Achieve Complete Privacy with These Fast-Growing Hedges

Posted on 14/08/2025

Achieve Complete Privacy with These Fast-Growing Hedges

Are you dreaming of a tranquil oasis right in your backyard, away from the noise and prying eyes of the outside world? Achieving complete privacy is easier than ever with the right selection of fast-growing hedges. These natural green walls not only boost your home's security and seclusion but also add unmatched beauty to your landscape. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover the best fast-growing privacy hedges for every garden, how to plant and care for them, as well as tips to ensure your hedges grow thick and lush all year round.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

When it comes to creating privacy screens around your property, fast-growing hedges offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to unsightly fences or walls. These vigorous plants form a living barrier, blocking noise, wind, and unwelcome views--with the following added benefits:

• Natural beauty: Lush greenery enhances your landscape and adds curb appeal.
• Cost-effective: Once established, hedges require less maintenance than fences.
• Wildlife habitat: Many hedges attract butterflies, birds, and beneficial pollinators.
• Environmental benefits: Hedges improve air quality, absorb sound, and act as windbreaks.

Fast-growing privacy hedges are particularly suitable if you want to enjoy privacy sooner rather than later, compared to slower-growing alternatives.

Criteria for the Best Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

Not all hedges are created equal. To achieve total privacy fast, consider these key factors before making your choice:

• Growth rate: Look for varieties that can grow at least 1-3 feet per year.
• Evergreen foliage: Opt for evergreens for year-round screening, especially if you want complete privacy all seasons.
• Tolerance: Select plants resilient to local climate, pests, and soil conditions.
• Mature height and spread: Choose hedge plants that reach your desired height and thickness to maximize blockage.
• Maintenance needs: Some hedges are more low-maintenance, while others require regular trimming.

Below, you'll find a curated list of the fastest-growing privacy hedge plants--there's a perfect species for every garden style and region!

The Top Fast-Growing Hedges for Total Privacy

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

The Leyland Cypress is one of the most popular and fastest-growing privacy hedges worldwide. With its feathery, deep green foliage and conical growth habit, it can quickly create a private sanctuary.

• Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year
• Mature Height: Up to 50 feet
• Key Features: Evergreen, dense foliage, withstands regular trimming
• Best For: Large property borders requiring tall, impenetrable screens

Leyland Cypress can reach impressive heights in just a few years, making it ideal for achieving backyard privacy quickly. It responds well to pruning, so you can shape it into attractive formal hedges.

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

For a classic, sturdy, and low-maintenance option, Green Giant Arborvitae ticks all the boxes. Its glossy, vibrant foliage stays lush even in winter, providing year-round privacy.

• Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
• Mature Height: 30-40 feet
• Key Features: Cold-hardy, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant
• Best For: Tall, green privacy screens with minimal care

Plant these in rows 5-6 feet apart, and in just 3-5 years, enjoy a full, seamless hedge that completely shields your property.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet hedges have been a classic choice for centuries, valued for their rapid growth and ability to be shaped into elegant privacy screens.

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 10-15 feet
• Key Features: Highly adaptable, dense branching, tolerates heavy pruning
• Best For: Formally clipped hedges and topiary designs

Privet thrives in various soil types and sun exposures. Its small, glossy green leaves create a thick barrier when regularly trimmed--excellent for total garden privacy.

4. Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)

Considered one of nature's rapid growers, Bamboo can reach full privacy height in just a season or two. Clumping varieties are preferred for privacy hedges, as they do not spread invasively like running types.

• Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year
• Mature Height: 10-30 feet, depending on species
• Key Features: Graceful vertical canes, evergreen, wind- and sound-proofing qualities
• Best For: Modern landscapes desiring an exotic, dense barrier

Bamboo offers a unique, upright aesthetic and acts as an effective windbreak and privacy screen. Just ensure you choose non-invasive species or use root barriers for control.

5. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin')

Known for its dramatic red new growth that matures to glossy green, Photinia creates a striking and colorful living fence. It's one of the most sought-after fast-growing hedges in milder climates.

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Mature Height: 10-15 feet
• Key Features: Brilliant spring color, evergreen, easily pruned
• Best For: Decorative privacy with a pop of color

Frequent trimming encourages Photinia to produce more vibrant foliage, resulting in a dense, colorful barrier--ideal for both privacy and curb appeal.

6. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry Laurel is admired for its robust, glossy leaves and vigorous growth. This evergreen hedge offers robust screening even in shaded areas.

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 15-20 feet
• Key Features: Tolerates heavy pruning, pollution, and partial shade
• Best For: Dense hedges in urban and suburban settings

Choose Cherry Laurel for tough, reliable privacy, especially if you want a lush, green hedge that adapts to diverse site conditions.

7. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Boxwood hedges are not the fastest growers but are exceptional for those looking to balance privacy and formal elegance. For quicker results, try faster-growing hybrids such as 'Green Mountain' or 'Winter Gem'.

• Growth Rate: 6-12 inches per year (up to 2 feet for hybrids)
• Mature Height: 5-10 feet
• Key Features: Dense small leaves, adaptable to shaping and shearing
• Best For: Structured, manicured privacy hedges

Boxwood is prized for its classic look and dense structure, providing both privacy and sophistication to any garden.

How to Plant and Grow Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

Preparation Steps

• Site Selection: Most privacy hedges prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Preparation: Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure for the healthiest start.
• Spacing: Plant hedge saplings at the recommended distance for the species to encourage a seamless, thick barrier.

Planting Guidelines

• Dig a trench twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to cover roots.
• Place each plant at the same depth it was in the container.
• Backfill with enriched soil and water thoroughly.
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Initial Care Tips

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during the first two years.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring for robust growth.
• Weeding: Remove competing weeds to ensure your young hedge gets all the nutrients.

Trimming and Pruning for a Dense Hedge

Regular trimming is essential for bushiness and fullness. Here's how to achieve thick privacy hedges quickly:

• Shear lightly the first season to help encourage side branching.
• Prune at least once a year (or more for species like privet and boxwood).
• Trim the top more narrowly than the base to allow sunlight to reach all parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can I expect a privacy hedge to reach full height?

Fast-growing hedges like Leyland Cypress, Green Giant Arborvitae, and Bamboo can reach 6-10 feet in as little as 2-3 years under optimal conditions.

Which privacy hedge is best for small spaces?

Compact options such as Boxwood or smaller varieties of Laurel and Photinia are ideal for narrow borders or patio gardens.

Are there deer-resistant privacy hedges?

Yes, Green Giant Arborvitae, Bamboo, and Boxwood are generally unappealing to deer, making them suitable for areas with browsing wildlife.

Which hedges are evergreen for year-round privacy?

Opt for Leyland Cypress, Green Giant Arborvitae, Cherry Laurel, and Boxwood for full coverage every season.

Achieve Complete Backyard Privacy: Final Tips

By thoughtfully selecting and caring for fast-growing hedges for privacy, you'll transform your outdoor space into a secluded retreat in no time. Here are some final recommendations to ensure success:

• Mix and match species for a two-tiered or staggered effect which increases privacy and visual interest.
• Monitor for pests and diseases, especially in the first few seasons.
• Provide supplemental water and mulch during droughts for continuous lush growth.
• Consult local nurseries or extension agents about varieties suited to your specific climate and soil.

Fast-growing privacy hedges are a long-term investment in your home's serenity, beauty, and value. With proper planning and maintenance, your natural green wall will thrive--granting you complete privacy and peace of mind for years to come.

Conclusion: Your Path to Fast, Beautiful Privacy Starts Now

Whether you're creating a windbreak, shielding your garden from neighbors, or constructing a tranquil backyard retreat, the right fast-growing hedges will deliver elegant, effective, and all-natural privacy. Start today by choosing the best hedge plants for your needs and transforming your landscape into a living sanctuary!