region, plus a few pros and cons to help you decide what’s right for your space.

1. Arborvitae (“Green Giant” or “Techny”)

Why we love it: Arborvitae is the classic privacy tree, and for good reason. It’s lush, evergreen, and grows relatively fast, forming a living wall of green that stays full year-round.

Pros:

• Dense, evergreen foliage for instant privacy
• Fast-growing once established
• Great for creating clean lines or uniform hedges

Considerations:

• Deer love some varieties, so protection may be needed, especially while young
• Can suffer winter burn or browning if not properly watered and mulched
• Works best in well-drained soil

2. Eastern White Pine

Why we love it: A Michigan native that’s tall, hardy, and soft-textured, perfect for a natural, wooded feel. It makes an excellent windbreak or backdrop for layered planting.

Pros:

• Fast-growing and cold-hardy
• Beautiful, soft needles and graceful shape
• Provides excellent height for larger properties

Considerations:

• Less dense near the base (best paired with shrubs or perennials for lower coverage)
• Can be prone to certain pests or diseases if not properly spaced and maintained

3. Viburnum

Why we love it: Viburnums are versatile, attractive shrubs with seasonal interest, spring flowers, summer foliage, and berries that attract birds. They work beautifully as a mid-layer in a privacy planting.

Pros:

• Deer-resistant (though not deer-proof)
• Adds color, texture, and wildlife value
• Blends well with evergreens for a softer, natural look

Considerations:

• Deciduous, so privacy fades in winter
• Needs full to partial sun and well-drained soil
• May require more plants for a full hedge

4. False Cypress (“Soft Serve” and other varieties)

Why we love it: This evergreen offers a more elegant look than traditional hedges, fine texture, compact form, and year-round color. It’s a great choice for smaller spaces or layered borders.

Pros:

• Beautiful color and texture
• Some varieties are deer-resistant
• Maintains a tidy, upright shape without heavy pruning

Considerations:

• Slower growth than arborvitae
• Prefers well-drained soil and protection from harsh winter winds

5. Ornamental Grasses (such as Switchgrass, Miscanthus, or Feather Reed Grass)

Why we love it: For a softer, more natural look, ornamental grasses bring movement, texture, and gentle screening to the landscape. They’re a great way to add seasonal beauty and privacy that feels organic and low-maintenance.

Pros:

• Fast-growing and easy to care for
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Adds color, motion, and structure throughout the year
• When left standing, provides winter interest and continued privacy even after the foliage fades

Considerations:

• Not evergreen, grasses die back in winter, but their tall, dried plumes still offer screening and beauty until spring cleanup
• Works best as part of a layered screen alongside shrubs or evergreens

Bringing It All Together

A beautiful privacy screen doesn’t have to be a straight row of one plant. In fact, a layered approach, mixing evergreens, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses, creates a softer, more natural look that changes with the seasons and stands up better to Michigan’s weather and wildlife.

At Reder Landscaping, we can help you design and install a privacy planting that fits your yard, your goals, and your style. From choosing the right mix of plants to handling the soil prep and installation, we’ll make sure your new screen looks beautiful and thrives for years to come.

Ready to reclaim your privacy?
Let’s create a natural, lasting screen that’s perfect for your space. Call 989-835-8260 or click here to get started today.