9 Hedges That Speed Up Your Quest for Privacy

Posted on 19/05/2025

9 Hedges That Speed Up Your Quest for Privacy

If you're seeking a lush, green sanctuary in your backyard or garden with the added benefit of blocking out nosy neighbors and street noise, the right hedges for privacy are your best solution. Whether you need a fast-growing hedge for privacy, a natural fence, or simply want to create a private oasis, this article will guide you through nine of the most effective and attractive hedge plants for achieving privacy quickly and beautifully.

Why Choose Hedges as a Privacy Solution?

Opting for living hedges instead of artificial fences doesn't just shield you from prying eyes--it brings a multitude of benefits:

• Natural beauty: Hedges offer year-round beauty, color, and even flowers or berries.
• Wildlife-friendly: Living fences attract birds and pollinators, fostering biodiversity.
• Noise reduction: Thick hedges absorb sound more effectively than solid fencing.
• Environmental impact: Hedges filter air pollution and offer wind protection.

But the real driving force is privacy. Let's explore the top 9 fast-growing hedges that will speed up your quest for privacy, transforming your outdoor space into a secluded retreat.

1. Leyland Cypress: The Classic Privacy Screen

The Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is famed as one of the most popular fast-growing privacy hedges. This evergreen conifer grows at an astonishing rate of up to 3 feet per year under ideal conditions!

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Height & Spread: Up to 60 feet tall, 15 feet wide (can be kept smaller with trimming)
• Best for: Instant, dense privacy screens for large gardens or property lines
• Hardiness: USDA zones 6-10

*Leyland Cypress* forms a thick, green wall that is hard to see through, making it perfect for blocking out unwanted views and noise quickly. Because of its rapid growth, regular pruning is required to keep your hedge manageable and healthy.

Pro Tip:

Leyland Cypress thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant at least 4-6 feet apart for optimal density.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae: The Resilient Hedge Plant

Thuja 'Green Giant' is a favorite among homeowners for its vigorous growth, disease-resistance, and lush, deep-green foliage. A perfect alternative to Leyland Cypress, Green Giant grows equally fast and creates a tight privacy hedge with minimal maintenance.

• Growth rate: 3-5 feet per year
• Height & Spread: 30-40 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide
• Hardiness: Zones 5-8

Prune it once a year for a neat, formal appearance, or let it grow naturally for a more rustic hedge that's virtually impenetrable. This is one of the best fast-growing hedges for privacy in both suburban and rural properties.

3. Privet: The Versatile, Fast-Growing Hedge

Privet hedge (Ligustrum spp.) has long been cherished for its adaptability and quick coverage. Its dense, oval-shaped leaves provide excellent privacy, while creamy white spring flowers offer seasonal interest and attract pollinators.

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Height & Spread: 4-15 feet tall, easy to shape and maintain
• Hardiness: Zones 4-8 depending on variety

Privet tolerates urban pollution and a wide range of soils, making it a top privacy hedge plant for busy city dwellers or those wanting a living fence along sidewalks. Trim regularly for a tight, formal look or leave more natural for a softer screen.

Quick Fact:

Privet is semi-evergreen in mild climates and deciduous in colder areas, but still creates a substantial screen.

4. Cherry Laurel: The Evergreen With Flair

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a robust, broadleaf evergreen with shiny, dark-green leaves and delicate white springtime blooms. Its fast, full growth quickly forms a thick, attractive privacy barrier.

• Growth rate: 2 feet per year
• Height & Spread: 10-20 feet tall, 5-10 feet wide
• Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Its dense foliage makes Cherry Laurel an ideal choice for year-round privacy, plus the foliage serves as a reliable noise buffer. Regularly trim to maintain your desired shape and density.

Garden Tip:

Cherry Laurel tolerates shade better than most privacy hedges, so it's ideal for screening on shady property lines.

5. Bamboo: The Speed Demon of Privacy Screens

If speed is your main concern, there's no denying the extraordinary growth rate of certain bamboo species as privacy hedges. Some varieties can shoot up over a foot every week during peak growing season!

• Growth rate: Up to 3-5 feet per year (clumping varieties)
• Height & Spread: 10-30+ feet tall, depending on species
• Best for: Modern, exotic, or Zen-inspired privacy screens

Choose clumping bamboo (like Bambusa or Fargesia) for containment and control--avoid running bamboo unless you want a wild invasion! Bamboo's vertical canes and lush green leaves form a tall, effective natural fence for privacy.

Note:

Always check to make sure bamboo is not considered invasive in your area and plant in containers or with root barriers if concerned.

6. Boxwood: The Traditional Privacy Hedge

A classic architectural hedge plant, boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is famed for its rich green color and neat, formal appearance. While it's slower than some on this list, certain boxwood cultivars (like 'Wintergreen') do grow at a moderate pace and offer unmatched elegance.

• Growth rate: 6-12 inches per year
• Height & Spread: 4-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
• Best for: Low-maintenance formal hedges and classic garden designs

Boxwood's dense growth and evergreen foliage provide a year-round living wall for privacy with outstanding structure and shape. Plus, it tolerates heavy shearing and topiary for creative landscaping.

Quick Tip:

Plant boxwood in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Water during droughts for lush coverage.

7. Photinia: The Colorful Privacy Plant

Add a splash of color to your privacy hedge with Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin'). Known for its bright red new leaves that mature to glossy green, Photinia forms an eye-catching, dense hedge.

• Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Height & Spread: 10-15 feet tall, 8-10 feet wide
• Feature: Striking color contrasts from spring through fall
• Hardiness: Zones 7-9

Photinia's vibrant foliage and clusters of white blossoms in spring make it a dual-purpose choice for privacy and ornamental value. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more colorful young leaves.

8. Hedge Holly: Resilient and Evergreen

Ilex (holly) varieties, especially inkberry and Japanese holly, are remarkable for their glossy evergreen foliage, slow-to-moderate growth rate, and resilience against harsh weather. Their dense arrangement and prickly leaves deter both prying eyes and animals.

• Growth rate: 6-12 inches per year
• Height & Spread: 5-15 feet tall, 3-12 feet wide (varies by type)
• Hardiness: Zones 5-9

Hollies are versatile, thriving in both sun and partial shade. Female plants produce bright red berries in winter when planted near male pollinators, creating added seasonal interest in your privacy garden.

Note:

Choose inkberry for a softer look, or English/Japanese holly for a traditional, spiky privacy wall.

9. Portuguese Laurel: Elegant and Fast-Growing Hedge

If you want a fast hedge that also exudes elegance, consider the Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica). With its red stems and deep green leaves, Portuguese Laurel forms a dense, upright hedge that offers strong natural privacy screening.

• Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Height & Spread: 10-20 feet tall, 5-10 feet wide
• Hardiness: Zones 6-9

This hedge plant is tolerant of urban conditions, salt, wind, and drought once established. Its glossy leaves and fragrant flowers in early summer make it a premium choice for those wanting an attractive and functional privacy barrier.

How to Choose the Right Fast-Growing Hedge for Privacy

Selecting the optimal privacy-boosting hedge depends on a few critical factors:

• Climate zone: Make sure your choice matches local temperature and rainfall patterns.
• Soil type: Some hedges need well-drained soil, others thrive in clay or sandy ground.
• Sun exposure: Check if your property is mostly sunny or shaded.
• Growth rate: Balance rapid privacy with long-term manageability and maintenance needs.
• Desired appearance: Do you prefer a formal green wall, flowering interest, or exotic style?
• Size at maturity: Ensure there's enough space for your hedge to grow to its full potential.

For smaller gardens, opt for compact hedges like boxwood, inkberry, or privet. Larger landscapes can handle taller, faster options such as Leyland Cypress, Green Giant Arborvitae, or certain bamboos.

Caring for Your Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

Essential Care Tips:

• Watering: Keep soil moist (but not soggy) during establishment. Reduce watering as plants mature.
• Pruning: Annual or bi-annual trims maintain density and control height.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer early in spring for robust growth.
• Mulching: Mulch around the roots to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Spacing: Plant at appropriate intervals for your chosen species to encourage fast coverage.

Regularly inspect for pests and diseases; treat early to avoid spread. Healthy, well-maintained hedges grow faster and stronger, providing a more secure private living barrier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

What is the fastest-growing hedge for privacy?

The Leyland Cypress and Green Giant Arborvitae are among the fastest-growing hedges, reaching up to 3-5 feet per year. Bamboo (clumping types) also offers rapid growth, though with a different look.

How long does it take to establish a privacy hedge?

With fast-growing varieties and ideal care, you can achieve significant privacy in 2-3 years. Slow-growing or small hedges may take 4-6 years.

Which privacy hedge is best for small gardens?

Boxwood, inkberry holly, and compact privet varieties are suited to small gardens, patios, or as low borders.

Can I mix different privacy hedges?

Absolutely! Mixing different hedge species can create a more diverse and attractive natural privacy screen, prolong seasonal interest, and support local wildlife.

Conclusion: Achieve Privacy Faster With These Effective Hedges

Creating a lush, secluded outdoor space doesn't have to take a decade. By choosing one or more of these fast-growing privacy hedges, you can speed up your quest for privacy and enjoy a tranquil, beautiful sanctuary right at home. Combine aesthetics, practicality, and ecological benefits by planting the perfect living wall--your own secret garden awaits!

• Pick the right hedge for your zone and space
• Care for your plants well to ensure growth and longevity
• Mix and match for beauty and diversity

With these 9 privacy-boosting hedges, your backyard escape is just a planting season away. Start now, and let your living fence grow!