17 Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs to Create Your Secret Garden Sanctuary This Season

Privacy in the garden isn’t just about blocking nosy neighbors—it’s about creating your own little sanctuary where you can truly be yourself. I’ve spent years experimenting with different shrubs in my modest backyard, watching some zoom upward at impressive speeds while others seemed to grow at a snail’s pace. The right fast-growing privacy shrubs can transform your outdoor space in just a season or two, giving you the seclusion you crave without waiting a decade for results.

My obsession with privacy plants started when a new apartment building went up behind my garden, suddenly exposing my peaceful reading nook to curious onlookers. Rather than feel defeated, I dove into researching fast-growing privacy bushes that could quickly shield my space while adding beauty rather than just functioning as green walls. The journey led me to discover some truly remarkable plants that offer both quick growth and stunning seasonal interest.

1) Thuja Green Giant

I remember the day my neighbor installed a row of Thuja Green Giants along our property line. I was skeptical about how long we’d wait for privacy. Boy, was I wrong! These evergreen powerhouses grew nearly 4 feet in their first year.

Thuja Green Giants are the superheroes of privacy screens. They can shoot up 3-5 feet per year, making them one of the fastest-growing privacy options available. My gardening friends are always amazed when I show them before-and-after photos.

What I love most about these giants is their minimal maintenance needs. I barely touch mine except for occasional shaping. They don’t need constant pruning, fertilizing, or fussing to thrive.

These emerald beauties can reach impressive heights of up to 60 feet tall under ideal conditions. Don’t let that scare you though! They’re perfectly happy to be maintained at a more manageable height with yearly trimming.

I’ve found Thuja Green Giants to be remarkably resilient. Mine sailed through two droughts with minimal watering once established. They’re like the reliable friend who shows up no matter what.

The dense foliage is what makes these plants privacy champions. The branches grow so thick that they completely block neighbor sightlines and unattractive views. I can’t even see my neighbor’s shed anymore!

I’ve planted them in both sunny spots and partially shaded areas in my yard. They perform best with full sun, but they’re flexible enough to work in less-than-perfect conditions too.

If you’re impatient like me, these are your dream plants. I’ve tried many privacy options over the years, but nothing beats the 3-6 feet of growth in a single season that these green giants provide.

2) Leyland Cypress

I’ve fallen hard for the Leyland Cypress in my journey to create privacy in my garden. This evergreen beauty is one of the speediest growers I’ve ever planted, shooting up 3-5 feet each year. That’s like watching privacy happen in fast-forward!

What I love most about Leyland Cypress is how it creates this dense wall of soft, feathery foliage. The thick growth doesn’t just give you privacy—it also blocks noise from busy streets and chatty neighbors. Perfect for those of us who crave a peaceful garden retreat.

I planted a row three years ago along my property line, and now I can barely see my neighbor’s garage. These pyramidal beauties can reach heights of up to 40 feet if you let them go wild, but I trim mine regularly to keep them manageable.

One thing I’ve learned is that Leyland Cypress is quite accommodating when it comes to growing conditions. They’re tolerant of various soil types and don’t demand much once established. I’ve found they prefer full sun but will still perform admirably in partial shade.

For budget-conscious gardeners like me, Leyland Cypress is a fantastic choice. They’re generally less expensive than many other privacy options while providing quicker results.

Plant them about 6-8 feet apart, and before you know it, you’ll have a living green wall. I water mine deeply but infrequently, which encourages their roots to grow deep and makes them more drought-resistant over time.

3) Wax Myrtle

When I first discovered Wax Myrtle, I honestly wondered why these weren’t in everyone’s yard. They’re privacy champions that don’t mess around when it comes to growth speed! These native shrubs are one of the fastest-growing privacy hedges, shooting up an impressive 3 to 5 feet per year.

I planted a row of these beauties along my side yard three years ago, and they’ve already created a lush green wall that shields my patio from my neighbor’s curious gaze. What I love most is their versatility – they can reach 10-15 feet tall but take well to pruning if you prefer something shorter.

The evergreen foliage stays dense year-round, which is exactly what you want in a privacy screen. The leaves have this lovely olive-green color and release a pleasant fragrance when crushed. In my garden, the scent reminds me of walking through a forest after rain.

Wax Myrtles are wonderfully low-maintenance, another reason I’m such a fan. They adapt to various soil conditions and don’t throw tantrums during drought once established. I’ve barely had to coddle mine through our dry spells.

Female plants produce bluish-gray berries that birds absolutely adore. Last winter, I counted five different bird species visiting my Wax Myrtle hedge for snacks. It’s like having a bird sanctuary right in my yard!

I’ve found they work beautifully as standalone landscape accents too, not just in hedgerows. I planted one as a specimen plant near my patio, and its naturally rounded form provides a lovely focal point without requiring constant shaping.

For those of you in coastal areas, Wax Myrtles are superstars – they tolerate salt spray like champions. My friend at the beach has a thriving row that laughs in the face of ocean winds.

4) Red Twig Dogwood

I fell in love with Red Twig Dogwood the first winter after planting it along my property line. While most of my garden looked sleepy and bare, this shrub’s bright red stems created a stunning show against the snow. It’s like getting a completely different plant with each season!

Red Twig Dogwood (also called Red Osier Dogwood) isn’t just pretty—it’s practical too. These shrubs are fast-growing, spreading up to 2 feet in a single season, making them perfect for creating privacy screens quickly. I’ve found they fill in gaps between other shrubs beautifully.

In spring and summer, the dogwood sports attractive green leaves and flat clusters of white flowers. By fall, those flowers transform into small white berries that birds absolutely adore. But winter is when this plant truly shines—literally! Those vivid red stems become the stars of my winter landscape.

What I appreciate most about Red Twig Dogwood is its adaptability. It’s survived both soggy spots and drier areas in my yard, though it definitely prefers moist soil. I’ve even planted it in a problematic low spot that collects water, and it’s thriving there.

For the brightest winter color, I’ve learned to prune about a third of the oldest stems each spring. The youngest branches have the most vivid red color. Don’t worry about being too aggressive—this suckering shrub spreads quickly and bounces back from pruning with vigor.

I’ve used Red Twig Dogwood both as a privacy hedge and as accent plants scattered throughout my garden. Either way, they attract butterflies in summer and provide visual interest all year long.

If you’re looking for a hardworking, fast-growing shrub that provides four seasons of interest, Red Twig Dogwood deserves a spot in your garden. I promise those winter stems will make you smile during the dreariest months!

5) Privet

I’ve always had a soft spot for Privet (Ligustrum spp.) in my garden designs. It’s one of those reliable workhorses that seems to grow while you’re watching it! This popular shrub adds about two feet of growth each year, making it perfect when you need privacy in a hurry.

What I love most about Privet is how adaptable it is. I’ve shaped mine into formal hedges with clean, crisp lines that make my garden look instantly more polished. The dense growth creates a living wall that’s excellent for blocking unwanted views.

In early summer, my Privet surprises me with clusters of small white flowers. They’re not exactly showstoppers, but they do attract pollinators to my garden, which is always a bonus. The flowers eventually produce berries that birds seem to appreciate.

I’ve found Privets to be amazingly forgiving when it comes to pruning. I’ve seen gardening friends shape them into topiaries, classic hedges, and even small tree specimens. They bounce back beautifully from even my most ambitious trimming sessions.

The evergreen varieties are my favorites for year-round screening. In my southern California garden, they maintain their foliage beautifully throughout all seasons, giving me consistent privacy without any bare winter branches to deal with.

Just a word of caution from my own experience – some Privet varieties can have aggressive roots. My neighbor wasn’t thrilled when my Indian Laurel Privet’s roots started exploring under his driveway. I’d recommend planting it away from concrete structures and property lines.

For easy maintenance, I’ve found that Waxleaf Privet responds particularly well to regular pruning. I trim mine about three times during the growing season to keep it looking neat and tidy.

6) Cherry Laurel

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Cherry Laurel over the years. It’s my go-to recommendation when friends need a privacy solution yesterday! These evergreen shrubs are absolute champions in the fast-growing category, capable of shooting up three feet per year under ideal conditions.

The glossy, deep green leaves create a dense screen that stays lush all year round. I planted a row along my north fence five years ago, and they’ve transformed that dreary boundary into a living wall that makes my garden feel like a secret retreat.

What I particularly love about Cherry Laurel (also called English Laurel) is its versatility. You can prune it into a formal hedge or let it grow more naturally as a specimen plant. Either way, it rewards you with those lovely creamy white flower clusters in spring that brighten up the whole garden.

My neighbor was skeptical when I suggested Cherry Laurel for her yard. “Won’t it be messy?” she asked. I showed her my Skip Laurel variety, which is slightly smaller and even hardier than standard Cherry Laurel. She was sold after seeing how little maintenance mine required.

One tip I’ve learned from experience: give these plants enough room when planting. They might look small in those nursery pots, but they’re dense and glossy evergreen shrubs that intend to make a statement in your landscape!

If you’re wondering about maintenance, I’ve found Cherry Laurel to be remarkably fuss-free once established. Mine sailed through last summer’s drought with minimal watering, though I do give young plants extra attention their first year.

7) Schip Laurel

I’ve had a love affair with Schip Laurel (also called Skip Laurel) ever since my neighbor planted a row along our property line. In just two years, those little shrubs transformed into a gorgeous living wall!

Schip Laurel, or Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’, is one of the hardiest and most reliable privacy shrubs I’ve ever grown. These beauties can reach 10 to 15 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide with their distinctive goblet shape.

What makes this shrub so special for privacy screens? Its growth rate is impressive – up to two feet per year, quickly forming a dense, evergreen barrier. Those glossy, deep green leaves create a perfect backdrop for any garden.

In spring, my Schip Laurels put on an unexpected show with clusters of small white flowers. They’re not showy like hydrangeas, but they add a sweet touch to the landscape and attract pollinators to my garden.

I’ve found these plants to be remarkably adaptable. They grow happily in full sun to partial shade and aren’t fussy about soil. Clay, loam, sand – they’ve thrived in all of these in my test gardens.

The best part? Once established, they need almost no maintenance! I give mine a light pruning once a year to maintain their shape, but they’re remarkably self-sufficient.

If you’re concerned about deer damage, I’ve got good news. In my experience, deer typically leave Schip Laurel alone, making it perfect for rural gardens where deer pressure is high.

For a quick privacy solution, I always recommend planting these shrubs about 4-5 feet apart. They’ll fill in surprisingly fast, creating a seamless green screen within a few growing seasons.

8) Cryptomeria Radicans

I discovered Cryptomeria Radicans a few years ago when my neighbor’s basketball kept landing in my yard. I needed something tall and fast-growing for privacy, and boy, did this Japanese Cedar deliver!

This evergreen is like the superhero of privacy screens. It’s incredibly fast-growing, shooting up about four feet each year when it’s young. I was amazed at how quickly my boundary transformed from exposed to secluded.

The foliage is what really won me over. Its soft, feathery needles create this elegant, dense screen that stays green year-round. In winter, the needles take on a bronzy-purple tint that adds a lovely dimension to my otherwise dormant garden.

I’ve found Cryptomeria Radicans to be quite adaptable in my garden. It prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade too. Just make sure you don’t plant it in soggy areas – it won’t tolerate wet soils.

What I love most about this privacy superstar is that it doesn’t need constant trimming to maintain its beauty. Unlike some hedges that become a weekend chore, this one keeps its attractive natural form with minimal maintenance.

When planting, I spaced mine about 8-10 feet apart, which allowed them to grow together and create a solid wall of green. They don’t have to be planted in a straight line either – I created a gentle curve that looks more natural in my landscape.

If you’re looking for a dense, fast-growing privacy screen that makes an elegant statement in the landscape, Cryptomeria Radicans might just be your perfect match. Mine certainly stopped those basketballs in their tracks!

9) Arborvitae

I’ve always had a soft spot for Arborvitae in my garden. These evergreen champions are my go-to recommendation when friends ask about privacy solutions that won’t take forever to establish. They’re like the reliable friends of the plant world – always there, always green, always growing.

The star of the Arborvitae family has to be the ‘Green Giant’, which lives up to its name by growing 3 to 5 feet each year until maturity. I planted a row along my northern fence line three years ago, and they’ve already transformed that space from an eyesore into a lush green wall.

What makes me particularly fond of Arborvitae is their versatility. They can reach impressive heights – ‘Green Giant’ varieties can grow 50 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 12 to 20 feet – perfect for those large-scale privacy needs.

For smaller spaces, I’ve had great success with the American Pillar Arborvitae. These columnar beauties grow more than 3 feet each year while staying relatively narrow. My neighbor planted these along her driveway, and they’ve created a beautiful screen without encroaching on her limited space.

I love how the dense foliage of Arborvitae not only blocks curious eyes but also dampens noise from busy streets. In my front yard, a small cluster of them has reduced traffic noise significantly while adding year-round structure to my garden design.

Arborvitae are relatively fuss-free once established. I’ve found they prefer full sun to partial shade and appreciate consistent moisture during their first year. After that, they’re remarkably self-sufficient – just the kind of low-maintenance plant I appreciate in my busy life.

10) Mock Orange

I’ve always had a soft spot for Mock Orange shrubs. There’s something magical about those fragrant white blooms that remind me of orange blossoms, even though they’re completely unrelated plants! I planted one near my patio years ago, and every spring, that sweet scent wafting through my open windows feels like nature’s perfume.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius) grows quickly, adding about two feet each year. This makes it perfect when you need a privacy screen without waiting forever. I’ve watched mine transform from a tiny shrub to an impressive 8-foot privacy hedge in just a few seasons.

The blooms appear in late spring and early summer, creating a stunning display of crisp white flowers against deep green foliage. Sometimes visitors mistake it for jasmine because the fragrance is so intoxicating! Also known as English Dogwood, this beauty brings butterflies and beneficial insects to my garden.

What I love about Mock Orange is its versatility. You can use it as a specimen plant, in a mixed border, or create a loose privacy hedge. The smaller varieties even work beautifully in perennial gardens, adding height and structure.

Mock Orange is wonderfully low-maintenance once established. I’ve found it adapts to various soil types as long as the drainage is good. Mine survived a particularly harsh winter that killed other shrubs, proving its toughness despite its delicate appearance.

For the best flowering, I give mine a good pruning right after the blooms fade. This gives it time to develop next year’s flower buds and keeps it from getting too unruly. I learned this the hard way after skipping pruning one year and ending up with fewer flowers the next spring.

11) Yew

I’ve always had a soft spot for Yew shrubs in my garden. These evergreen beauties are some of the most reliable privacy options I’ve ever planted. Unlike some fast growers that look scraggly, Yews maintain a dignified, dense appearance that really creates that sense of seclusion we all crave.

What I love most about Yews is their incredible durability. They’re naturally equipped to fight off disease, insects, and even city pollution! I’ve seen my Yew plants thrive for decades with minimal fussing on my part.

The Hicks Yew variety has been a particular favorite in my smaller spaces. Its columnar growth habit means it doesn’t spread out too much while still providing excellent screening. I’ve found that this variety can be a prominent feature in gardens for many, many years.

While not the fastest grower compared to some shrubs on my list (like Arborvitae’s ‘Green Giant’ that zooms up to 50-60 feet tall!), Yews offer something special – patience and permanence. I appreciate that they don’t outgrow their space too quickly.

For those of you who’ve battled with prickly hedges before, fair warning – Yews do have needles that can be a bit sharp. But I’ve found that the excellent privacy barrier they create is well worth the occasional poke when I’m pruning.

I typically plant my Yews about 3-4 feet apart when creating a privacy screen. They fill in beautifully over time, creating a living wall that feels both protective and elegant. Their deep green color stays vibrant year-round, giving my garden structure even in the depths of winter.

12) American Pillar Arborvitae

I’ve always been a bit impatient when it comes to privacy plantings. Waiting years for a hedge to fill in? No thanks! That’s why I fell head over heels for the American Pillar Arborvitae when I discovered it in my neighbor’s yard.

This evergreen is truly a speedy wonder, growing up to three feet each year once established. I planted a row of them along my property line, and within just two seasons, they were already creating the living wall I’d dreamed about.

What makes American Pillar so special is its perfect combination of features. It has the rapid growth rate of ‘Green Giant’ with the compact shape of Emerald Green. It’s like getting the best of both worlds!

The dense, rich green foliage stays attractive year-round and forms a natural column that doesn’t require much trimming. I’ve barely had to prune mine in three years.

I especially love how these plants naturally grow in a narrow, columnar shape. Even when they reach their mature height of 20-25 feet, they only spread about 3-4 feet wide. Perfect for those of us with limited space!

Another bonus? They’re deer resistant and tolerate both cold and heat. My specimens sailed through last summer’s heatwave without complaint.

If you’re looking for quick privacy, American Pillar’s dense foliage effectively blocks noise and nosy neighbors while taking up minimal garden real estate. I’ve watched mine transform from knee-high youngsters to towering sentinels in no time.

For best results, I’ve found they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Give them a bit of extra water during their first season, and they’ll reward you with that amazing growth rate.

13) Swedish Aspen

I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyes on a row of Swedish Aspen trees. Their tall, slender forms created a living wall that seemed to whisper with every breeze. While technically a tree, I’m including Swedish Aspen in my privacy shrub list because they’re absolutely perfect when you need a narrow privacy screen that grows quickly.

Swedish Columnar Aspen (Populus tremuloides ‘Erecta’) is a super-fast grower with a lovely upright habit. I’m always amazed by how they can reach impressive heights while taking up minimal width in the garden. Their slim profile is perfect for tight spaces where you need privacy without sacrificing your entire yard.

What I love most about these beauties is their year-round interest. In summer, their leaves rustle delightfully in the breeze (it’s truly a relaxing sound for garden meditation). Come fall, they transform with bright autumn foliage that adds a splash of seasonal color.

These aspens can grow up to 40 feet tall while staying relatively narrow at about 10 feet wide. Their quick growth rate means you won’t have to wait forever for privacy – a huge plus in my book!

I’ve found Swedish Aspens make excellent screens along property lines or busy streets. Unlike some privacy options, they don’t take up much horizontal space, making them ideal for narrow side yards or anywhere space is limited.

They’re particularly well-suited for urban settings where you need height without width. I’ve planted them in rows for dramatic effect, but they also work wonderfully as accent specimens with their distinctive columnar shape.

Just be aware they can spread through suckers if left unchecked. I simply mow around mine to keep them in bounds – a small price to pay for such vertical beauty and quick privacy!

14) Bamboo (clumping varieties)

I’ve always been fascinated by bamboo – there’s something magical about how it whispers in the breeze. But let me tell you, not all bamboo is created equal! When I mention bamboo for privacy, I’m specifically talking about the well-behaved clumping varieties, not their running cousins that might take over your yard.

Clumping bamboo grows outward from a central plant, focusing more energy on growing taller rather than spreading widely. This makes it perfect for privacy screens without the invasive headaches. When I planted some near my patio, I was amazed at how quickly it created a living wall!

The Gracilis variety makes an excellent screen when planted next to a 6-foot fence, reliably providing dense foliage above the fence line for additional privacy. I love how the leaves create a soft, rustling barrier between me and my neighbors.

Multiplex Bamboo, sometimes called Hedge Bamboo, is another favorite of mine. It can reach impressive heights up to 30 feet while maintaining that tidy clumping habit. The vertical growth is what makes it such a speedy privacy solution.

Don’t expect miracles overnight, though. Even Fargesia robusta, probably the fastest growing clumping temperate bamboo, only spreads laterally about 4-6 inches per year. But what it lacks in outward growth, it makes up for in height.

I’ve found that bamboo creates not just visual privacy but audio privacy too. The dense leaves buffer sound surprisingly well, turning my backyard into a peaceful retreat. Plus, the year-round greenery means I never have a “naked” season like with deciduous shrubs.

15) Dwarf Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

I’m absolutely smitten with the Dwarf Purple Leaf Sand Cherry for privacy plantings! This gorgeous shrub (Prunus x cistena) brings so much to the garden with its stunning reddish-purple foliage that holds its rich color all summer long.

In my side yard, I’ve planted three of these beauties, and they’ve quickly grown into the perfect natural screen. They’re fast-growing yet manageable, typically reaching about 6-8 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity, though some can stretch to 10 feet tall if you let them.

What makes them extra special is their springtime show of delicate white and fuschia blooms that appear before the leaves fully emerge. The contrast between the flowers and the emerging purple foliage is simply magical!

I’ve found these shrubs to be remarkably adaptable. They thrive in full sun (which gives the best purple color) but will tolerate partial shade too. In my garden, they’ve withstood both summer heat waves and surprise spring frosts without missing a beat.

Wildlife lovers will appreciate how these shrubs double as habitat plants. My Purple Leaf Sand Cherries regularly host robins and cardinals, who seem particularly fond of them.

They’re incredibly versatile in the landscape too. I’ve seen them used effectively as standalone specimen plants and as part of mixed privacy borders. I’ve even helped a friend create a stunning purple hedge with them along their driveway.

For quick privacy, I recommend planting them about 4-5 feet apart. Within just 2-3 seasons, you’ll have a gorgeous purple screen that turns heads and keeps prying eyes at bay!

16) Japanese Holly

I’ve always been a fan of Japanese Holly for privacy hedges. These sturdy evergreen shrubs might not be the absolute fastest growers on my list, but they make up for it with their dense foliage and minimal maintenance needs.

The Steeds Japanese Holly is one of my favorites. It offers a neat upright form with rich green foliage that stays attractive all year. I’ve planted these along my driveway, and they’ve created a tidy natural boundary without taking over the space.

What I love about Japanese Holly is its versatility. The Compacta variety forms a more globe-like shape, perfect if you want something a bit more rounded and compact. In my experience, these work well for lower privacy screens or as foundation plantings.

Don’t expect lightning-fast growth, though. The Helleri Japanese Holly is particularly slow-growing, which I’ve found to be a blessing in disguise. Less pruning for me! I just plant them a bit closer together initially to get the privacy screen effect faster.

I’ve noticed my Japanese Hollies handle partial shade quite well, though they’ll grow more densely in full sun. They’ve survived some pretty harsh winters in my garden too, making them reliable privacy options for many climates.

If you’re browsing options, you might find varieties on Amazon or local nurseries. I always recommend checking the specific variety’s mature size to make sure it fits your space before buying.

17) Emerald Green Arborvitae

I’ve fallen head over heels for Emerald Green Arborvitae. This privacy superstar has saved many of my clients’ yards when they needed screening without taking up the entire garden. If you’re looking for a reliable green wall, this might be your new best friend.

These beauties are fast-growing evergreens that can reach heights of up to 15 feet. I love their dense, bright green foliage that stays vibrant year-round—no winter browning like some of their cousins!

What makes me recommend these so often? They’re remarkably versatile! I’ve planted them in clay, loam, and even slightly sandy soils with great success. They adapt well as long as the drainage isn’t terrible.

The compact nature of Emerald Green is what truly sets it apart. Unlike other arborvitaes that spread wide, these maintain a neat pyramidal shape without much pruning. I rarely need to trim mine more than once a year to keep them looking tidy.

For smaller spaces, I can’t recommend these enough. They’re perfect for those narrow side yards or tight spots where other privacy plants would quickly outgrow their welcome. If you need a more compact hedge between 2 to 14 feet tall with a spread of only 3 to 4 feet, these are ideal.

I’ve found they grow at a moderate pace—not as lightning-fast as Leyland cypress, but certainly quicker than boxwood. In my yard, they’ve averaged about 6-8 inches of growth per year in decent conditions.

The fragrant foliage is an unexpected bonus! When I brush against them while gardening, they release a pleasant, subtle cedar scent that always makes me smile.

Benefits of Privacy Shrubs

Privacy shrubs have completely transformed my garden from a wide-open space where I felt like I was living in a fishbowl to a cozy, secluded retreat. These leafy friends offer so much more than just blocking nosy neighbors!

Creating Natural Barriers

I’ve found that privacy shrubs are absolute champions at creating living walls around my property. Unlike wooden fences that need constant maintenance and eventually rot, my fast-growing privacy shrubs just keep getting better with age!

These green barriers do double duty by blocking unwanted views while also reducing noise pollution. When I planted a row of arborvitae along my driveway, I was amazed at how much quieter my yard became – the rushing sound of passing cars dropped dramatically!

Privacy shrubs also create wonderful windbreaks. My garden used to get whipped by strong winds that damaged my delicate plants, but now my shrub border acts like a shield. This wind protection has even helped lower my heating bills in winter!

Another benefit I love? Wildlife habitat! My privacy shrubs attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. I’ve spotted nests tucked safely in my dense shrubs, turning my natural barrier into a bustling wildlife sanctuary.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal

I can’t overstate how much beauty privacy shrubs add to my landscape! Unlike boring fences, they bring color, texture, and seasonal interest that transforms with the seasons.

Many privacy shrubs flower beautifully, creating spectacular seasonal displays. My lilacs perfume the entire yard in spring, while my hydrangeas provide gorgeous blooms from summer through fall. Talk about curb appeal!

The varied textures of different shrubs create visual interest year-round. I’ve mixed evergreens with deciduous varieties to ensure my garden looks great in every season. The contrast between my feathery Leyland cypress and my bold-leaved viburnum creates a tapestry effect I adore.

Privacy shrubs have also helped define my garden spaces. I’ve used them to create “rooms” within my landscape – a dining area, a meditation spot, and a cozy reading nook. This makes my modest yard feel like it has multiple destinations to explore!

My favorite aesthetic benefits of privacy shrubs:

• Seasonal color changes
• Flowering displays
• Textural variety
• Structure and definition
• Year-round interest

Tips for Planting Privacy Shrubs

Getting those privacy shrubs in the ground properly is half the battle in creating your perfect green screen! I’ve learned through plenty of trial and error that proper planting techniques make all the difference between shrubs that merely survive and those that truly thrive.

Choosing the Right Location

I can’t stress this enough – location matters tremendously when planting privacy shrubs! I once planted a row of arborvitae along my northern fence only to watch them struggle in that shady spot. Lesson learned!

First, consider the sunlight requirements of your chosen shrubs. Most fast-growing privacy shrubs prefer full sun (6+ hours daily), but some tolerate partial shade.

Measure your space carefully before purchasing plants. I allow for proper spacing between shrubs based on their mature width. Cramming them too close together might look good initially but creates problems later with poor air circulation and competition for nutrients.

Don’t forget to check for utility lines before digging! I always call 811 (the utility marking service) a few days before my planting projects. Nothing ruins gardening day quite like hitting a gas line!

Soil Preparation

I’ve found that great soil equals great shrubs – it’s that simple! Before I plant a single shrub, I thoroughly prepare the soil.

First, I test my soil pH using an inexpensive kit from the garden center. Most privacy shrubs prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). If my soil is too alkaline, I incorporate peat moss or sulfur to lower the pH.

My soil preparation routine includes:

• Removing all grass, weeds, and debris from the planting area
• Loosening compacted soil with a garden fork to a depth of 12-18 inches
• Mixing in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure
• Adding a starter fertilizer formulated for woody plants

I’ve learned through experience that digging individual holes isn’t as effective as preparing the entire bed. This approach encourages shrub roots to spread beyond their original root ball.

Watering and Maintenance

Consistent watering during the first year is crucial for establishment! I set up a soaker hose system for my privacy hedge to deliver water directly to the roots without wetting the foliage.

My watering schedule varies with the seasons:

• First month: Deep watering every 2-3 days
• Months 2-3: Once weekly watering
• After establishment: Only during prolonged dry spells

I always apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around newly planted shrubs, keeping it a few inches away from the stems. This helps maintain soil moisture and suppresses weeds.

Pruning is essential for shaping and maintaining density. I typically wait until the second growing season before any major pruning. When I do prune, I follow the natural shape of the plant rather than shearing it into unnatural forms.

I’ve found that regular pruning of fast-growing varieties keeps them looking their best and prevents them from becoming leggy or thin at the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about privacy shrubs always remind me of my early days of gardening when I desperately needed something to block my neighbor’s view into my backyard. After years of trial and error, I’ve found some fantastic options that grow quickly while looking beautiful.

What are some low maintenance shrubs that can provide privacy quickly?

For the busy gardener (or the forgetful one like me!), Thuja Green Giant is my go-to recommendation. I planted three of these beauties along my side yard, and they required almost no maintenance beyond occasional watering during their first year.

Privets are another low-maintenance option I’ve had success with. They grow approximately 2 feet per year and only need pruning once or twice annually to maintain their shape. I’ve found they’re practically indestructible!

Wax Myrtle has been a pleasant surprise in my garden. It’s drought-resistant once established and naturally resists most pests and diseases. Mine have thrived with minimal attention for years.

Can you suggest shrubs that will thrive in full sun and offer fast privacy?

Leyland Cypress tops my list for sunny spots. I planted a row of these at my previous home, and they grew 3-5 feet per year in the full southern exposure. They created an impressive living wall in just three seasons.

Red Twig Dogwood performs beautifully in full sun positions. What I love about these shrubs is their year-round interest—green foliage in summer and striking red stems in winter that look magical against snow.

Burning Bush is another sun-lover I’ve had success with. While it’s deciduous, it grows quickly and rewards you with spectacular red fall color that makes your privacy screen a focal point rather than just a barrier.

Which shrubs would you recommend for landscaping that grow quickly and offer privacy?

I’ve found that Thuja Green Giant works wonderfully for landscaping. Its naturally pyramidal shape requires minimal pruning, and it creates an elegant, formal look that enhances property value.

Wax Myrtle offers a more natural, casual screen that blends beautifully with other landscape elements. I’ve used these to create outdoor rooms in my garden, defining spaces without making them feel closed in.

For a more colorful approach, I love using Red Twig Dogwood. I planted these in a staggered pattern rather than a straight line, which created a more natural-looking transition between different areas of my yard.

I need 5-6 foot evergreen shrubs for privacy; what are the fastest growing options?

Arborvitae varieties like ‘Green Giant’ or ‘Emerald Green’ have been my reliable go-to choices. I’ve seen my Green Giants reach 6 feet in just about three years, making them perfect for relatively quick privacy.

Leyland Cypress grows extraordinarily fast and makes an excellent 5-6 foot screen. I’ve found that they’ll easily reach this height in 2-3 years with proper care and good soil.

Japanese Cryptomeria, especially the ‘Radicans’ cultivar, has been a delightful discovery in my garden. It grows quickly to your desired height and offers a softer, more feathery texture than other evergreens.

What are some affordable plants that grow fast enough to screen my view from neighbors?

Privet has been my budget-friendly savior. I started with small containers that cost under $10 each, spaced them about 3 feet apart, and within two years, they formed a dense screen that completely blocked my neighbor’s view.

Forsythia is another affordable option I love. I bought bare-root plants online for less than $5 each, and they exploded with growth their first season, with beautiful yellow blooms in spring as a bonus.

For a truly budget-friendly option, I’ve had success taking hardwood cuttings from friends’ Red Twig Dogwoods. These root easily and grow quickly, providing an almost-free privacy solution with gorgeous winter interest.

In zone 5, which shrubs would provide the quickest privacy solution for my garden?

As a former zone 5 gardener, I relied heavily on Arborvitae varieties. The American Arborvitae or “Techny” types are especially hardy and have survived brutal winters in my garden.

Northern Privet has been remarkably resilient in cold climates. I planted a row along my driveway in zone 5b, and they shrugged off temperatures of -15°F while still putting on impressive growth each season.

Red Twig Dogwood is practically bombproof in cold climates. I’ve watched mine emerge unscathed from ice storms and heavy snow loads, still maintaining their dense growth habit perfect for privacy screening.