Depending on where you live in the US there are different ways that people provide privacy for their home.  In North Carolina, because we are such a GREEN state, in many instances we use lush plantings to screen for privacy.  However, recently I've run into a situation on one of my listings, that the potential buyers want to remove the "greenery" and replace it with a fence.  Ok, it will be the buyers home, so they can do what they want with it, but I think it's sort of a waste to remove such lush landscaping.   I also work with an out-of-state investor and she has asked me to compile a list of some of the plants in North Carolina that are inexpensive and provide a lush screen for privacy.

Here are a few of my favorite plants used in North Carolina for screen cover:

Leyland Cyprus - Leylands are the most popular privacy tree in the U.S.A. They grow very fast(3ft-4ft per year) and thicken to create a solid wall.  Its feathery texture is soft to the touch. Stays green all year-round, giving complete privacy.  They are drought resistent and aesthetically appealing. 

Indiana Hawthorn - Mature 2ft to 12ft.  They are handsome slow-growing evergreens with thick, leathery, gray-green foliage.  They blom in pink and white in late spring, and when not in flower, the foliage is attractive enough to maintain visual impact in landscapes. Small, black berries follow the flowers. 

Loropetalum - Grow 10 to 12ft, about half as wide.  They need protection to avoid wind and frost.  Ideal planting beneath a pine tree where the plant is shaded lightly to protect the worst of winter winds. 

Glossy Abelia - Grow up to 6 ft.  high and equally wide. Plants do just fine in the full sunlight

Wax Myrtle -Wax myrtle is a vigorous and easy to grow plant that succeeds under a wide range of conditions. It is also salt tolerant. Wax myrtle can be used to create wildlife-friendly screens and hedges that provide food and shelter that you'll enjoy as much as the local critters. This plant can be pruned and even sheared to encourage dense foliage and to maintain formal shapes.

Viburnum- Viburnums rage in height from low-spreading shrubs, 2ft x 3ft., to near-trees of 8 to 10 ft. in height and equal spread. There are several different variations so knowing which height you want is critical w/these plants.  They grow in full sunlight or afternoon shade. 

As you can tell, I'm a little biased towards a natural screen cover vs. a fence.  I have a love for the outdoors and green spaces.  That's just my preference.  What do you prefer?