Create an Oasis of Privacy with 9 Fast-Growing Hedges

Posted on 19/05/2025

Create an Oasis of Privacy with 9 Fast-Growing Hedges

In today's world, privacy is more than a luxury--it's a necessity. Whether you want to shield your garden from prying eyes, reduce noise, or simply craft a beautiful, secluded retreat, fast-growing privacy hedges are your best allies. In this guide, we'll introduce you to nine exceptional hedge plants that rapidly transform any space into a private oasis, while enhancing its visual appeal. Read on to discover how to create your perfect green sanctuary with these top choices!

The Power of Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy

Hedges have been used for centuries as natural barriers, property lines, and ornamental accents. Today, evergreen hedges are especially popular in modern landscapes for their year-round coverage and rapid growth. Choosing the right species can mean the difference between waiting years for privacy and enjoying seclusion within a single season or two.

Why Choose Hedges Over Fences?

• Aesthetic Value - Lush greenery offers a softer, more inviting look than stark wooden or metal fences.
• Environmental Benefits - Hedges absorb carbon dioxide, reduce wind, and offer habitats for birds and pollinators.
• Cost-Effective - Many hedge plants are affordable to purchase and maintain compared to hardscaping.
• Year-Round Privacy - Evergreen varieties can provide excellent screening even in winter.

Now, let's dive into the top 9 quick-growing hedges that can help you create your own oasis of privacy in no time!

9 Fast-Growing Hedges to Create Ultimate Privacy

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

Leyland Cypress is famous for being one of the fastest-growing evergreen hedges the world over. It can grow up to 3 feet (almost 1 meter) per year, quickly forming a dense screen.

• Height: Up to 60 feet if unchecked, but easily kept at desired height with trimming
• Growth Rate: Very fast (2-3 feet per year)
• Best For: Large gardens, tall privacy screens, windbreaks
• Maintenance: Requires annual pruning to avoid becoming too tall or wide

Tip: Plant Leyland Cypress 3-4 feet apart for a lush, impenetrable hedge in just a few seasons!

2. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet hedges are a classic choice for formal and informal gardens, offering quick coverage and easy shaping. They are semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates.

• Height: 4-15 feet, depending on species and pruning
• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Best For: Small to large gardens, formal boundaries, topiary
• Maintenance: Regular trimming encourages dense growth

Consider Privet for quick privacy hedging on patios and garden paths.

3. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Loved for its glossy leaves and thick structure, Cherry Laurel is one of the top choices for fast-growing hedge plants that work well even in shade.

• Height: 10-20 feet, easily pruned
• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Best For: Shaded areas, wide hedges
• Maintenance: Prune to maintain desired shape; tolerant of poor soils

Cherry Laurel's deep green foliage is also highly effective at dampening noise--a bonus for privacy seekers!

4. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis and Thuja plicata)

Arborvitae, particularly the 'Green Giant' variety, is renowned for its rapid vertical growth and narrow shape--perfect for small gardens seeking instant privacy.

• Height: 10-40 feet, depending on variety
• Growth Rate: 2-4 feet per year ('Green Giant')
• Best For: Tight spaces, tall privacy boundaries
• Maintenance: Little pruning required outside shaping

With its cedar scent and soft needles, Arborvitae is a low-maintenance privacy hedge with major curb appeal.

5. Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

If you crave a burst of color with your privacy, Red Tip Photinia is the perfect fast-growing hedge. Its new foliage emerges bright red, maturing to glossy green.

• Height: 10-15 feet when unpruned
• Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
• Best For: Colorful screens, mixed hedges, warm climates
• Maintenance: Prune before new growth for maximum vibrancy

This striking privacy screen is sure to make your outdoor retreat stand out!

6. Clumping Bamboo (Bambusa spp. and Fargesia spp.)

For a tropical vibe and ultrafast privacy, clumping bamboo is unparalleled. Unlike invasive running bamboo, clumping types stay contained while shooting up rapidly.

• Height: 8-35 feet, depending on species
• Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year under optimal conditions
• Best For: Contemporary gardens, poolside screens, windy sites
• Maintenance: Minimal pruning, occasional thinning

For the best results, choose non-invasive clumping bamboos and plant them in full sun to partial shade.

7. Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium)

Pittosporum, often called "cheesewood," is a fast-growing, salt-tolerant hedge suited for coastal or urban gardens.

• Height: 6-30 feet
• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Best For: Coastal gardens, modern landscapes, hedging in tough soils
• Maintenance: Prune after flowering; drought and wind resistant

Pittosporum's silver-green foliage adds a contemporary touch to your garden privacy screen.

8. Silverberry or Oleaster (Elaeagnus x ebbingei)

Known for its rapid growth and striking silvery leaves, Oleaster is perfect for low-maintenance privacy hedges that tolerate harsh conditions.

• Height: 8-12 feet
• Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
• Best For: Windy, exposed sites; drought-prone areas
• Maintenance: Light pruning keeps it in shape; very hardy

Silverberry offers discreet privacy with a unique, shimmering foliage effect!

9. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Hornbeam produces a dense, lush, leaf-laden hedge that retains its foliage well into autumn, offering privacy for much of the year.

• Height: 15-30 feet, can be kept lower with pruning
• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Best For: Formal hedges, boundary screens, traditional gardens
• Maintenance: Shaping in late spring or summer

Hornbeam's tight branching makes for an effective living wall--even in winter.

How to Plant and Maintain Fast-Growing Hedges

Now that you know nine of the best fast-growing hedge plants, let's explore practical tips to establish and maintain them for optimum privacy and beauty.

1. Site Selection

• Choose a location with adequate sun, appropriate for the species.
• Avoid areas with poor drainage to prevent root rot.
• Consider spacing to ensure the hedge fills in quickly without overcrowding.

2. Soil Preparation

• Loosen the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches (30-45cm).
• Incorporate organic matter for improved fertility and structure.
• Test the soil pH and adjust if necessary to suit your chosen hedge.

3. Planting Techniques

• Dig a trench or individual holes for each plant, spacing as recommended for each species.
• Water well after planting and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Stagger rows for a thicker living wall, particularly if complete privacy is your aim.

4. Pruning and Shaping

• For dense hedges, prune lightly and often, starting from the first year.
• Remove weak, broken, or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth.
• Trim the sides slightly narrower at the top than the bottom, allowing light to reach all parts.

5. Feeding and Watering

• Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
• Water deeply during dry spells, especially for young hedges.
• Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure to promote strong root systems.

Design Tips: Using Fast-Growing Hedges for Maximum Privacy

Creating an effective garden privacy hedge isn't just about choosing the fastest-growing species. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your green oasis thrives:

• Mix and Match: Combine two or more hedge types for color and texture contrast. For instance, try alternating Cherry Laurel with Red Tip Photinia for a dramatic effect.
• Add Height and Layers: For extra seclusion, underplant your hedge with smaller shrubs or tall grasses for a layered look.
• Consider Maintenance: If time is limited, select low-maintenance, disease-resistant hedges such as Arborvitae or Oleaster.
• Think Year-Round: Incorporate at least one evergreen species to ensure privacy doesn't disappear in winter.
• Avoid Monocultures: Planting a mix of species reduces the risk of pests and diseases wiping out your entire screen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

How quickly can I expect a privacy hedge to grow?

With optimal care and regular watering, fast-growing hedges can establish a solid screen within 2-3 years, sometimes sooner depending on species and local conditions.

Are evergreen hedges better for privacy?

Yes--evergreen plants retain their leaves year-round, delivering consistent privacy regardless of the season. Deciduous hedges, while beautiful, may leave gaps in winter.

Can I grow a privacy hedge in a small garden?

Absolutely! Choose narrow, columnar species such as Arborvitae or Pittosporum and keep up with regular pruning to maintain your desired shape and size.

Which fast-growing hedge is best for wildlife?

Hedges like Hornbeam and Cherry Laurel offer berries and thick cover, making them favorites for birds and pollinators. Planting a mixture further enhances the habitat value.

How close should I plant hedge plants for quick results?

Generally, space plants 2-4 feet apart, depending on species and desired density. Closer spacing means a faster, fuller screen but requires more plants.

Conclusion: Grow Your Own Oasis with Fast-Growing Hedges

Transform your outdoor space into a private haven by choosing the right combination of fast-growing hedges for privacy. From the towering Leyland Cypress to colorful Photinia and tropical bamboo, these living walls not only shield you from the outside world but also invite nature in. With proper selection, planting, and care, you will soon enjoy the beauty, serenity, and security of your very own green oasis.

Start planning today with any of these nine top hedging superstars, and you'll create an oasis of privacy to enjoy for years to come!

• Leyland Cypress
• Privet
• Cherry Laurel
• Arborvitae
• Red Tip Photinia
• Clumping Bamboo
• Pittosporum
• Silverberry (Oleaster)
• Hornbeam

Ready to plant? Choose your favorite species and enjoy the many benefits a lush, fast-growing hedge provides!