Discover 9 Fast-growing Hedges that Enhance Privacy

Posted on 20/05/2025

Do you want to create a secluded oasis in your yard or garden? An effective way to increase privacy and beautify your property is by planting a lush, fast-growing hedge. Not only do these green walls act as living fences, but they also provide year-round interest, filter pollution, lower noise, and serve as a delightful habitat for wildlife.

If you're looking for quick-growing privacy hedges that don't take years to form a dense boundary, you've come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover 9 of the best fast-growing hedging plants that will help you transform your outdoor space into a tranquil, private retreat.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

Traditional fencing methods are effective, but they often lack the natural beauty and environmental benefits of live hedges. Fast-growing privacy hedges offer the following advantages:

• Immediate Results: Achieve privacy and shade faster than slow-growing varieties.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, many fast-growing hedges require minimal care compared to wooden or metal fences.
• Wildlife Attraction: They provide food and shelter for birds, bees, and beneficial insects.
• Eco-Friendly: Hedges improve air quality and offer a soothing green backdrop to your home.
• Noise and Wind Reduction: Dense hedges act as natural barriers against dust, wind, and urban noise.

Things to Consider Before Planting a Privacy Hedge

Before you pick your favorite species, consider the following:

• Climate: Choose plants suited to your local climate and hardiness zone.
• Soil: Assess drainage and fertility; some species prefer specific soil types.
• Sunlight: Ensure your site gets enough sun for optimum growth.
• Maintenance: Some hedges will need regular pruning to look their best.
• Height and Width: Consider how tall and wide you want your hedge to grow.
• Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Evergreens keep their leaves year-round, offering privacy through all seasons.

Now, let's explore nine of the most popular fast-growing hedges that can create a private haven for you and your family.

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

Leyland cypress is a superstar among fast-growing privacy hedges. Revered for its rapid growth--up to 3 feet per year--it forms a tall, dense, evergreen screen within just a few seasons.

• Growth Rate: Extremely fast (up to 3 feet per year)
• Maximum Height: 60-70 feet (can be pruned to desired height)
• Best Use: Large gardens, windbreaks, and high privacy fences
• Care: Tolerates pruning, prefers full sun, low maintenance once established

Tip: Plant Leyland cypress in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering during establishment to prevent root rot.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant')

The Green Giant arborvitae is another favorite for those seeking an elegant, fast-growing evergreen privacy hedge. It features lush, feathery foliage and resists many common pests and diseases.

• Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
• Maximum Height: 30-40 feet (easily maintained at 10-20 feet)
• Best Use: Tall screens, property lines, sound barriers
• Care: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; adapts well to different soils

The Green Giant does not require frequent pruning and grows well even in clay or sandy soil.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

If you want a traditional hedge with a tight, formal appearance, privet hedges have been a staple for centuries. Not only are they incredibly fast-growing, but also tolerate heavy pruning to create perfectly shaped borders.

• Growth Rate: Up to 2-3 feet per year
• Maximum Height: 10-15 feet
• Best Use: Formal hedges, property lines, tall garden barriers
• Care: Prefers full sun/part shade; responds well to regular trimming

Note: Some types of privet can be invasive in certain regions. Check with your local extension office before planting.

4. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry laurel is an evergreen shrub with glossy dark-green leaves, ideal for creating year-round privacy. It's both attractive and highly effective as a living fence.

• Growth Rate: Around 2 feet per year
• Maximum Height: 15-30 feet (easily trimmed to size)
• Best Use: Dense screens, noise barriers, informal hedges
• Care: Tolerates various soils and shady conditions; drought tolerant once established

In spring, it produces fragrant white blossoms, adding extra appeal to your privacy hedge.

5. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

For a colorful touch, consider Red Tip Photinia. This fast-growing privacy shrub is prized for its vivid red new growth, which gradually matures to glossy green.

• Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
• Maximum Height: 12-15 feet
• Best Use: Accent hedges, mixed screens, property dividers
• Care: Needs full sun for best color; trim regularly to maintain density and encourage colorful foliage

Did you know? Photinias offer white flower clusters in spring and work well as both a formal or informal privacy hedge.

6. Pyracantha (Firethorn)

If you're looking for security along with privacy, Firethorn (Pyracantha) is a standout choice among quick-growing privacy hedges. Its dense, spiky branches deter uninvited guests, while its berries attract birds.

• Growth Rate: 2 feet per year
• Maximum Height: 8-12 feet
• Best Use: Protective barriers, property edges, wildlife gardens
• Care: Thrives in full sun, drought-resistant, tolerates poor soils

Firethorn displays brilliant orange or red berries in fall and winter, adding color and seasonal interest.

7. Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)

Bamboo hedges provide rapid coverage and a unique, contemporary look. Certain clumping varieties are perfect for creating fast-growing privacy screens without the fear of rampant spread.

• Growth Rate: Some varieties up to 3-5 feet per year
• Maximum Height: Depends on species; commonly 12-40 feet
• Best Use: Modern homes, tropical-style gardens, noise/wind reduction
• Care: Opt for clumping (not running) bamboo; prefers full sun and moist, fertile soil

Warning: Avoid invasive running bamboo types unless you install a root barrier!

8. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Boxwood is a staple of classic gardens, known for its dense, evergreen foliage and ability to be shaped into formal fast-growing privacy hedges. While not the very fastest, certain cultivars like 'Green Velvet' and 'Winter Gem' offer vigorous growth.

• Growth Rate: Up to 1-2 feet per year (especially hybrids)
• Maximum Height: 5-10 feet
• Best Use: Low to mid-height privacy screens, clipped hedges, borders
• Care: Thrives in partial shade to full sun, prefers well-drained soil, tolerates heavy pruning

Boxwoods are deer-resistant and well-suited for topiary or geometric shapes within formal gardens.

9. Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium)

If you want a compact, ornamental screen, Pittosporum is an excellent choice. This evergreen shrub is ideal for low-maintenance, fast-growing hedges for privacy, especially in milder climates.

• Growth Rate: 2 feet per year
• Maximum Height: 8-12 feet
• Best Use: Urban gardens, borders, accent hedges
• Care: Adaptable to sun and partial shade, very tolerant of coastal conditions and salt spray

Pittosporum's wavy, glaucous foliage is distinctively attractive, and it's highly adaptable to urban settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

How far apart should I plant privacy hedges for the fastest results?

Spacing depends on the species: For quickest densification, most fast-growing hedges should be planted 2 to 4 feet apart, center to center. Check nursery labels for exact spacing recommendations.

How soon will I have privacy after planting a fast-growing hedge?

With ideal conditions and fast-growing hedge plants, you can expect a solid screen within 2 to 4 years. Growth is quickest during the first several years after planting.

What is the best hedge for a backyard privacy fence?

This depends on your region and desired look! For tall, evergreen screening, Leyland cypress and Green Giant arborvitae are top choices. For smaller spaces or decorative value, boxwood, photinia, or pittosporum work well.

How much maintenance do privacy hedges need?

Most fast-growing privacy screening plants need annual pruning at minimum to keep their shape and density. Water new plants deeply, mulch to retain soil moisture, and feed in early spring for best results.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

• Site Preparation: Remove weeds and amend soil with compost before planting.
• Watering: Keep soil moist (not soggy) for root establishment (first 6-12 months).
• Mulching: Mulch around roots to suppress weeds and lock in moisture.
• Pruning: Start pruning early for bushiness and desired shape.
• Feeding: Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring annually.

Conclusion: Transform Your Garden With Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy

Creating a private backyard haven is easier than ever with these fast-growing privacy hedge options. Whether you desire towering evergreens for maximum seclusion, flowering varieties for added color, or neat formal hedges for classic charm, there's a rapid-growing option for every landscape.

Take time to choose the right plant for your climate and garden design. With a little planning and care, you'll soon enjoy the benefits of a green, natural privacy fence--and a property that's beautiful, peaceful, and uniquely yours.

Ready to enhance your property's privacy and beauty? Try planting one (or more!) of these fast-growing hedge plants--and see your private oasis take shape in less time than you think!