No experience with it, but maybe a Juniper tree instead?

Michellle, can you say if the area is shaded or sunny? Or fairly moist? Basically what are the conditions where you want to plant? I am also in the midwest and want privacy in my backyard. Unfortunately, I have several black walnut trees on the property line, it is densely shaded and in an swale. Do you have any limiting conditions like that?

It is sunny, and clay like When you dig down deep. It’s more for blocking the view of the neighbors rather than shade. I have emerald green arbs there now and they grow really slow! Anyone know what tree this is?

For not taking up huge width, columnar Arborvitae is the "go to" plant. There are several varieties. Another option is eastern red cedar.

If you have arbs now and they're slow, what's the history? Does it include fertilization?

A columnar Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Cupressina' or 'Christina') might work if space is really restricted.

Posting your question in either Trees or Conifers would bring you a great many more responses than either Landscape Design or Fruit and Orchards (??) !!

Not sure why it posted in this category. Didn’t mean to. I have looked at columne Norway Spruce. Want something a bit bigger so I don’t have to buy as many. thank

I think Serbian spruce may be the ticket. Gorgeous blue green color, graceful cascading but not weeping branches, narrower than Norway, They grow as tall as Norways but you will be old by that time. I also like pine trees that are pruned to stay thick for a screen. If you don't prune they will get tall and open.

It's not a spruce, but how about Canadian Hemlock?

Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika)?