7 Hedges for Privacy that Grow Fast: Transform Your Yard into a Secluded Haven

Looking for some privacy in your yard without waiting a decade? I’ve been there too! After my neighbor installed a second-story deck with a perfect view into my garden sanctuary, I found myself frantically researching fast-growing hedge options. Plants like Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress can grow an impressive 3-5 feet per year, quickly transforming an exposed yard into a secluded retreat.

Privacy hedges do more than just block nosy neighbors—they create living walls that reduce noise, filter air pollutants, and provide habitat for birds and beneficial insects. I’ve spent years experimenting with different varieties in my own garden and helping friends create their perfect green screens. In this article, I’ll share my favorite fast-growing hedge plants that balance quick results with lasting beauty, so you can enjoy your outdoor space in peace and privacy.

1) Thuja ‘Green Giant’

I discovered Thuja ‘Green Giant’ five years ago when my neighbor’s kids started using my garden as a shortcut. Talk about needing privacy fast! This evergreen wonder quickly became my go-to recommendation for friends needing a living wall.

These giants aren’t playing around when it comes to speed. They can grow an impressive 3 to 6 feet in a single growing season! I planted a row along my back fence, and within two summers, they had already created a substantial green screen.

Height isn’t their only impressive feature. Under the right conditions, Thuja ‘Green Giant’ can reach up to 60 feet tall, creating what I like to call the “Great Wall of Green” for your yard. I’ve seen some mature specimens that completely transform a property’s feel.

Spacing matters with these beauties. I learned this the hard way! Plant them about 8 feet apart if you want them to grow together into a solid hedge. They get quite wide, so be mindful if you’re planting near driveways or fences.

I love how adaptable these plants are. They prefer full sun, but I’ve seen them perform admirably in partial shade too. My north-facing row doesn’t get full sun all day, yet they’ve still grown vigorously.

Another bonus? They rarely have pest problems. While my other shrubs sometimes struggle with insects or disease, my Thuja have remained healthy and strong with minimal care. Just give them decent soil and adequate water during establishment.

If you’re considering creating a privacy screen that won’t take decades to mature, my experience says Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is hard to beat!

2) Leyland Cypress

I’ll never forget the time my neighbor planted a row of tiny Leyland Cypress seedlings along our property line. I chuckled to myself thinking they’d take forever to create privacy. Boy, was I wrong! Within two years, those little sticks had transformed into an impressive green wall.

Leyland Cypress is one of the fastest-growing privacy hedges you’ll ever encounter. These beauties can shoot up 3-5 feet each year, which is practically growth you can watch happen! Their dense, feathery foliage creates a perfect screen that blocks noise, curious neighbors, and unsightly views.

I’ve found these trees particularly versatile in my own garden experiments. They adapt well to different soil types and don’t fuss much about conditions. If you’re in growing zones 6-10, Leyland Cypress will likely thrive in your yard.

When planting these green giants, I recommend spacing them about 6 to 8 feet apart on a diagonal. This gives them room to fill in while still creating that solid privacy screen we all want. In my experience, they look sparse at first but fill in beautifully within a couple of seasons.

One word of caution from my own gardening mishaps: Leyland Cypress needs proper care to avoid issues. I’ve seen them develop root rot and fungus problems when planted in poorly drained areas. Make sure to give them well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

I’ve found these trees particularly outstanding in zone 7, where many other privacy options struggle. They stand tall against winter winds while keeping their rich green color year-round. No wonder they’ve become one of my go-to recommendations for friends wanting quick privacy!

3) Virescens Western Red Cedar

I discovered Virescens Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’) during my hunt for a fast-growing privacy hedge that wouldn’t be devoured by the neighborhood deer. Let me tell you, this plant has become one of my go-to recommendations for friends needing quick privacy!

This selected form of our Pacific Northwest native conifer grows incredibly fast—about 10-12 inches per year. I’ve watched these transform bare property lines into lush green walls in just a few seasons. The almost columnar growth habit means it doesn’t spread out too much, perfect for tighter spaces.

What I love most about this cedar is its deep green color that holds beautifully through winter. No ugly browning or dieback like some other evergreens! In my experience, it creates a dense, upright hedge that looks elegant year-round.

If you’re battling deer like I was, you’ll appreciate that this cedar is deer resistant. I’ve had countless plants decimated by those four-legged garden terrorists, but my Virescens hedge has remained untouched.

I find it’s also wonderfully low-maintenance once established. My hedge only needs regular trimming to keep it looking tidy, which I typically do once in early summer.

Think of Virescens as the smaller sibling to Green Giant Arborvitae. It offers the same quick growth but works better in more modest-sized gardens. I’ve used it in spots where I needed privacy without overwhelming the entire yard.

The dense foliage also makes it an excellent sound buffer. My friend planted these along her property line near a busy street, and the difference in noise reduction was remarkable after just a few years.

4) Cryptomeria Radicans

I’ve been on a quest for the perfect privacy hedge for years, and let me tell you, Cryptomeria Radicans is a true gem in the garden world. This fast-growing cultivar of Japanese Cedar has become my go-to recommendation for friends who want privacy without waiting decades.

What makes this beauty so special? For starters, it grows at an impressive rate of 3 to 5 feet per year! I planted a row along my northern property line three years ago, and those once knee-high saplings now tower over my head.

The soft, feathery foliage has this wonderful texture that catches light beautifully throughout the day. I love running my fingers through the needles when I walk by – they’re surprisingly soft and give off a subtle, pleasant fragrance.

One thing I appreciate most about my Cryptomeria hedge is how low maintenance it’s been. Unlike some fussy plants I’ve battled with, these evergreens haven’t demanded constant attention. They’ve shrugged off deer visitors and adapted well to my somewhat challenging soil.

I’ve found that while they prefer full sun, my Cryptomerias have performed admirably in the partially shaded corner where my neighbor’s oak tree casts shadows. Their adaptability makes them perfect for various spots around the yard.

Cold tolerance is another winning quality. Last winter, when temperatures dipped unexpectedly low, my Cryptomeria Radicans stood strong while some other evergreens showed signs of stress. They maintained their rich green color throughout the season.

If you’re looking for a privacy solution that combines elegance with practicality, I can’t recommend Cryptomeria Radicans enough. They create a lush, living wall that looks natural rather than imposing – exactly what I wanted for my garden sanctuary.

5) Wax Myrtle

I’ve been growing Wax Myrtle as a privacy hedge for years, and it’s become one of my absolute favorites for quick screening. This native shrub is a superstar that can grow an impressive 3 to 5 feet in a single season! That’s faster than I can keep my lawn mowed in summer.

What I love about Wax Myrtle is how versatile it is. It reaches about 10-15 feet tall when mature, creating the perfect privacy screen without looking like a giant green wall. The olive-green foliage stays put year-round, so your neighbors won’t be peeking into your yard even in winter.

My Wax Myrtles have survived conditions that would make other plants give up. They’re drought tolerant once established, which saved me countless hours of watering during our dry spells. And deer leave them alone! After watching deer devour my hostas like an all-you-can-eat buffet, I’ve developed a special appreciation for anything they won’t touch.

I should mention that Wax Myrtles can look a bit rough after a hard freeze. A neighbor’s plants turned completely brown after a particularly nasty winter, but don’t panic if this happens! Mine have always bounced back by summer, greening up as if nothing happened.

For the best privacy hedge, I plant my Wax Myrtles about 4-5 feet apart. They fill in quickly, creating a dense living wall that’s both beautiful and functional. The subtle fragrance of the foliage is an added bonus—crush a leaf in your fingers and you’ll catch a pleasant, slightly spicy scent.

6) Cherry Laurel

I first discovered Cherry Laurel at my neighbor’s yard and instantly fell in love with its dense, glossy foliage. If you’re looking for a privacy hedge that grows like nobody’s business, this is your plant!

Cherry Laurel (also called English Laurel) is one of my go-to recommendations for folks needing quick privacy. These evergreen shrubs are fast-growing privacy champions, with some varieties shooting up to three feet in a single year under ideal conditions.

What makes Cherry Laurel special to me is its versatility. I’ve seen it shaped into formal hedges, left to grow naturally as a screen, and even trained as small ornamental trees. The glossy, deep green leaves create a beautiful backdrop year-round.

In spring, Cherry Laurel puts on a lovely show with creamy white flowers that attract pollinators to my garden. The fragrance is subtle but sweet, adding another dimension to this practical plant.

I’ve found that the Skip Laurel variety is particularly excellent for privacy hedges. It creates a dense screen much faster than many other evergreens I’ve tried, and its compact nature makes it perfect for smaller spaces.

One tip I’ve learned from experience: while Cherry Laurels are relatively low-maintenance, they do need regular pruning to keep them looking tidy. I trim mine twice a year to maintain the shape and density I want.

My Cherry Laurels have weathered cold snaps and summer heat waves without complaint. They’re tough plants that don’t mind a bit of neglect, which suits my sometimes chaotic gardening schedule perfectly!

7) Red Twig Dogwood

I’ve always been fascinated by plants that offer multiple seasons of interest, and Red Twig Dogwood might just be the champion in this category. Those vibrant red stems in winter have stopped me in my tracks more than once during my neighborhood garden peeping sessions!

This stunning shrub grows impressively fast, reaching 8-12 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide at maturity. I’ve found it makes an excellent privacy hedge when planted in a row, with plants spaced about 5-10 feet apart to allow for their eventual spread.

What I love most about Red Twig Dogwood is its incredible adaptability. In my experience, few shrubs are as accommodating to different growing conditions. It tolerates most soil and light conditions, making it perfect for those tricky spots in your yard.

Got a boggy area where nothing seems to grow? Red Twig Dogwood might be your answer! I was amazed to learn it actually thrives in wet, woodland conditions that would kill many other shrubs.

Don’t worry about summer droughts either. This versatile plant handles occasional standing water and dry spells with equal grace. I’ve seen it flourish in areas that alternate between sopping wet and bone dry.

Beyond its practical uses, Red Twig Dogwood puts on quite a show year-round. In spring, it produces delicate white flowers. Summer brings lush green foliage (or variegated leaves in some varieties). Fall delivers lovely autumn colors. Then winter arrives with those spectacular red stems that seem to glow against the snow.

I’ve found the key to maintaining vibrant winter color is regular pruning. Each spring, I remove about a third of the oldest stems to encourage fresh, brightly colored new growth. Trust me, it’s worth the effort when those red twigs light up your winter landscape!

The Importance of Privacy in Your Garden

I’ve found that transforming your garden into a private sanctuary offers benefits beyond just blocking neighbors’ views. A well-designed privacy border creates a peaceful retreat while filtering noise and dust, and it can significantly increase your property’s value.

Creating a Serene Retreat

I remember the first time I installed tall arborvitae along my back fence. What a difference it made! Suddenly my patio felt like a secret garden rather than a fishbowl. Privacy hedges create that essential feeling of enclosure that helps us truly relax outdoors.

When you can’t see into neighboring yards (and they can’t see into yours), you’ll use your outdoor space differently. I’ve noticed I spend more time reading in my garden now that I’m not constantly making awkward eye contact with my neighbor.

The psychological benefits are real too. Research shows that enclosed green spaces reduce stress levels by creating boundaries between our hectic lives and our personal sanctuaries. I love how my laurel hedge makes me feel like I’ve stepped into my own little world.

Reducing Noise and Dust

One surprising benefit of my privacy hedges? They’re excellent sound barriers! Dense evergreen shrubs can reduce neighborhood noise by up to 40%. I used to hear every conversation from the street, but my thick privet hedge muffles most sounds.

Privacy plantings also trap dust and filter air pollution. My home sits near a busy road, and I’ve noticed significantly less dust on my patio furniture since planting a tough-as-nails English laurel hedge.

Here’s what makes hedges great environmental buffers:

• Multi-layered foliage catches airborne particles
• Densely packed branches break up sound waves
• Year-round protection with evergreen varieties

In winter, I especially appreciate how my hedges block cold winds, creating a more comfortable microclimate in my garden that extends my outdoor enjoyment.

Adding Value to Your Property

I’m always thinking about investments in my garden, and privacy hedges deliver excellent returns. According to landscape architects, well-designed privacy plantings can increase property values by 5-20% by enhancing curb appeal and creating usable outdoor living space.

When I was house hunting, I immediately noticed properties with established privacy screens. They simply looked more expensive and well-maintained. Privacy is important to potential buyers who want to enjoy their outdoor spaces without feeling exposed.

Beyond monetary value, hedges offer practical benefits that walls and fences can’t match. They’re often less expensive than hardscaping alternatives, and many municipalities don’t require permits for living fences. Plus, unlike wooden fences that deteriorate, fast-growing hedges actually increase in value as they mature and fill in.

My realtor friend tells me that homes with defined, private outdoor “rooms” sell faster than those with open, exposed yards. I’m not planning to move, but it’s nice knowing my garden investments are paying off!

Understanding Different Types of Hedges

Choosing the right hedge for privacy is like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it’s all about the right fit for your specific needs. I’ve learned through my own garden experiments that understanding hedge types can save you years of frustration and maximize your privacy sooner.

Evergreen vs. Deciduous

Evergreen hedges are my go-to privacy champions because they keep their leaves year-round. When I needed constant screening by my patio, I chose Privet, which forms dense, evergreen foliage that blocks views in all seasons.

Deciduous hedges, on the other hand, drop their leaves in fall. While this might seem like a downside, I’ve found they often grow faster than evergreens. Plus, they provide a beautiful seasonal show! In my front yard, I planted currants which give me privacy in summer when I’m outside most, and allow warming sunlight through in winter.

If you live where winter privacy is essential, stick with evergreens like yew or boxwood. These stalwarts have dense growth patterns perfect for formal landscapes.

Ideal Growth Conditions

I’ve learned the hard way that matching your hedge to your site conditions is crucial for fast growth. Some of my fastest growers include:

• ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae: Rocketed to 15 feet in just 5 years in my sunny backyard
• Leylandi Cypress: Added about 2 feet yearly with minimal care
• Privet: Filled in completely within 3 seasons in partial shade

Most privacy hedges crave full sun (6+ hours daily) to grow their fastest. I’ve noticed my north-facing hedges grow about 30% slower than those in full sun.

Soil matters tremendously too! I amend my planting areas with compost and make sure drainage is good. Waterlogged roots lead to stunted growth or death – a lesson I learned with my first hedge attempt.

Maintenance Requirements

I won’t sugarcoat it – maintaining a hedge requires commitment. My Leylandi hedge grows so quickly (over 2 feet yearly!) that I trim it three times during growing season.

Formal hedges like boxwood and yew need regular shearing to maintain their crisp lines. I keep my electric hedge trimmer charged from May through September!

Here’s my basic maintenance schedule:

• Spring: Fertilize with slow-release organic fertilizer
• Summer: Water deeply during dry spells (worth the effort!)
• Fall: One final pruning before winter
• Winter: Only prune damaged branches after storms

The faster your hedge grows, the more maintenance it typically needs. My experience has shown that spending 15 minutes weekly on light pruning is easier than tackling an overgrown monster once a year. I’ve found that fast-growing privacy shrubs like ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae need more attention but reward you with quicker privacy.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Growing privacy hedges comes with its share of hurdles, but I’ve learned through years of trial and error that most problems have simple solutions. The key is catching issues early and responding quickly with the right approach.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

I’ve battled my fair share of hedge invaders over the years! The most common pests I’ve encountered are aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. They love to feast on new growth and can quickly weaken your privacy hedge.

My go-to solution? A strong blast of water from the hose often knocks off aphids and spider mites. For stubborn infestations, I make a homemade spray with 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap in 1 quart of water. It works like a charm without harsh chemicals!

For diseases, proper air circulation is crucial. I learned this the hard way when my first Leyland cypress developed fungal issues. Now I:

• Plant hedges with enough spacing (follow the recommended planting distances)
• Prune interior branches to improve airflow
• Water at the base rather than on foliage

Early detection is your best friend! I check my hedges weekly during growing season, looking under leaves and at stem junctions where pests often hide.

Ensuring Proper Watering

Water management has been my biggest learning curve with fast-growing privacy hedges. These plants need consistent moisture during their establishment phase, which is typically the first 1-2 years after planting.

I’ve found that deep watering twice weekly works better than frequent shallow watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making hedges more drought-resistant over time.

My best tip? Invest in a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. I lay mine along the base of my hedges and run it for about an hour each session. This delivers water directly to the roots with minimal waste.

During hot summer months, I add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around my hedges. It’s amazing how this simple step helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. Just remember to keep mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot!

Signs of improper watering I watch for:

• Underwatering: Wilting, yellowing leaves, dry soil
• Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, soggy soil, root rot smell

Managing Growth and Shape

Fast-growing hedges can quickly become unruly without regular attention. I learned this when my Leylandi cypress shot up over 2 feet in a single year!

I’ve found that light pruning several times during the growing season works better than one severe cutting. This approach encourages denser growth and prevents the “leggy” look that develops when hedges grow too quickly.

For most privacy hedges, I follow this simple pruning schedule:

• Early spring: Remove winter damage and shape
• Early summer: Light trim to maintain shape
• Late summer: Final shape before winter

My favorite pruning tip? Always cut your hedge slightly wider at the bottom than the top. This “pyramidal” shape allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plant, preventing bare spots at the base.

For extremely vigorous growers like Thuja Green Giant, I use specialized techniques to control height without damaging the plant. A heading cut to the central leader can slow upward growth while encouraging lateral branches to fill out.

Frequently Asked Questions

After growing hedges for privacy in my own yard for over a decade, I’ve fielded countless questions from neighbors and readers. These fast-growing privacy solutions can transform your outdoor space quickly, but choosing the right plant makes all the difference for your specific conditions.

What are some of the quickest growing hedge plants for creating a natural privacy screen in my garden?

In my experience, Leyland cypress stands out as one of the fastest growers, shooting up 3-5 feet annually! I planted a row along my property line and was amazed at how quickly I gained privacy.

Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is another superstar that’s earned a place in my garden. This arborvitae variety grows about 3-4 feet per year and can reach impressive heights of 30-40 feet if you let it.

For something slightly different, I’ve had great success with Cryptomeria Radicans (Japanese cedar), which adds beautiful texture while growing about 2-3 feet annually.

Can you recommend evergreen shrub varieties that are ideal for establishing a privacy barrier that lasts all year round?

I’m a huge fan of evergreen hedges for screening, especially since they keep your privacy intact through all seasons. Virescens Western Red Cedar has been a reliable choice in my garden, maintaining dense foliage year-round.

Wax Myrtle is another evergreen I adore. It’s semi-evergreen in colder regions but keeps its leaves in warmer areas. The aromatic foliage adds a lovely scent to my garden while maintaining privacy.

For something with unique texture, I’ve found that Cryptomeria varieties offer that special evergreen appeal with their soft, ferny appearance that doesn’t brown out in winter like some conifers.

I’m looking for cost-effective plant options to create a privacy fence; which species grow fast and won’t break the bank?

When I was on a tight garden budget, I discovered that privet hedges offer the perfect combination of affordability and quick growth. Amur River Privet grows rapidly and can be purchased as smaller plants to save money.

Arborvitae varieties are generally more budget-friendly than some specialty evergreens. I started with modest 2-gallon Thuja ‘Green Giant’ plants that were relatively inexpensive but filled in beautifully within a few years.

For the most economical approach, I’ve propagated my own Wax Myrtle from cuttings. With a little patience, you can start several plants for the price of one mature specimen.

My garden receives full sun; which fast-growing hedges would be best suited for these conditions while providing privacy?

My sunniest garden border thrives with Leyland cypress, which absolutely loves full sun exposure. These trees drink up the sunshine and reward you with rapid, dense growth that forms an excellent privacy screen.

I’ve found that Thuja ‘Green Giant’ performs beautifully in full sun as well. My row gets blasted with afternoon sun all summer long, and they’ve never complained – just kept growing taller and fuller.

For southern gardens with intense sun, Wax Myrtle has been my go-to recommendation. I planted these in my parents’ Florida garden, and they’ve thrived in the heat while providing excellent privacy.

Could you suggest tall hedge varieties that are known for quick growth to help block my view of the neighbors more expediently?

When I needed to block a three-story apartment building quickly, I relied on Leyland cypress, which can reach heights of 40-60 feet if left unpruned. Within just a few years, my view problem was solved!

Thuja ‘Green Giant’ has also been a game-changer for me, reaching 30-40 feet at maturity. I’ve watched mine grow from 4-foot saplings to 15-foot privacy screens in just a few short years.

Cryptomeria Radicans provides impressive height as well, often reaching 30-50 feet. I love how their unique texture adds interest while they steadily climb skyward to block unwanted views.

In a southern climate like Florida’s, which fast-growing privacy hedges would you recommend planting to achieve seclusion quickly?

When I visited my sister in Florida, I helped her plant Wax Myrtle as a privacy hedge. It’s native to the southeastern United States and thrives in Florida’s heat and humidity while growing 3-5 feet per year.

Clumping bamboo varieties have worked wonders in southern gardens I’ve designed. Unlike running bamboo, these stay contained while creating a tropical privacy screen that can grow several feet in a single season.

For flowering beauty with privacy function, I suggested my Florida friends plant Oleander, which grows quickly in southern climates and produces beautiful blooms. Just remember it’s toxic, so be careful if you have pets or small children.