Your Guide to Winnetka & Wilmette Privacy Using the Best Arborvitae Varieties
Homeowners in Winnetka and Wilmette often seek natural solutions for privacy without sacrificing beauty. The Best Arborvitae Varieties offer dense coverage, year-round greenery, and adaptability to North Shore conditions. For over 42 years, Tommy Pollina Landscape Company has specialized in large-scale plant installations, including expert arborvitae installation North Shore Chicago, designing and installing thousands of privacy screens that stand the test of time.
Bring beauty and privacy to your yard with expert Arborvitae installation. Call (847)-698-6868 today to secure your preferred planting time and ensure your new living fence thrives through the seasons. Spots are already booking quickly.
Why the Best Arborvitae Varieties Suit North Shore Privacy
Arborvitae provides an evergreen solution ideal for the Midwest. These trees thrive in Illinois’ variable climate and are favored for their balance of form and function.
- Year-Round Screening: Maintains thick, vibrant foliage throughout every season.
- Climate Adaptability: Handles heavy snow loads and humid summers without losing density.
- Minimal Pest Impact: Techny and Green Giant varieties resist common insects and fungal issues.
- Fast Growth for Quick Results: Certain varieties grow up to 3 feet annually, reducing waiting time for full privacy.
Soil type and drainage matter greatly. Heavy clay soils common in North Shore neighborhoods require amendments to support the best arborvitae varieties and prevent water retention that leads to root rot. Using compost and ensuring proper grading before planting are crucial for long-term health.
For seasonal upkeep that keeps hedges lush and resilient, see Spring Lawn Maintenance Tips for Wilmette & Kenilworth Homeowners.

Privacy Landscaping with Best Arborvitae Varieties
Top Arborvitae Varieties for Winnetka & Wilmette Homes
Choosing the Best Arborvitae Varieties depends on property size, design preference, and growth goals. Here are the leading options for local homeowners:
Emerald Green Arborvitae
- Grows 10–15 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Moderate growth of 6–9 inches per year.
- Perfect for narrow side yards or creating structured borders.
- Maintains lush green color even during harsh Chicago winters.
Green Giant Arborvitae
- Rapid growth of up to 3 feet annually, reaching 30–40 feet tall.
- Resistant to strong winds and ice damage.
- Best suited for large properties that require extensive coverage quickly.
Techny Arborvitae
- Height range: 12–15 feet; width: 6 feet.
- Dense branching for solid privacy walls.
- Cold-hardy, ideal for withstanding severe winters along Lake Michigan.
Arborvitae varieties have varying root depths, which influences irrigation. Deep-rooted types like Green Giant benefit from drip irrigation systems, reducing evaporation and promoting steady moisture.
Designing Your Living Privacy Fence
A thoughtful residential landscape design goes beyond lining trees in a row. It incorporates proportion, balance, and color layering for a cohesive outdoor environment.
- Spacing Strategy:
- Emerald Green: 3–4 feet apart
- Green Giant: 5–6 feet apart
- Mixing Layers: Pair Arborvitae with ornamental shrubs or low-maintenance grasses for texture and seasonal color.
- Color Continuity: Integrate seasonal flower bed installation to maintain vibrancy year-round.
- Custom Planters for Corners: Accentuate entryways and patio areas with decorative planters that match the property’s architecture.
Combining the Best Arborvitae Varieties with complementary plants reduces monotony and creates a layered privacy screen that feels natural rather than forced.
For additional design inspiration, view No Privacy in Your Yard? Landscape Designs That Add Beauty & Seclusion.
Create lasting privacy with healthy, professionally installed Arborvitae. Contact us now to reserve your installation date and enjoy a lush green screen before the next season’s growth kicks in. Availability for premium plant stock is limited.
Planting & Care Tips for the Best Arborvitae Varieties
Proper installation and aftercare determine the lifespan and beauty of Arborvitae hedges.
- Ideal Planting Season Early spring or fall when soil is workable and root development is strongest.
- Soil Preparation: Amend clay-heavy soils with organic matter to enhance drainage and aeration.
- Watering Guidelines:
- Newly planted trees: 1–2 deep waterings weekly.
- Established trees: Supplemental irrigation during drought periods.
- Pruning Practices: Light annual trimming promotes dense foliage and prevents bare spots.
- Mulching Benefits: Applying mulch around the base helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and deter weeds.
Homeowners often search for a landscaping company near me because DIY installations can fail without proper grading, especially in areas prone to water pooling.

Backyard Privacy Enhanced with Best Arborvitae Varieties
Planting & Care Tips for the Best Arborvitae Varieties
Proper installation and aftercare determine the lifespan and beauty of Arborvitae hedges.
- Ideal Planting Season Early spring or fall when soil is workable and root development is strongest.
- Soil Preparation: Amend clay-heavy soils with organic matter to enhance drainage and aeration.
- Watering Guidelines:
- Newly planted trees: 1–2 deep waterings weekly.
- Established trees: Supplemental irrigation during drought periods.
- Pruning Practices: Light annual trimming promotes dense foliage and prevents bare spots.
- Mulching Benefits: Applying mulch around the base helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and deter weeds.
Homeowners often search for a landscaping company near me because DIY installations can fail without proper grading, especially in areas prone to water pooling.
Why Hire a Professional Plant Installer
Precision during installation prevents costly mistakes and future plant loss.
- Correct Depth and Root Positioning: Essential to avoid girdling roots and ensure nutrient uptake.
- Premium Plant Stock: Access to nursery-grown Arborvitae guarantees stronger, disease-resistant specimens.
- Drainage Solutions: Experts integrate grading or French drains when needed to protect roots from standing water.
- Ongoing Support: Maintenance programs keep your investment healthy for decades.
Partnering with the best landscaping company near me means gaining more than just planting services. It ensures a design backed by decades of field-tested experience and local climate knowledge. Services often include shrub installation services, grading adjustments, and irrigation planning for consistent results.
Trends in Privacy Landscaping
Homeowners in Winnetka and Wilmette increasingly prefer living fences over traditional barriers for both sustainability and aesthetics. National landscaping reports indicate a 30% rise in demand for privacy hedges since 2022, largely driven by the desire for eco-friendly solutions and outdoor living enhancements. Arborvitae remains a leading choice because of its versatility and resilience.
Lasting Beauty and Privacy with the Best Arborvitae Varieties
A professionally installed Arborvitae hedge can provide decades of dependable privacy, seasonal beauty, and lasting property value. Choosing a licensed landscaping company near me with proven expertise in plant installations ensures proper techniques, premium plant stock, and solutions designed for Winnetka and Wilmette conditions.
For more than 40 years, Tommy Pollina Landscape Company has delivered Arborvitae screens that combine strength, elegance, and long-term performance—helping North Shore homeowners enjoy outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually inviting.
Book your fall Arborvitae installation with Tommy Pollina Landscaping before planting spots fill up. Call (847)-698-6868 today to secure thriving evergreens that bring privacy and beauty for years.
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