Replacing Invasive Sumac with Winter-Interest Privacy Plants in Zone 5a

Privacy Screen Alternatives to Sumac (Rhus typhina)

Sumac spreads aggressively by suckers. Neighbors are right to want it gone. Replace with well-behaved, four-season plants.

Top Replacements for Zone 5a

• Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) – Evergreen, 8-15 ft, red edible fruit in winter, white flowers. *Note: Zone 7+; may need protection in 5a.
• Silk Tassel Bush (Garrya elliptica) – Evergreen, 8-12 ft, long winter catkins. *Zone 8+; not hardy in 5a.
• Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) + Camellia – Loquat Zone 8+; Camellia Zone 6-9.

Actually Hardy Zone 5 Options

• Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) – Deciduous, 6-10 ft, brilliant red berries persist all winter. Plant male + female.
• Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – 6-9 ft, bright red stems in winter.
• Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' – Evergreen screen, 12-15 ft, narrow.
• Viburnum 'Alleghany' – Semi-evergreen, 8-10 ft, white flowers, blue-black fruit.
• Juniper 'Skyrocket' – Narrow column, 15-20 ft, blue-green.

Design Tip

Stagger 2 rows of mixed species for density, biodiversity, and seasonal interest. Remove sumac completely (dig roots, treat suckers with glyphosate).