Fast-Track Your Privacy with These 9 Growing Hedges

Posted on 19/05/2025

Fast-Track Your Privacy with These 9 Growing Hedges

In today's ever-connected world, privacy has become a high priority for homeowners. Whether you want to conceal your backyard from prying eyes, block out street noise, or simply enhance your landscape's aesthetics, planting fast-growing privacy hedges is a smart and natural solution. Not only do these living green barriers provide a lush sense of seclusion, but they also add year-round beauty, attract wildlife, and increase the property's value.

If you're ready to fast-track your backyard privacy, this comprehensive guide highlights 9 of the best fast-growing hedges to transform your outdoor space into a serene sanctuary. Read on for in-depth tips, maintenance advice, and plant recommendations tailored to a variety of climates and preferences.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Screening?

Speed, beauty, and function: these are the hallmark benefits of choosing quick-growing hedges for your privacy needs.

• Instant Privacy: Unlike slow-maturing trees, fast-growing hedges provide screening within just a few seasons.
• Natural Noise Barrier: Dense foliage significantly cuts down on street or neighborhood noise.
• Air Quality Improvement: Hedges trap dust and filter airborne pollutants, promoting better air.
• Wildlife Habitat: Many fast growth hedges offer food and shelter for birds, bees, and butterflies.
• Higher Property Value: A well-maintained green barrier boosts your home's curb appeal and market value.

Choosing the right hedge for privacy depends on several factors like your climate, soil type, and sunlight exposure. Below, we detail the top 9 fast-growing privacy hedges that are suitable for a range of regions and aesthetic preferences.

Top 9 Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy Boost

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

One of the most popular choices for quick privacy screens, the Leyland Cypress boasts rapid growth - up to 3 feet per year under ideal conditions. With dense blue-green foliage and a mature height of 60-70 feet, it forms an impressive green wall in no time.

• Growth rate: Fast (up to 3 feet/year)
• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil preference: Well-drained; tolerant of a variety of soils
• Maintenance: Prune annually to maintain desired shape

*Tip: Give Leyland Cypress plenty of space--planting 6-10 feet apart will ensure healthy air flow and minimize disease risk.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

For homeowners searching for fast growing evergreen hedges, the 'Green Giant' is a top contender. Growing 3-5 feet per year, it rapidly forms a uniform, lush privacy screen. Its vibrant, soft green needles are resistant to most pests and diseases.

• Growth rate: Very fast (3-5 feet/year)
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil preference: Adaptable, prefers moist, well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Minimal; withstands cold, drought, and heat

Pro Tip: Space plants 5-6 feet apart for best growth.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Famed for its speed and density, Privet quickly forms the classic, formal hedge seen in traditional landscapes. It tolerates heavy pruning and can be shaped to perfection - ideal for low to mid-height borders.

• Growth rate: Up to 2 feet/year
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil preference: Any well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth

Note: Privet can be invasive in some regions. Always check local guidelines before planting.

4. Bamboo (Phyllostachys & Bambusa varieties)

*For ultra-fast privacy, nothing beats bamboo*. Certain clumping varieties can add up to 5 feet per year, forming a thick, modern living fence.

• Growth rate: Very fast; many gain 3-5 feet/year
• Sun requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil preference: Moist, well-drained
• Maintenance: Use clumping types to avoid invasiveness; contain with root barriers

*Clumping bamboo (like Bambusa) is non-invasive and ideal for suburban privacy screens.*

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

For those desiring a lush, glossy hedge, Cherry Laurel stands out. It grows up to 2 feet annually, producing beautiful white spring flowers and dark berries. Its dense nature makes it a superb choice for blocking sights and sounds.

• Growth rate: 2 feet/year
• Sun requirements: Shade to full sun
• Soil preference: Tolerates a range, but prefers moist, well-drained soils
• Maintenance: Prune to keep at the height and width you desire

6. English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia')

A close cousin to Cherry Laurel, the English Laurel features rich, rounded leaves and achieves a robust, thick hedge fast. It thrives in various soil conditions and tolerates heavy trimming, making it one of the most low-maintenance hedges for fast privacy.

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet/year
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil preference: Well-drained
• Maintenance: Prune as needed to keep in bounds

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

Recognized for its eye-catching fiery red new foliage, Photinia offers privacy with a splash of color. Growing 1-2 feet per year, it forms an evergreen screen that's both functional and decorative.

• Growth rate: 1-2 feet/year
• Sun requirements: Full sun preferred
• Soil preference: Well-drained, fertile soils
• Maintenance: Prune after new growth flush for shape and color

8. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

If you aim for a classic, tidy look, Boxwood is the gold standard for structured, formal hedges. Though a bit slower growing (1-2 feet/year), its dense evergreen leaves provide lasting privacy and are easily sculpted into beautiful shapes.

• Growth rate: Moderate; 1-2 feet/year
• Sun requirements: Sun to partial shade
• Soil preference: Well-drained, alkaline soils
• Maintenance: Frequent clipping to encourage fullness and shape

9. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Perfect for coastal or southern locations, Wax Myrtle grows quickly and is adaptable to different soils, including sandy or salty conditions. Its fragrant foliage, pest-resistance, and rapid growth make it a top choice for natural privacy hedges.

• Growth rate: 3-5 feet/year under ideal conditions
• Sun requirements: Sun to partial shade
• Soil preference: Moist, well-drained; tolerates salt and drought
• Maintenance: Little needed -- prune for size, but otherwise carefree

Caring for Your Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge

To truly fast-track your privacy with healthy hedges, it's vital to give your green screen the best foundation and ongoing care:

• Right plant, right place: Match hedge species to your climate, soil, and sunlight exposure.
• Soil preparation: Loosen soil and mix in compost before planting for robust root systems.
• Proper spacing: Give each plant enough room to reach maturity without overcrowding.
• Watering: Deeply water new hedges regularly until established. Afterward, water during dry spells.
• Mulch: Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Feed your hedge with balanced fertilizer in spring for optimal growth.
• Pruning: Shape your privacy hedges early and often; frequent light pruning yields bushier, denser growth.
• Pest & disease vigilance: Monitor for signs of trouble and intervene early with eco-friendly treatments.

FAQs About Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

How fast do privacy hedges grow?

Growth rates vary by species, but many of the best privacy screens outlined above grow between 2 to 5 feet per year under optimal conditions.

How far apart should I plant privacy hedges?

Spacing depends on the plant's mature size. For dense screens, space plants just slightly less than their mature width, typically 3 to 8 feet apart.

Which fast-growing hedge works best for shade?

*Cherry Laurel* and *English Laurel* both thrive in part or full shade conditions while growing rapidly.

Are any of these hedges deer resistant?

Yes! Green Giant Arborvitae and Wax Myrtle are less appealing to deer, making them ideal for rural settings.

Enhance More Than Just Privacy

By planting a fast-growing privacy hedge, you're investing not just in security and solitude, but also in biodiversity, cleaner air, and a more beautiful outdoor living environment. These living barriers offer environmental benefits and require less maintenance and infrastructure than wooden or synthetic fences.

If you want to transform your landscape quickly, consider one of these top 9 fast-track privacy hedges. With a wise selection and the right care, you'll soon have a lush, private escape tailored to your taste and climate.

Conclusion: Fast-Track Your Privacy with the Perfect Hedge

Your home is your sanctuary. By choosing fast-growing hedges for privacy, you create a sustainable, beautiful barrier that not only shelters you from the outside world but also adds value and tranquility to your property. With a little planning and care, these versatile green screens will provide you with the privacy you crave for decades to come.

Ready to upgrade your landscape? Plant one of these 9 fast-track privacy hedges and enjoy peace of mind -- naturally!