Trees can be used to provide shelter from wind and frost, screen unpleasant views such as roads and buildings, and to deaden noise. x Cupressocyparis leylandii is often chosen where height, density and a fast growth rate is required to screen or camouflage a view or provide privacy. However, it can be better visually to plant a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees instead, as they tend to be more effective and look more natural than planting a row of a single species.

Trees are particularly useful for filtering wind, and a group of trees or shelter belt can protect tender plants from frost, especially in spring. However, you may find that hedging is more useful for screening purposes as they form a more compact and dense barrier.