The best landscapes are intentional—every tree and hedge serving a purpose. Maybe you want shade in your backyard, maybe you’re dreaming of a show stopping front yard, or maybe you just need a little privacy. Whatever your goals, here are planting ideas that bring both function and beauty.

🌿 Want More Privacy? Try a Living Hedge

If you’re tired of staring at fences or need to block out the neighbors, hedges can give you the privacy you want while keeping things green and beautiful.

Nellie R. Stevens Holly: Looking for quick results? This holly grows fast—up to 3 feet a year—and fills in thick, creating a lush evergreen wall. Its glossy leaves look polished, and in winter, clusters of bright red berries give you that festive pop of color while attracting birds.
Burford Holly: If you’d prefer a medium-height hedge with a tidy look, Burford hollies are a great fit. They have smaller, shiny leaves and are extremely hardy, tolerating heat, drought, and a variety of soils. Their heavy berry production adds brilliant red accentsthrough fall and winter.
Eagleston Holly: Want serious screening? Eagleston hollies grow tall and upright—often reaching 20–30 feet—and are a favorite for creating “living fences.” Their evergreen foliage stays thick and full,and they require very little pruning to hold their natural shape.
Japanese Yews: If you like a softer look, Japanese yews bring elegance with their feathery, dark-green needles. They adapt well to sun or shade, handle pruning beautifully, and can be shaped into neat forms or left natural. They’re a versatile hedge if you want privacy without a heavy, bulky feel.

🌳 From Curb Appeal to Backyard Retreat

Whether you want to make your front yard pop or turn your backyard into a shady escape, these trees bring beauty, character, and purpose to your property:

- Crape Myrtles – A Burst of Blooms: From midsummer into fall, their pink, purple, red, or white flowers add long-lasting color. Smaller varieties shine in front yards, while larger ones provide filtered shade and striking bark that stands out year-round.
- Magnolias – Timeless Southern Charm: Compact Little Gems fit perfectly up front, while larger magnolias anchor backyards with evergreen leaves and fragrant white blooms. No matter the size, they deliver that unmistakable Southern elegance.
- Japanese Magnolias – First to Bloom: With dramatic tulip-shaped flowers in pink, purple, or white, these trees light up late winter and early spring before most others wake up—making them true seasonal showstoppers.
- Live Oaks – The Gathering Tree: These majestic giants create outdoor rooms of shade, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Slow-growing but long-lived, they’re a legacy tree that only becomes more beautiful with age.

Planting with Purpose

Every tree and hedge tells a story—whether it’s about privacy, beauty, or a shady retreat. By choosing plants with intention, you can create a landscape that doesn’t just look good but also works for the way you live. While the possibilities for your property are endless, the examples above highlight some of the most common and impactful choices to bring your vision to life.

🌱 Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help.

If you’re unsure which trees or hedges are the right fit for your space, soil, or lifestyle, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team at Bayou Tree Service can help you choose, plant, and care for the perfect additions to your yard—so your landscape thrives for years to come.

📞 Call us today at 504.837.8733 or 225.372.8585 to talk with one of our experienced and certified arborists about your planting goals before planting season begins.