Novak and Jelena Djokovic Use a Mature-Planting Trick for Total Backyard Privacy – The Definitive Look for Grand Gardens in 2026
Landscaping experts share how grand evergreens provide the ultimate protection and cascading beauty for expansive yards
When it comes to creating an exclusive backyard, many rely on conventional fences or harsher walls for total privacy. In Novak and Jelena Djokovic's Marbella home, however, seclusion is a little more beautiful.
Their expansive lawn is entirely enveloped by a multi-layered woodland border that guarantees absolute security and stillness. Rather than opting for the aforementioned industrial fencing, the couple relies on mature trees – specifically Norway spruces (available at Fast Growing Trees) and towering pines – to frame their garden.
Their garden privacy idea is beautiful. However, landscaping experts explain that achieving a seamless, healthy green barrier requires a disciplined, forward-thinking strategy.
Shop the Djokovic-Inspired Privacy Planting Edit
When following Djokovic's lead, a Norway spruce is an exact starting point. This fast-growing evergreen adds year-round color, privacy, and structure to your garden, creating the same aesthetic as in his Spanish garden.
The classic American Arborvitae is a great way to recreate the look of Djokovic's home, as our expert shares below. Its rich green foliage adds year-round privacy and height, making it perfect for creating the same lush, layered landscaping.
A climbing hydrangea is one of my favorite plants for creating a private garden. These options make it easy to recreate the look, with sturdy vines and full, fluffy blooms that quickly soften walls, fences, or pergolas.
One of the easiest ways to create a more private, established-looking garden is by planting Lombardy poplars. Their tall, slender silhouette and fast-growing habit form an elegant backdrop while adding structure to your outdoor space.
Made from premium Japanese steel, these razor-sharp pruners are a reliable addition to any gardening toolkit. The non-slip, vinyl-coated handle makes precise trimming easy, and they’re especially useful for keeping privacy plants, hedges, and fast-growing greenery in order.
A tulip poplar is a beautiful way to add height, shade, and privacy to your yard. With its tall, graceful form and distinctive tulip-shaped leaves, it creates an elegant backdrop while helping outdoor spaces feel more secluded.
'When people think about privacy, they often focus on how quickly a tree will block the view. That's important, but I encourage homeowners to think about how the tree will look and function 20 or 30 years from now. The best privacy tree is one that fits the space, stays healthy, and provides year-round beauty,' comments Carrie McClain, the co-owner of Hart-T-Tree Farms and Founder of Little Saps.
'For evergreen privacy screens, my two favorite choices are American Arborvitae [available at Amazon] and Norway Spruce [like Djokovic's], depending on the amount of space available.'
Given the scale of Djokovic's lawn, it's easy to see why the latter option is the ultimate choice for high-end estates. When you have room to spare, this grand evergreen completely transforms the landscape, as Carrie explains.
'For larger properties, Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is an outstanding choice. It's relatively fast-growing for a large evergreen and develops into a beautiful, natural privacy screen without requiring much maintenance. As it matures, its graceful, cascading branches create a softer, more natural appearance than many evergreen screens while still providing excellent year-round coverage, wind protection, and wildlife habitat. Norway spruce performs best in USDA Zones 3-7 in full sun with well-drained soil.'
However, even on expansive properties like the Djokovic estate, impatience can easily harm a luxury backyard landscape design. The temptation to achieve instant, impenetrable seclusion often leads to a critical design flaw.
'One mistake homeowners often make is planting privacy trees too close together in hopes of getting faster results,' Carrie says.
'Giving each tree enough room to reach its mature width improves air circulation, keeps the trees healthier over time, and ultimately creates a fuller, longer-lasting screen.'
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