Instant privacy trees

I’ve written here and in print about living green walls, structures that allow homeowners to create a wall of living plants inside and out. They’re an interesting trend, something that might appeal to gardeners interested in the “wow” factor. After those stories, I received a polite email from the manager at Nursery Trees.com, a Snohomish business that sells “instant privacy” trees. It’s posted below and includes some good links.

I have two long rows of arborvitae planted in my yard. Arborvitae — you know, those evergreen trees that look like fuzzy green exclamation points. They do indeed provide instant privacy and I recently learned they do a great job of stopping wayward cars from plowing into my yard. One downside for me is that the shallow roots quickly invaded my nearby vegetable and flower beds. Within one season, I had arborvitae roots travel under a gravel parking space and up into raised beds. In the right spot in the yard, these plants are a cost-effective, attractive option to a traditional wood fence. Not next to the veggie beds or roses or blueberry bushes.

Here’s that email:

Hi. I enjoyed your article in today’s Home &Garden section about green screens. We are a Snohomish County nursery/landscape company that specializes in “Instant Privacy” trees. We do a lot of this work throughout the state. Your readers might be interested in the following links:

Our “Instant Privacy” tree page:

http://www.nurserytrees.com/Privacy_Tree_landing_page.htm. The yellow comparison chart is particularly helpful for people considering the options.

And here’s a link to our Photo Gallery: http://www.nurserytrees.com/Photo%20Gallery.htm

and one to the “About Us” page: http://www.nurserytrees.com/about%20us.htm

The living walls described in your article are very interesting, but are a lot more complex and expensive than simply planting a line of privacy trees such as arborvitae. On the other hand, trees don’t work in certain situations such as low shade, where some vines or a structure such as you describe would be a nice option to have. Thanks for the information and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Michael S. Gillie, Manager

NurseryTrees.com, LLC

(425) 343-2650

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Founder of Faith Lutheran Food Bank Roxana Boroujerd helps direct car line traffic while standing next to a whiteboard alerting clients to their date of closing on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Faith Food Bank to close, replacement uncertain

The food bank’s last distribution day will be May 9, following a disagreement with the church over its lease.

Anna Marie Laurence speaks to the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett school board selects former prosecutor to fill vacancy

Anna Marie Laurence will fill the seat left vacant after Caroline Mason resigned on March 11.

The Edmonds School Board discusses budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds school board approves potential staff cuts, eyes legislation

The district is awaiting action from Gov. Bob Ferguson on three bills that could bridge its $8.5 million deficit.

Janet Garcia walks into the courtroom for her arraignment at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett mother found competent to stand trial in stabbing death of 4-year-old son

A year after her arraignment, Janet Garcia appeared in court Wednesday for a competency hearing in the death of her son, Ariel Garcia.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Brier in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Brier police levy fails; officials warn current staffing is not sustainable

With no new funding, officials say the department will remain stretched thin.

Fosse will not seek reelection; 2 candidates set to run for her seat

Mason Rutledge and Sam Hem announced this week they will seek the District 1 City Council position.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police arrest two males in shooting at Swift bus

Man, 19, is booked for investigation of attempted murder. 17-year-old held at Denney Juvenile Justice Center on similar charges.

K-POP Empire store owners Todd Dickinson and Ricky Steinlars at their new store location on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood K-pop store wary of new tariffs

Much of the store’s merchandise, which arrives from China and South Korea, is facing new import fees.

Two-alarm fire destroys storage units, vehicles in South Everett

Nearly 60 firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the blaze. No initial word on a cause.

Christian Sayre sits in the courtroom before the start of jury selection on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christian Sayre timeline

FEBRUARY 2020 A woman reports a sexual assault by Sayre. Her sexual… Continue reading

Snohomish County prosecutor Martha Saracino delivers her opening statement at the start of the trial for Christian Sayre at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Opening statements begin in fourth trial of former bar owner

A woman gave her account of an alleged sexual assault in 2017. The trial is expected to last through May 16.

Lynnwood
Deputies: 11-year-old in custody after bringing knives to Lynnwood school

The boy has been transported to Denney Juvenile Justice Center. The school was placed in a modified after-school lockdown Monday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.