Privacy and Nature Unite with These 9 Fast-Growing Hedges

Posted on 22/08/2025

Privacy and Nature Unite with These 9 Fast-Growing Hedges

Looking for a natural solution to privacy in your outdoor space? Embracing the best fast-growing hedges can enhance privacy, reduce noise, attract wildlife, and bring lush beauty to your landscape. In this comprehensive article, discover the ideal quick-growing hedge plants that combine privacy with nature, offering an eco-friendly and attractive boundary for your home or garden. Whether you're focused on seclusion, aesthetics, or supporting biodiversity, this guide covers the top fast-growing hedges and practical tips to help you create the green barrier you desire.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

Privacy hedges are more than just living fences. They serve multiple purposes, including providing natural screening, forming windbreaks, reducing external noise, and supporting local ecosystems. While fencing offers an instant solution, nothing beats the visual appeal, ecological benefits, and long-term cost-effectiveness of quick-growing privacy hedges.

• Environmental Impact: Hedges help reduce air pollution and provide habitats for birds and beneficial insects.
• Year-Round Beauty: Many hedge varieties offer vibrant seasonal flowers, berries, and colorful foliage.
• Increased Property Value: Well-maintained hedges improve your landscape's appearance and curb appeal.
• Natural Security: Dense hedges discourage trespassers while allowing air and light to circulate.

Let's explore the top nine fast-growing privacy hedges to transform your outdoor space into a natural retreat.

The Best Fast Growing Hedges for Privacy and Nature

1. Leyland Cypress: The Classic Evergreen Screen

Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii) is one of the most popular options for those seeking rapid privacy hedging. Capable of growing up to 3 feet per year, Leyland Cypress is prized for its dense, feathery blue-green foliage and tolerance to a range of soils.

• Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year
• Mature Height: Up to 60 feet, can be trimmed lower
• Attributes: Evergreen, drought tolerant, dense foliage
• Best for: Large properties, windbreaks, tall privacy boundaries

Tip: Space trees 6-10 feet apart for a thick privacy wall.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae: Reliable and Hardy

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') is an excellent alternative to Leyland Cypress, and often regarded as one of the fastest growing tall hedge plants. Its lush, feathered branches provide year-round screening without much maintenance.

• Growth Rate: 3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 20-40 feet
• Attributes: Disease resistant, adaptable to different soils
• Best for: Evergreen privacy hedges, formal and informal borders

Did you know? The Green Giant Arborvitae stays vibrant even in the coldest climates, making it a top choice for northern gardeners.

3. Privet: The Versatile Hedge Favorite

Privet (Ligustrum spp.) is synonymous with classic hedging. There are several varieties, each offering a quick-growing and dense hedge option. Privet hedges are ideal for shaping into formal designs or informal screens.

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 4-15 feet (depending on species)
• Attributes: Semi-evergreen or deciduous, glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers
• Best for: Urban gardens, pathways, borders

Note: Regular pruning leads to the thickest, most attractive screens. Privet can be invasive in some regions; check local guidelines before planting.

4. Bamboo: Exotic and Fastest Growing

Bamboo is revered for its lightning-fast growth and dramatic visual impact. With upright canes and wispy leaves, bamboo hedges can quickly create a lush, tropical privacy screen within a few years.

• Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year (for running types)
• Mature Height: 10-40 feet (species dependent)
• Attributes: Evergreen, wind-resistant, excellent for sound dampening
• Best for: Contemporary landscapes, Asian-themed gardens, privacy from elevated viewpoints

*Important:

• Bamboo can spread aggressively. Choose clumping varieties or install root barriers to prevent unwanted expansion.

5. Cherry Laurel: Dense, Glossy Foliage

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a top fast-growing hedge plant valued for its large, shiny leaves and thick growth. Cherry Laurel forms a dense barrier quickly, making it perfect for seclusion and wind reduction.

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 10-20 feet
• Attributes: Evergreen, spring white flower sprays, adaptable to most soils
• Best for: Large gardens, driveway borders, shaded or sunny spots

Tip: Prune after flowering for best results and shape.

6. Red-Tipped Photinia: Vibrant Seasonal Color

Red-Tipped Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin') is chosen for its vivid red new growth that matures to green. This fast-growing shrub provides reliable privacy and adds dynamic visual interest to your hedge.

• Growth Rate: Up to 2-3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 10-15 feet
• Attributes: Evergreen, white flower clusters, disease-resistant varieties available
• Best for: Colorful privacy screens, mixed hedging plantings

Gardeners' Favorite: The flushes of brilliant red foliage in spring are a showstopper, especially when contrasted with other green hedges.

7. Portuguese Laurel: Elegant and Hardy

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) offers a refined look with its neat, rounded leaves and cherry-red stems. It is less vigorous than common laurel but still provides a fast-growing, dense screen suitable for smaller gardens.

• Growth Rate: 1.5-2.5 feet per year
• Mature Height: 10-15 feet
• Attributes: Evergreen, white flower panicles in summer, tolerant of coastal winds
• Best for: Sophisticated, low-maintenance privacy hedges

Tip: Tolerates both shade and sun, giving you flexibility in placement.

8. Viburnum: Wildlife-Friendly Screening

Viburnum hedges provide not only privacy but also enhanced biodiversity in your garden. With many evergreen or semi-evergreen species, Viburnum offers attractive flowers in spring and berries for birds in fall.

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year (variety dependent)
• Mature Height: 6-15 feet
• Attributes: Clusters of fragrant flowers, sometimes fruiting berries, hardy in various soils
• Best for: Wildlife-friendly screening, mixed hedge rows, cottage-style gardens

Did you know? Varieties like Viburnum tinus provide year-round coverage and winter bloom.

9. Photinia Serratifolia 'Pink Marble'

Photinia Serratifolia 'Pink Marble' is a new contender in the world of privacy hedges, prized for its tri-color foliage of pink, cream, and green. It is fast-growing and forms a dense, upright hedge that stands out beautifully in mixed plantings.

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 8-12 feet
• Attributes: Evergreen, striking variegated leaves, lovely white spring flowers
• Best for: Ornamental privacy hedges with year-round interest

Tip: Combine with other rapid-growing hedges to maximize visual variety and privacy.

Choosing the Right Fast-Growing Hedge for Your Needs

Consider these *key factors* when selecting privacy hedges:

• Desired height and width -- Some hedges stay compact, others become tall and expansive.
• Evergreen versus deciduous -- Evergreens provide year-round privacy, while deciduous hedges change with the seasons.
• Growth rate -- Rapid-growing varieties offer quick results but may require frequent trimming.
• Soil type and sunlight -- Make sure your chosen hedge thrives in your local conditions.
• Maintenance needs -- Some fast-growing hedges need more pruning to keep them shaped and healthy.

How to Plant and Maintain Your Hedge for Privacy and Nature

Achieving a lush, effective privacy hedge goes beyond just planting fast-growing species. Here's a step-by-step overview:

Preparation and Planting

• Choose healthy, disease-free plants from a reputable nursery.
• Mark a straight line with string or a hose to maintain an even row.
• Space plants correctly depending on the mature width, generally 3-6 feet apart.
• Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball, and just as deep.
• Backfill with enriched soil and water thoroughly after planting.

Watering and Feeding

• Keep soil moist (but not waterlogged) during the first 1-2 years, especially in hot weather.
• Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Feed with slow-release fertilizer in early spring for best growth.

Pruning and Training

• Prune hedges regularly to promote density and maintain shape.
• Remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as noticed.
• Shape hedges so the base is wider than the top--this ensures sunlight reaches lower foliage for lush growth all over.

Common Problems and Solutions for Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

• Pest infestations: Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, or caterpillars. Address with organic sprays or beneficial insects.
• Disease: Many hedge species--especially fast-growing ones--can be susceptible to fungal diseases. Prevent with good air circulation and proper plant spacing.
• Overgrowth and Legginess: Manage with routine pruning. If a hedge becomes sparse, cut it back more severely in late winter to encourage new growth.
• Drought Stress: Deep waterings during extended dry periods help maintain health and growth rates.

Blending Privacy with Nature: Create a Wildlife-Friendly Hedge

Eco-conscious gardeners can do even more by choosing fast-growing hedges that provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. Some of the best wildlife-friendly hedges include:

• Viburnum for its berries and flowers
• Privet for shelter and nesting sites
• Photinia and Laurel for dense cover

Mixing different varieties in your hedge row adds season-long interest and promotes biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Quick Growing Privacy Hedges

How fast do privacy hedges grow?

Growth rates depend on the species and local conditions, but the fastest privacy hedges can gain 2-5 feet per year, reaching full coverage in 2-5 seasons with proper care.

Which hedge grows the fastest for a privacy screen?

Bamboo and Leyland Cypress are among the quickest. However, Green Giant Arborvitae offers a perfect balance of speed, density, and disease resistance.

Will fast-growing hedges stay green all year?

Choose evergreen varieties (like Laurel, Arborvitae, Photinia, and Bamboo) for year-round privacy and foliage. Some varieties, such as Privet, may be semi-evergreen depending on your climate.

How often should I trim my fast-growing hedge?

Most rapid-growing hedges benefit from 2-4 prunings per year. Regular trimming encourages thickness and an even shape.

Can I use flowering plants as privacy hedges?

Absolutely! Flowering hedges such as Viburnum, Photinia, and some types of Cherry Laurel add seasonal interest and food for wildlife.

Conclusion: Your Living Wall Awaits

Privacy and nature truly unite with these nine fast-growing hedge plants. Not only do you get a living barrier that shields your outdoor space, but you also provide shelter and resources for local wildlife, filter noise and pollution, and add vibrant beauty year-round. Whether you need a towering screen or a decorative border, the right fast-growing privacy hedge awaits you. Begin planting today and transform your landscape into a private, verdant haven that flourishes in harmony with nature.

Ready to embrace privacy the natural way? Choose one or more of these quick-growing hedges for your garden, invest in their care, and enjoy an outdoor sanctuary where nature and tranquility thrive side by side!