Best Evergreen Trees for Noise and Privacy Screening in Orange County, CA

Best Evergreen Trees for Noise and Privacy Screening in Orange County, CA

For a busy 45-mph street in Southern California, dense, upright evergreens are key.

Top Pick: Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

• Dense, flat, dark green foliage – excellent sound barrier.
• Narrow spread (12–14 ft) but tall (70 ft) – big screen in small footprint.
• Fragrant in warm weather; self-mulching duff suppresses weeds.
• Plant 4 ft on center for solid wall; proven at 50 ft height.

Other Good Options

• Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) – fast, glossy, clips well.
• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) – culinary, dense, upright.
• Podocarpus gracilior – soft texture, takes shearing.

Planting Tips

• Amend soil with compost; ensure drainage.
• Water deeply first 2 years.
• Stake if needed; mulch 3 inches.

Driveway caution on that road!