New property owners who want to add privacy trees to their Colorado property have many options. Plenty of varieties grow well in the state, but if you’re from Colorado, you’ll know not all landscapes are the same.
Colorado’s geography has many variances, from plains to mountains to plateaus and basins. Some privacy trees grow better in some regions than others. Let’s look at the best privacy trees Colorado residents use to make their yards feel peaceful and secluded.
Trees for the Plains
Despite its reputation for height, a large portion of Colorado is considered a part of the Great Plains region. The land here is dry and flat. Certain trees perform better in this area than others. These trees can handle the dry conditions and flourish.
Shade Trees
Plant these trees for lots of shade in the long run. These work great as privacy trees, especially for upper levels of your home, since these trees grow tall enough to obscure windows. Check out these large trees:
- English oak
- Hackberry
- Bur oak
- Honeylocust
- Kentucky coffeetree
- Canada red cherry
- Horsechestnut
- Golden Raintree
- Black walnut
- Northern catalpa
- Japanese Pagodatree
- Ohio Buckeye
- Amur corktree
- Ussurian pear
- Canyon maple
Small Ornamental Trees
While these options won’t reach the same height as the shade trees, they are still great options for obscuring yards from the outside world. Consider some of these low water choices:
- Hawthorn
- Crabapple
- Amur maple
- Tatarian maple
- Sumac
- Serviceberry
- Gambel oak
- Japanese tree lilac
Evergreens
Large and small varieties of evergreens grow well in Colorado. When picking out options for your property, consider the heights these trees can reach. In general, evergreens are not a good option for creating privacy close to the street, as they will require pruning and maintenance along the road. However, planted far enough back, evergreens are a great option. These are some recommended varieties:
- Piñon
- Bristlecone pine
- Eastern red cedar
- Junipers (upright varieties)
- Colorado blue spruce
- Austrian pine
- Scots pine
- Ponderosa pine
Trees for the Mountains
Many of the trees that grow well on the Great Plains can also be successful in more mountainous regions, especially in drier areas with high elevations. Certain species thrive in Colorado’s mountains. Let’s look at some of the best privacy trees Colorado residents plant at higher altitudes.
Shade Trees
In addition to shade trees that grow well on the plains, some thrive high up. Check out these picks for shade trees:
- Chinkapin oak
- Swamp white oak
- Shumard oak
- American elm
- Ginkgo
- American linden
- Norway maple
- Sugar maple
- Sycamore
- Littleleaf linden
- Turkish filbert
- Thinleaf alder
Small Ornamental Trees
These smaller ornamental trees are perfect for filling small gaps where you’d like to create more privacy. Try out some of these varieties in your yard:
- Mayday tree
- Callery pear
- Redbud
- European mountain-ash
Evergreens
Plenty of pines and firs grow well in the mountainous regions of Colorado. The vast majority of recommended evergreens thrive at higher altitudes. Here are a few more evergreen options for your consideration:
- Concolor fir
- Southwestern white pine
- Limber pine
- Rocky Mountain juniper
Tips for Choosing the Right Tree
Now that you’re acquainted with the options, all that’s left to decide is which tree or trees will grow best in your backyard. Before choosing a tree, consider these tips:
- Avoid invasive species or trees that won’t thrive in your area.
- Consider each tree’s desired specifications, like water needs, drainage, and sun.
- Check-in with local agencies: they can give you a heads up about growing challenges in your area.
- Be aware of maintenance requirements. Some trees require more pruning than others.
- When planting close to the road, remember large trees can get in the way of things like powerlines.
Plant trees during the early spring or early fall for the best results. Follow the above tips and recommendations for thriving trees in your yard.
Wrap Up
These are the privacy trees Colorado natives have had the most success with. Try them in your yard to create a secluded area away from the outside world. You may also be interested in planting tall ornamental grasses for privacy.