The most beautiful outdoor spaces can get uncomfortable when the wind rocks up to join the party. And it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. Harsh wind damages delicate plants, rearranges your table decor without your approval, and adds a chill that ruins the vibe.
The good news is that you don’t have to plan all of your get-togethers around the wind anymore, because this list has all of the best shrubs to block wind in your backyard. They grow fast, add ornamental value to your landscape, and provide a private, safe space for your enjoyment.
1. Arborvitae
Arborvitae is one of the most classic choices for both visual appeal and windblocking purposes. It has a tall, columnar shape with dense evergreen foliage. Some varieties like Green Giant can reach heights of up to 15 feet within years, so your wind barrier will be ready in no time.
Simply give it full sun and well-drained soil, and you’ll have a low-maintenance and resilient, dense structure that provides privacy and blocks wind. Plant them in rows or staggered patterns for a continuous or layered windbreak. The best part is that these shrubs require minimal pruning, maintaining their neat appearance throughout the year.
2. Dogwood
Dogwoods are deciduous shrubs with strong, flexible branches that are particularly effective at reducing wind impact. Those same branches with their sturdy stems can also withstand rough winds, so don’t get too worried when your shrubs start losing their leaves in winter.
Red-osier dogwood is one of the many varieties that adds ornamental value with bright berries and striking bark during colder months. Dogwoods thrive in partial shade to full sun and they adapt well to various soil types. They can reach heights of up to 12 feet and you’ll achieve maximum windbreak if you plant them in clusters.
3. Viburnum
Viburnum varieties range from semi-evergreen to evergreen, but they’ve all got dense branching that blocks wind. They can reach heights of up to 12 feet, but it’s their fragrant flowers in spring, colorful berries in fall, and dark green foliage in winter that steal the show.
They tolerate a range of light conditions, including full sun and partial shade, and they adapt well to different soil types. Together, their height and density also provide privacy. Combine all of these elements and viburnum is one of the best shrubs to block wind in your backyard.
4. Coffeeberry
Coffeeberry is native to North America, which means it’s tolerant to drought and its ideal conditions include full sun, light shade, and a variety of soil types. It grows up to 12 feet tall, providing an effective wind barrier with dense foliage that doesn’t require heavy maintenance.
The thick, glossy leaves maintain their appearance through the seasons because coffeeberry is an evergreen shrub. The small berries that it produces can’t be used to make coffee, but they do attract birds and wildlife, adding an ecological element to your very own wind-free yard.
5. Elaeagnus
Elaeagnus has got just as many benefits as it’s got consecutive vowels in its name. The dense foliage with silvery-green leaves is ideal for privacy and wind-blocking purposes because it grows fast. It tolerates many types of soils and conditions, including coastal and windy areas. Thus, it’s the ideal choice if you live in a location with challenging weather conditions.
Some varieties produce fragrant flowers when spring comes along and small berries start appearing in fall. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, this adds movement and life to your yard by attracting birds and pollinators. You can keep the shrub compact and dense to enhance its wind-blocking abilities by pruning it regularly.
6. Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster has thick foliage that grows on arching branches to block the maximum amount of wind. There are some cotoneaster varieties that grow very fast, reaching up to 10 feet, while the focus is on the white or pink flowers in spring and red berries in winter with others. If you provide full sun and well-drained soil, the dense structure will create a safe habitat for birds and insects while breaking wind and providing privacy.
7. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is another one of those deciduous shrubs that provides different shows throughout the year. In spring your screen will have white and pink flowers, in fall you’ll get red berries, and in winter the leaves will fall off to reveal aesthetically pleasing woody branches.
It is resistant to strong winds and keeps those winds from damaging your property, all while attracting birds and pollinators to your yard. It grows well in full sun and various soil types but it’s important to prune them occasionally and to ensure proper spacing when you plant them.
8. Holly
Not only does holly grow up to 15 feet tall depending on the species, but it also has dense, spiny, glossy leaves that form an impressively thick barrier. This barrier blocks wind and stays green throughout the year for a lasting display. Female plants are exceptionally special because they produce bright red berries that add color to your landscape while attracting wildlife.
Hollies can tolerate cold climates, sun, and partial shade, so if you’re dealing with one of those conditions, it may be the shrub for you. If you prune your holly regularly, you’ll be rewarded with bushier growth and it maintains height control.
9. Privet
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they had no more wind bothering them in their backyard, thank you very much. Privet is a very effective wind blocker, whether it reminds you of the first line of the first book of the Harry Potter franchise or not. It grows very fast, which is exactly what you need from one of the best shrubs to block wind in your backyard. Especially if the issue is starting to become very bothersome and the solution needs to come fast.
It’s a deciduous shrub, so don’t expect too much in winter, but it can be evergreen in mild climates. The dense foliage tolerates pruning well, so you can create beautiful formal hedges or natural screens, depending on your style and overall outdoor theme. It’s adaptable to most backyards because it thrives in a range of soil and light conditions.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.