Privacy in No Time: 9 Fast-Growing Hedge Suggestions

Posted on 24/05/2025

Privacy in No Time: 9 Fast-Growing Hedge Suggestions

Looking for a natural, green solution to enhance your property's privacy? Planting a fast-growing hedge is one of the most effective and eco-friendly ways to create a private sanctuary in your backyard or along your property line. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best fast-growing privacy hedges and offer essential tips on selecting, planting, and maintaining your hedge for instant seclusion and aesthetic appeal.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

Privacy hedges offer a living, breathable wall that not only shields your space from prying eyes, but also serves as a noise buffer, windbreak, and a haven for wildlife. As green landscaping becomes increasingly popular, many homeowners are looking for evergreen and deciduous options that grow rapidly, providing quick results.

• Immediate privacy: Fast-growing hedges form dense coverage in a short time.
• Year-round beauty: Many varieties retain their foliage and color throughout the seasons.
• Environmental benefits: Hedges filter dust, absorb noise, and provide habitats for beneficial animals.
• Property value: A well-established privacy screen can boost curb appeal and real estate value.

How to Choose the Right Hedge for Privacy

Selecting the proper plant for your privacy hedge depends on several factors:

• Growth rate: Look for species labeled as "fast-growing" (approx. 2 feet or more per year).
• Climate adaptation: Match plants to your local hardiness zone and soil conditions.
• Evergreen vs. deciduous: Evergreens provide year-round cover, while deciduous options may offer stunning seasonal interest.
• Maintenance level: Some hedges need regular pruning, while others grow neatly with minimal intervention.
• Ultimate height and width: Decide how tall and thick you want your barrier to be.

Below, we offer nine top fast-growing hedges for privacy, each with its features, pros, and tips for success.

9 Fast-Growing Hedge Recommendations for Quick Privacy

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

Considered one of the fastest-growing privacy hedges, the Leyland cypress can gain up to 3-5 feet per year. Its dense, feathery foliage creates an effective screen in just a couple of seasons.

• Height: 60-70 feet (can be pruned lower)
• Zone: 6-10
• Evergreen: Yes
• Maintenance: Needs annual trimming to control size

Tip: Plant Leyland cypress 3-4 feet apart for a thick screen in no time.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja 'Green Giant')

The versatile Green Giant arborvitae grows rapidly and forms a lush, emerald-green barrier. Its deer resistance and low maintenance make it hugely popular.

• Growth rate: 3 feet per year when young
• Height: 30-50 feet
• Zones: 5-9
• Evergreen: Yes

Green Giant arborvitae tolerates a range of soils and is wind resistant. Space them 5-6 feet apart for best results.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

If you need instant privacy, privet shrubs are a classic option, shooting up to 2-3 feet per year with dense foliage that forms a formal-looking hedge.

• Height: 8-15 feet (prune for desired size)
• Zones: 4-8
• Evergreen/Semi-evergreen: In warmer climates
• Maintenance: Requires frequent trimming for shape

Privet is prized for its resilience and adaptability to shearing into crisp lines or natural shapes. Its fragrant flowers are an extra bonus.

4. Bamboo (Clumping varieties)

Nothing offers quick privacy quite like bamboo. While running types can invade, clumping bamboo varieties provide a fast-growing, manageable vertical screen.

• Height: Varies (10-40 feet)
• Growth rate: Up to 5 feet per year
• Zones: 6-10 (check species for your area)
• Evergreen: Yes

Tip: Always choose non-invasive clumping species such as Fargesia or Bambusa to avoid unwanted spreading.

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry laurel grows quickly into a glossy, evergreen privacy hedge with white spring flowers and attractive berries (not edible). Its dense growth is ideal for urban and suburban environments.

• Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Ultimate height: 20 feet (can be pruned lower)
• Zone: 6-9
• Evergreen: Yes

With its deep roots, cherry laurel is drought-tolerant once established and tolerates shade and sun alike.

6. Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis')

A sister to cherry laurel, Skip laurel is favored for narrower spaces and shaded areas. Its dense, upright growth creates an attractive, manageable privacy screen.

• Height: 10-15 feet
• Spread: 5-7 feet
• Growth rate: 2 feet per year
• Zones: 6-8
• Evergreen: Yes

Skip laurel's tolerance for shade makes it one of the best fast-growing hedges for privacy in low-light spots.

7. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Tip')

If you crave a colorful privacy hedge, try Red Tip Photinia. New growth emerges vibrant red before turning glossy green, adding interest as well as coverage.

• Height: 10-15 feet (can be pruned lower)
• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Zones: 7-9
• Evergreen: Yes
• Maintenance: Prune in spring for best shape

Photinia is resistant to most pests and diseases but may require preventive pruning in humid climates.

8. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

European hornbeam provides a fast-growing, formal privacy hedge option with its thick, serrated leaves and ability to be shaped tightly. While technically deciduous, it holds its leaves through winter, maintaining some privacy.

• Growth rate: Up to 2 feet per year
• Height: 30-40 feet (prune to size)
• Zones: 4-8
• Evergreen: Semi-evergreen; holds brown leaves in winter

Tip: Carpinus makes a remarkable clipped hedge for formal gardens.

9. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris and hybrids)

For a fast-growing, flowering privacy hedge, consider lilacs. Their dense growth and beautiful, fragrant blossoms create a seasonal privacy feature that also supports pollinators.

• Height: 8-15 feet
• Growth rate: Up to 2 feet per year
• Zones: 3-7
• Deciduous: Yes

Lilac hedges require full sun and good air flow to thrive and bloom.

Planting and Maintaining Your Privacy Hedge

Preparation and Planting

• Clear the planting area of weeds and grass.
• Dig a trench or individual holes two to three times the size of the root balls.
• Space your plants to match their mature width (refer to each species above).
• Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost for best root establishment.
• Water thoroughly after planting, and use a layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Watering and Feeding

• Water young hedges regularly--typically 1-2 inches of water per week until established.
• Once rooted, most fast-growing privacy screens are tolerant of short dry periods.
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for vigorous growth.

Pruning for Shape and Density

Pruning is crucial for creating dense, visually appealing hedges. Generally:

• Prune after the initial flush of growth for fast-growing species.
• Shear lightly multiple times per year to encourage fullness from the base up.
• Remove dead or diseased wood to maintain plant health.
• For formal hedges, use string lines and sharp shears for crisp results.

Remember: Most fast-growing hedges respond positively to regular pruning and will become denser over time.

Tips for Instant Privacy While Your Hedge Grows

• Install lattice or fence panels as a temporary privacy screen.
• Plant annual vines such as morning glories or sweet peas to climb along mesh or fences.
• Layer mixed plantings (shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses) for an attractive transitional border.
• Use container-grown plants for immediate height and screening.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy

How quickly will my privacy hedge form a solid screen?

Most fast-growing privacy hedges will provide a noticeable screen in 2-3 years, with some starting to provide coverage during the very first growing season.

Are fast-growing hedges difficult to maintain?

Most of the hedges listed above require only basic pruning and watering once established. Evergreen varieties often need less frequent maintenance than some deciduous ones.

Do fast-growing hedges lose leaves in winter?

Plant evergreens such as cypress, arborvitae, or laurels for year-round cover. Deciduous hedges (like lilac or hornbeam) lose some or all foliage in colder months but may offer stronger seasonal interest.

What if my climate is extreme or unique?

Always check plant hardiness zones and seek advice at a local garden center. There are fast-growing hedge options suitable for most climates, from cold-hardy to subtropical regions.

Conclusion: Enjoy Lush Privacy in No Time

Planting a fast-growing privacy hedge is a rewarding way to achieve privacy, enhance landscaping, and support biodiversity on your property. Whether you prefer the stately appearance of cypress, the formal lines of hornbeam, the fragrance of lilac, or bamboo's tropical feel, there's a perfect living fence for every taste and situation.

With the right fast-growing hedge--and the right preparation--you could enjoy improved privacy, security, and beauty in your outdoor retreat sooner than you think!

Ready to get started? Choose your favorites from these nine fast-growing hedge suggestions and watch your private oasis flourish in record time.

Looking for More Privacy Landscaping Tips?

• Explore mixed hedge designs for added interest and wildlife habitat.
• Combine fast-growing screens with fences for ultimate security and aesthetics.
• Check our other guides for maintenance, pest control, and soil improvement tips!

Transform your yard with a lush, green barrier--find the best fast-growing privacy hedge for your needs today!