9 Hedges That Provide Privacy Through Quick Growth
Posted on 26/06/2025
9 Hedges That Provide Privacy Through Quick Growth
Looking to create a lush, private retreat in your backyard without waiting years for plants to mature? Fast-growing privacy hedges are the ideal solution for homeowners seeking seclusion, greenism, and a quick landscape transformation. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover nine of the best fast-growing privacy hedges that not only offer dense coverage and sound reduction but also bring year-round beauty to your property.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges?
When it comes to creating a living privacy fence, many gardeners and homeowners seek options that establish quickly. Fast-growing hedges provide immediate results, allowing you to enjoy privacy, noise buffering, and greenery much sooner than traditional slow growers. These natural screens are also environmentally friendly alternatives to artificial fences, supporting wildlife and improving air quality.
- Quick establishment: Get effective privacy within 1-3 years instead of waiting a decade.
- Noise reduction: Thick, lush foliage acts as a buffer for street or neighbor sounds.
- Wildlife sanctuary: Many fast-growing hedges attract birds and pollinators.
- Natural beauty: Enjoy year-round green walls and seasonal interest.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Quick-Growing Hedge
Selecting the right hedge isn't just about growth rate. Consider the following factors to maximize your privacy hedge's effectiveness:
- Climate compatibility: Choose plants suited to your growing zone and weather patterns.
- Maintenance needs: Some hedges require more pruning, shaping, or watering than others.
- Height and spread: Ensure your hedge reaches the desired privacy height without overcrowding.
- Evergreen vs. deciduous: Evergreens provide year-round coverage, while deciduous species may lose leaves in winter.
- Allergy concerns: Some fast-growing plants, like Leyland cypress, may aggravate pollen allergies in sensitive individuals.
With these key considerations in mind, let's explore the top choices for quickly growing privacy hedges.
1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)
If you desire instant privacy, few choices rival the Leyland cypress. This vigorous hybrid evergreen grows at rates up to 3 feet per year under ideal conditions. The Leyland cypress boasts dense, feathery foliage and maintains its vibrant green color throughout the year. It forms a formidable barrier that shields from both sight and sound, making it one of the most reliable fast-growing privacy hedges.
- Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year
- Maximum Height: 60-70 feet (can be pruned to desired height)
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, tolerates various soil types
Tip: Space Leyland cypress trees at least 5-7 feet apart to prevent overcrowding and disease.
2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)
A favorite among landscapers, Green Giant arborvitae is celebrated for its exceptional vigor and tolerance of various environments. This conifer grows 3-5 feet annually, quickly creating a lush, uniform hedge. With its compact, conical shape and resistance to deer, it's ideal for those in suburban or rural settings needing a tall, evergreen privacy screen.
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Maximum Height: 30-50 feet (prune to maintain)
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun
- Disease Resistant: Less prone to common hedge diseases than Leyland cypress
Tip: Green Giant arborvitae requires regular watering during establishment but is relatively drought-tolerant once mature.
3. Privet (Ligustrum species)
For centuries, privet hedges have adorned European and North American gardens, prized for their dense branching and **rapid growth** (up to 2-3 feet per year). These semi-evergreen shrubs respond well to tight shaping, making them perfect for neat, formal screens. Common varieties include Japanese privet and European privet, both well-suited for urban settings.
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Maximum Height: 4-15 feet, depending on species and pruning
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Features: Tolerates pollution, drought, and regular shearing
Note: Some privet species may be invasive in certain regions. Check with your local extension office before planting.
4. Bamboo (Clumping varieties like Bambusa or Fargesia)
When privacy is needed yesterday, clumping bamboo varieties offer some of the swiftest growth of all. Unlike running bamboo, clumping types stay in place, forming tall, leafy screens in a matter of seasons. These remarkably fast-growing privacy hedges can reach full height (8-20 feet) in as little as 2-3 years and survive well in most climates with proper care.
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year (varies with climate)
- Maximum Height: 8-20 feet depending on species
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Features: Screening effect is almost immediate; non-invasive when using clumping kinds
Tip: Always opt for clumping bamboo to avoid spread. Install a root barrier if necessary.
5. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Native to the southeastern U.S., wax myrtle is a versatile, semi-evergreen shrub valued for its aromatic foliage and rapid spread. It grows up to 2-3 feet each year and responds well to shearing, making it easy to maintain at your preferred height. Wax myrtle is also salt-tolerant, pest-resistant, and drought hardy, making it perfect for challenging locales.
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Maximum Height: 6-12 feet
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Features: Attractive blue-green leaves; provides excellent wildlife habitat
6. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
One of the most popular fast-growing evergreen hedges in both Europe and North America, cherry laurel delivers impressive results in just a few seasons. This shrub is known for its glossy, dark green leaves that form a thick living wall even in shade. It tolerates urban pollution and regular pruning, thriving in various soils.
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet annually
- Maximum Height: 15-20 feet, easily kept shorter
- Sunlight: Full sun to deep shade
- Features: White spring flowers and occasional black berries
Note: All parts of cherry laurel are toxic if ingested; avoid if pets are prone to chewing plants.
7. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Tip')
Photinia is a standout choice for those who crave both privacy and ornamental appeal. 'Red Tip' Photinia is renowned for its vibrant red new growth in spring, which matures to glossy green. This attractive evergreen hedge can grow up to 2 feet yearly, forming a dense, colorful barrier. Drought-tolerant and easy to shape, it's a favorite for contemporary landscapes.
- Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
- Maximum Height: 10-15 feet
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun; tolerates partial shade
- Features: Stunning red foliage and white spring flowers
Tip: Space Photinias 5-8 feet apart for a seamless hedge. Avoid wet spots to prevent disease.
8. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
If you prefer native alternatives for fast privacy screens, consider the evergreen American holly. While not the absolute fastest, American holly fills in rapidly compared to many native species, reaching heights of 15-30 feet. The dense, spiny green leaves and bright red berries provide privacy, winter interest, and essential wildlife habitat.
- Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Maximum Height: 15-30 feet
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Features: Attractive year-round; ideal for naturalistic landscapes
Note: Plant male and female American hollies for berry production. Birds love the fruit!
9. Viburnum (Viburnum species)
Last but not least, many viburnum species offer a blend of dense growth, rapid establishment, and remarkable adaptability. Options like Viburnum tinus and Viburnum odoratissimum can grow up to 2 feet or more per year, forming lush screens between 6-15 feet tall. Viburnums often display fragrant flowers and brilliant berries, adding ornamental value as well as privacy.
- Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Maximum Height: 6-15 feet, depending on type and care
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Features: Lovely spring flowers, some with winter berries; excellent for pollinators
Sustainable Privacy Through Fast-Growing Hedge Plants
Whatever your landscape style or screening needs, these nine fast-growing privacy hedges offer an effective, attractive, and eco-friendly solution. While synthetic fences can fall short in aesthetics and environmental benefit, living green screens enhance biodiversity, improve microclimates, and foster a connection with nature. With proper selection, planting, and maintenance, your hedge will reward you with beauty and seclusion for years to come.
How to Plant and Care for Your Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge
- Start with quality plants: Buy from reputable nurseries for disease-free specimens.
- Space properly: Prevent overcrowding and allow air flow by following recommended spacing.
- Water regularly: Establish roots by watering deeply, especially in the first year.
- Mulch: Conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay with a thick layer of organic mulch.
- Prune as needed: Prune new growth to encourage bushiness and control the shape.
- Fertilize sparingly: Too much fertilizer can cause legginess; use slow-release compost if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Quick-Growing Privacy Hedges
- Q: Which is the fastest-growing privacy hedge plant?
A: Green Giant arborvitae and Leyland cypress are among the fastest, often reaching 3-5 feet of growth per year under the right conditions. - Q: How far apart should I plant my hedge bushes for the best privacy?
A: It depends on the species, but most shrubs should be spaced 3-8 feet apart. Check the specific recommendations for your chosen hedge type. - Q: Are there fast-growing hedges that stay short?
A: Yes, many privet, laurel, and certain viburnum species can be kept trimmed to 4-6 feet for lower screens. - Q: What's the best hedge for privacy and noise reduction?
A: Evergreen hedges with dense, fine-textured leaves such as Green Giant arborvitae or cherry laurel offer excellent sound and sight screening. - Q: Can I mix different species for my privacy screen?
A: Absolutely! Blending varieties enhances visual interest and can increase disease resistance.
Conclusion: Achieving Privacy--Fast and Naturally
Today's homeowners have more choices than ever with quick-growing privacy hedge options. Whether you opt for the soaring heights of Leyland cypress and Green Giant arborvitae or the compact elegance of privet and laurel, your natural green barrier will soon provide tranquility, seclusion, and a welcome wildlife habitat--all while boosting your property's curb appeal.
For the ultimate in privacy, beauty, and environmental harmony, plant one of these nine fast-growing hedges and watch your personal oasis take root--in the shortest time possible!
