How do I choose privacy trees or shrubs?

Hibiscus

Heres a great link that helps you decide just exactly what you might need! Are you wanting tall and skinny? Want something that will provide privacy? Or is it a sound barrier? If privacy, do you want it year round (then be sure to get some type of 'evergreen'), etc!

https://www.arborday.org/trees/privacyhedge/

Once you narrow the 'type' of hedge you want, you can further your search to see what type is suggested and which will be the easiest maintenance etc!

To answer your question we would need to know where you are located, specifically what USDA planting zone you live in. Also what the sun exposure you have in the area you are thinking of planting. The same shrubs/trees that might survive in upstate New York would not do well in Texas or Arizona. Just a little more information would go a long way to being able to give good advice.

We live in Pennsylvania. the sides of my yard get full sun. And the back all shade

Rose of Sharon. Has the flowers of the Hibiscus, low maintenance, and a fast grower. It also blooms the first year it’s planted. They are inexpensive if you order them from outfits that sell them young. Sometimes you can get six for about $10-$15. I got mine through a catalog called Michigan Gardens. Your zone is different from mine, but these are very hardy. You can control their height with a bit i

of pruning. Hope you consider them!

Arborvitae is a great evergreen that will grow in the Northeast. It is a fast grower with light green, lace- like fronds. No needle dropping! It also grows pillar like. They will grow about a foot a year in “perfect” conditions. Great privacy, snow and wind buffer, as well.

Many varieties of arborvitae won't survive in areas where deer are a problem.

Ninebark also requires "deer proofing", but will afford privacy. A number of varieties of lilac, forsythia, butterfly bush would work, as well.