Fast Growing Evergreen Hedges for Privacy: 5 Perfect Plants for Quick Backyard Seclusion

Privacy in the garden is something I’ve yearned for ever since my neighbor decided to install a hot tub facing my favorite reading spot. There’s nothing quite like trying to enjoy a peaceful afternoon with a book while hearing splashing and chatter just a few feet away!

This dilemma sent me on a quest to find the perfect leafy solution—something that would grow quickly but also look beautiful year-round.

Fast-growing evergreen hedges are the superheroes of the privacy garden, capable of transforming an exposed yard into a secluded retreat in just a few growing seasons. I’ve experimented with several varieties over the years, from the towering Leyland cypress that grows an impressive 3-5 feet per year to the versatile English laurel that’s as tough as it is fast-growing.

What I love most about these privacy champions is that they don’t just create boundaries—they bring beauty, wildlife habitat, and a sense of calm to any outdoor space.

1) Thuja Green Giant

I’ve been obsessed with finding the perfect privacy hedge for years, and let me tell you, the Thuja Green Giant has earned its name for good reason! This remarkable evergreen grows at a jaw-dropping rate of 3 to 6 feet per year, making it my go-to recommendation when friends need privacy solutions fast.

In my own backyard, I planted a row of these beauties along my property line three years ago. They’ve already formed an impressive living wall that keeps nosy neighbors at bay while creating a serene, private oasis for my garden parties.

What I love most about Green Giants is their adaptability. They’ve thrived in my yard with minimal fussing on my part. They prefer full sun but I’ve noticed they do quite well in partial shade too, which makes them perfect for those tricky spots where other privacy plants might struggle.

The feathery, emerald-green foliage stays vibrant year-round, giving my garden structure even during dreary winter months. I don’t miss the dull brown look of deciduous hedges one bit!

When it comes to spacing, I’ve found that planting them 6 to 10 feet apart works well for creating a hedge. They’ll eventually grow together to form a solid screen without getting too cramped.

These arborvitae are particularly wonderful if you live in a warmer climate like I do. They show impressive tolerance to heat and humidity, a major plus when summer temperatures start climbing.

I’ve barely had to deal with pests or diseases with my Green Giants. This low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for busy gardeners like me who’d rather spend time enjoying their outdoor space than constantly tending to fussy plants.

2) Leyland Cypress

I’ve always been amazed by how quickly Leyland Cypress trees transform a bare landscape into a private retreat. These evergreen champions are absolute rock stars in the privacy hedge world, growing up to 5 feet per year when they’re happy!

My neighbor planted a row of tiny Leyland saplings along our property line three springs ago. Now? I’m looking at a gorgeous 15-foot living wall that blocks the view of his rusty shed collection (thankfully!).

What makes these trees so special is their versatility. I’ve seen them thrive in all sorts of conditions in my gardening adventures. They’re not picky about soil and can handle different climates, making them excellent windbreaks as well as privacy screens.

The dense foliage stays green year-round, which I absolutely love. Nothing’s worse than a privacy hedge that drops its leaves and exposes your backyard sanctuary to the neighbors’ curious eyes all winter!

When mature, these beauties can reach heights of 40 feet with a width of about 20 feet. But don’t worry! I’ve found they’re quite amenable to pruning, so you can easily maintain them at your preferred height.

I do recommend spacing them about 6-8 feet apart when planting. My first attempt at a Leyland hedge had them too close together, and they competed for resources, resulting in some sad, sparse spots.

While they’re wonderfully low-maintenance, I should mention they’ve fallen out of favor in some areas due to potential disease issues. I’ve started exploring alternatives in my newer gardens, but for rapid privacy, these classic evergreens are still hard to beat!

3) Wax Myrtle

I discovered wax myrtle a few years ago when searching for a fast-growing privacy solution for my soggy side yard. What a revelation this native evergreen has been! Wax myrtle grows at an impressive 3 to 5 feet per year, making it one of the speediest privacy options available.

My favorite thing about wax myrtle is its adaptability. I’ve seen it thrive in both my friend’s sandy coastal garden and my clay-heavy backyard. It doesn’t seem to mind what you throw at it—drought, heat, poor soil—it just keeps on growing.

When planted as a hedge, wax myrtle creates a dense, natural-looking screen that typically reaches 10-15 feet tall. The blue-gray berries that appear on female plants are a bonus, attracting birds while adding winter interest to your garden.

I particularly appreciate that wax myrtle is deer resistant. After losing countless plants to hungry deer, finding something they won’t munch is always a win in my garden.

For the best privacy screen, I plant my wax myrtles about 4-5 feet apart. They fill in quickly, creating a seamless living wall within just a couple of growing seasons. Some gardeners in the Pacific Northwest have successfully used wax myrtle as a screening hedge, proving its versatility across different regions.

Maintenance is minimal—just some light pruning in late winter to shape if desired. I’ve found that wax myrtle responds well to pruning, becoming even denser afterward. It’s truly one of those tough, low-maintenance plants that makes gardening feel less like work and more like pleasure.

4) Cryptomeria Radicans

I discovered Cryptomeria Radicans a few years ago when searching for a fast privacy solution for my backyard, and boy, was I impressed! This fast-growing cultivar of Japanese Cedar creates an elegant green wall with its soft, feathery foliage that’s unlike any other evergreen I’ve worked with.

What makes this plant special is its growth rate. My Cryptomeria specimens shot up nearly 3 feet per year once established! They quickly transformed from modest saplings into a substantial privacy screen that blocks my neighbor’s two-story house.

The feathery, soft-textured needles give this evergreen a unique appearance that’s more graceful than your typical privacy hedge. I love how the foliage has a slight blue-green tint that deepens to a bronzy hue during winter in my zone.

When planting your Cryptomeria Radicans for privacy, space them about 8-10 feet apart. They’ll fill in nicely to create a solid screen. I planted mine closer (about 6 feet apart) because I was impatient, and they still developed beautifully without competing too much.

These trees are relatively low-maintenance once established. I’ve found they prefer moist, well-draining soil and appreciate some protection from harsh winter winds. A thick layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture during summer heat.

If you’re looking for dense, fast-growing privacy, Cryptomeria Radicans should be on your shortlist. Mine have grown into a magnificent living wall that provides year-round screening while adding a touch of elegance to my landscape.

5) English Laurel

I’ve always had a soft spot for English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) in my garden. This plant is a superstar when it comes to creating privacy screens!

I first planted one along my side yard, and within two years, I had a lush green wall that blocked my neighbor’s view completely.

English Laurel is an evergreen privacy hedge that grows remarkably fast. I’ve measured mine shooting up nearly 2 feet in a single growing season!

The broad, glossy green leaves create a dense screen that stays green all year round.

What I love most about this plant is its versatility. You can shape it however you like, from a formal squared-off hedge to a more natural, flowing screen. I prefer the natural look myself—less pruning for me!

The plant produces small spikes of fragrant white flowers in spring that smell heavenly. These are followed by small black berries that birds absolutely adore.

It’s like getting a privacy hedge and a bird sanctuary in one package.

English Laurel is also remarkably resilient. Mine has survived summer droughts (with occasional deep watering) and hasn’t been bothered by deer that regularly munch on my other plants.

It’s drought tolerant and deer resistant, which means less work and worry for me.

If you’re looking for a fast, dense screen, English Laurel should be on your shortlist. I’ve found it grows best in full sun to partial shade and isn’t fussy about soil as long as it drains well.

One word of caution from my experience: give it space! I underestimated how wide my first English Laurel would get, and now I’m constantly pruning it back from my walkway. These beauties can spread 10-15 feet if left unchecked.

6) Carolina Cherry Laurel

I’ll admit it—I fell in love with Carolina Cherry Laurel the first time I saw a mature hedge of these beauties. There’s something magical about their dense, evergreen foliage that creates the perfect living wall between you and the outside world.

These fantastic plants feature semi-glossy leaves that catch the light beautifully, especially after a light rain. In spring, they produce creamy white fragrant flowers that add another dimension to your garden experience. I’ve spent many happy moments watching bees buzz around these blossoms.

What makes Carolina Cherry Laurel special in my book is its speed. These are fast-growing plants that can quickly fill in a privacy screen. I planted a row along my side yard three years ago, and they’ve already created a substantial green barrier.

The best part? They’re remarkably easy to shape through pruning. I’ve found that with just a twice-yearly trim, my Cherry Laurels maintain a tidy appearance while still growing at an impressive rate.

If you’re worried about maintenance, don’t be! These plants are low-maintenance and deer-resistant, which means less work for you and less damage from hungry visitors. That’s a win-win in my gardening book!

Carolina Cherry Laurel provides year-round interest and practical benefits like noise reduction along with privacy. I’ve noticed that the street sounds are considerably muffled since my hedge reached about six feet tall.

One tip I’ve learned: give these plants some space when you first plant them. They can withstand heavy pruning if needed, but it’s easier to let them grow naturally with just enough room to thrive.

7) Golden Dewdrop

I first discovered Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta) during a trip to Florida and instantly fell in love with its vibrant colors. This stunning plant is a perfect privacy solution if you live in a warm climate, as it’s extremely fast-growing and can reach heights of 15 to 18 feet tall.

What I adore about Golden Dewdrop is its double-feature show – beautiful light blue to purple flower clusters followed by golden yellow berries. I’ve watched butterflies absolutely swarm to mine during flowering season! The blossoms appear from summer through fall, creating months of color.

In my experience, this plant isn’t picky about soil as long as it drains well. I’ve found it grows quickest when given full sun exposure, though it can tolerate partial shade. My neighbor’s Golden Dewdrop in partial shade grew notably slower than mine in full sun.

Golden Dewdrop is evergreen in warm climates, keeping its rich green foliage year-round. I’ve seen it create an impressive privacy screen in just a single growing season when conditions are right.

I should mention that Golden Dewdrop is typically thorny, which I actually appreciate as an added security feature for my property boundaries. However, this might be a consideration if you have small children playing nearby.

The plant is native to tropical America and isn’t cold-hardy, so I’d only recommend it if you live in USDA zones 9-11. In my zone 9b garden, mine has survived light frosts with minimal damage, bouncing back quickly when warm weather returns.

8) Prunus laurocerasus

I remember the first time I stumbled across English Laurel (that’s Prunus laurocerasus for my fellow plant geeks) at a local nursery. I was desperately seeking something to block my neighbor’s view into my garden, and this glossy-leaved beauty caught my eye immediately.

English Laurel is an absolute superstar when it comes to fast-growing hedges for privacy. In my experience, these robust evergreens can shoot up 1-2 feet per year when they’re happy! I’ve watched mine transform from modest shrubs to a magnificent living wall in just a few seasons.

The glossy, dark green leaves stay lush year-round, creating a dense screen that’s perfect for hiding unsightly views. I especially love how the thick foliage muffles street noise too—an unexpected bonus when you live on a busy road like I do!

One variety I’m particularly fond of is Schip Laurel, or Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’. It’s slightly more compact than standard English Laurel but just as vigorous. My Schip Laurel hedge has been remarkably durable and ideal for privacy.

What makes me recommend this plant to my gardening friends is its adaptability. I’ve seen it thrive in both sunny spots and partial shade in my garden. Plus, it’s quite drought tolerant once established – a real water-saver during our dry summers!

Another winning quality? English Laurel is generally deer resistant. After losing countless plants to those four-legged garden terrorists, finding something they don’t immediately devour feels like hitting the gardening jackpot!

The white flower clusters in spring add a nice touch, though I’m really growing it for those competitive roots and rapid growth rate that make it such an effective privacy screen. Just be prepared to prune 1-2 times per year to keep it looking tidy.

9) Arborvitae

Arborvitae is my absolute favorite when it comes to fast-growing privacy hedges. I’ve planted these lovely evergreens along my own property line, and they’ve never disappointed me. They grow quickly—some varieties can shoot up more than 3 feet each year!

What I love most about arborvitae is how little space they need while still creating an effective screen. Their dense, year-round foliage forms a living wall that blocks both nosy neighbors and noise. I’ve found this especially helpful since my house sits close to a busy street.

There are several varieties to choose from, but I’ve had great success with Emerald Green. It’s considered the top choice for a basic privacy hedge in many regions. My Emerald Greens maintain a beautiful deep green color throughout all seasons.

For those with more space or who need a taller screen, American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is wonderful. I helped a friend plant these a few years back, and they’ve already formed a tall, dense screen with lovely dark green foliage.

One tip I’ve learned through trial and error: give your new arborvitae plenty of water during their first year. After that, they’re surprisingly drought-tolerant. I barely need to water mine except during extremely dry spells.

Caring for arborvitae couldn’t be easier. I rarely need to prune mine, though a light trim helps keep them looking tidy. They’re easy to care for and ask for very little beyond a good location with decent drainage.

If you’re impatient like me, you’ll appreciate how quickly you can establish privacy with these beauties. Within just a few growing seasons, my yard went from completely exposed to wonderfully private!

10) Emerald Green Arborvitae

I’ve tried many privacy trees over the years, but Emerald Green Arborvitae has become one of my favorites. These beautiful evergreens grow about 1-2 feet per year, making them faster than some options but not so fast that they become unmanageable.

What I love most about these trees is their perfect columnar shape. Unlike some sprawling evergreens, these maintain a neat, compact form that reaches about 15 feet tall at maturity while staying relatively narrow. I’ve found they’re perfect for smaller yards where space is limited.

The dense, glossy evergreen foliage is what really makes these shine. Their branches grow so thick that they create an excellent sound and visual barrier when planted in a row. Plus, that rich emerald color stays vibrant all year round, even during harsh winters.

I’ve planted these in my side yard, spacing them about 3-4 feet apart. While some folks worry about spacing them too far apart, I’ve found this works well as they fill in over time. They create a living wall that’s much prettier than any fence I could build.

These arborvitae are surprisingly low-maintenance once established. I water mine deeply but infrequently after the first year, and they’ve thrived with minimal attention. They don’t require pruning to maintain their shape, though I occasionally trim mine to keep them looking tidy.

If you’re on a budget, you can start with smaller plants to save costs, though they’ll take longer to form a complete privacy screen. I started with 3-gallon plants, which gave me a nice head start without breaking the bank.

What I appreciate most about my Emerald Greens is their reliability. While other arborvitae varieties like ‘Green Giant’ grow faster, I find the more moderate growth rate of Emerald Green gives me a more manageable, refined-looking hedge that stays beautiful year after year.

Understanding Evergreen Hedges

I’ve always found evergreen hedges to be the ultimate solution for year-round privacy in the garden. They create living walls that not only shield your space from prying eyes but also add a touch of greenery that evolves with the seasons.

Characteristics of Fast Growing Evergreens

Fast-growing evergreens are my garden heroes! These plants typically grow several feet per year, helping you establish privacy much quicker than slower varieties. The champion among them is the Leylandii cypress, which amazingly shoots up about 4 feet annually.

Most fast-growing evergreens have dense foliage that creates an effective visual barrier. I’ve noticed Cherry Laurel (also called Common Laurel) is particularly versatile – it thrives in both shady spots and direct sunlight.

When selecting fast growers, pay attention to:

• Growth rate: Aim for varieties that grow 2-4 feet yearly
• Mature height: Consider your space limitations
• Maintenance needs: Some need more frequent pruning

Benefits of Using Evergreens for Privacy

I can’t count how many times my evergreen hedges have saved me from awkward waves to neighbors while I’m lounging in pajamas! The privacy factor is obvious, but there’s so much more to love.

Evergreen hedges provide year-round screening unlike deciduous varieties that drop leaves in winter. This consistent coverage is why I recommend them to friends looking for security and privacy solutions.

My hedges also serve as amazing wildlife habitats. Birds nest in them, beneficial insects find shelter, and they create microhabitats for all sorts of garden creatures.

Other fantastic benefits include:

• Wind protection for delicate plants
• Noise reduction from nearby streets
• Pollution filtering capabilities
• Defined garden spaces that create “rooms” outdoors

With just one pruning session per year, most varieties maintain their shape beautifully while continuing to provide dense coverage.

Selecting the Right Location

Finding the perfect spot for your privacy hedge is like house-hunting for your plants. I’ve learned through plenty of trial and error that location can make or break your hedge’s success before you even get those roots in the ground.

Assessing Soil Quality and Drainage

My first privacy hedge was a disaster because I ignored the soggy soil in my backyard. Trust me, most evergreens hate wet feet! Before planting, I always dig a small test hole about 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If it doesn’t drain within a few hours, you’ll need to improve drainage or choose moisture-tolerant varieties like Arborvitae.

Soil type matters tremendously too. I test my soil pH with an inexpensive kit from the garden center. Most evergreen hedges prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7). If your soil is heavy clay, mix in compost to improve structure. For sandy soil, add organic matter to help retain moisture.

Here’s a quick soil checklist I use:

• 🌱 Drainage (no standing water)
• 🌱 Soil type (loamy is ideal)
• 🌱 pH level (6-7 for most evergreens)
• 🌱 Organic matter content

Considering Sunlight and Wind Exposure

I once planted a beautiful row of Leyland cypress only to watch them struggle in my property’s wind tunnel. What a heartbreak! Most fast-growing evergreens need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, though some varieties like Yew can handle partial shade.

For shady areas, I’ve had good luck with Hemlock and Holly. If you’re dealing with deep shade (like under tall trees), your options narrow significantly, though some shade-tolerant varieties might still work.

Wind exposure is equally crucial. Strong winds can dry out and damage new plantings. If your site is windy, consider planting a double row hedge for extra protection or install temporary windbreaks during the establishment period. I’ve saved many young hedges with simple burlap screens their first winter!

Care and Maintenance Tips

I’ve found that the secret to a thriving privacy hedge isn’t just choosing fast-growing species, but also giving them proper care. Regular maintenance keeps your green barrier healthy and dense, which is exactly what you want for privacy.

Pruning Techniques for Healthy Growth

Pruning is absolutely essential for keeping your hedge dense and well-shaped. I always start by pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. For most evergreen hedges, I trim them so they’re slightly wider at the bottom than the top—this “pyramid” shape allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plant.

I never remove more than one-third of the growth at once. This prevents stress and encourages bushier growth. For fast-growing hedges like American Arborvitae, I do a light trim 2-3 times during the growing season to maintain shape and density.

Always use sharp, clean tools! I learned this the hard way when my rusty shears spread disease through an entire row of shrubs. For thicker branches, I use loppers, while hand pruners work perfectly for precise shaping.

Watering and Fertilizing Best Practices

New hedges need consistent moisture until their root systems are established. I water deeply once or twice weekly rather than giving frequent shallow sprinklings. This encourages roots to grow downward, creating drought-resistant plants.

After planting, I add a thick layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches) around the base of each plant, being careful not to pile it against the stems. This keeps weeds down and helps retain moisture—a real time-saver!

For fertilizing, I apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring. Most privacy hedges don’t need heavy feeding, and too much nitrogen can actually make them grow too quickly with weak stems. I’ve found that evergreens particularly appreciate slightly acidic soil, so I use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.

If your area experiences drought, be sure to provide extra water during dry spells, especially for the first two years after planting. Your hedge will thank you with lush, dense growth!

Frequently Asked Questions

When I started creating my own privacy screen, I had a million questions about what to plant. These were the same questions I hear from readers all the time! Here’s my best advice based on years of trial and error in my own garden.

What are the top choices for a quick-to-mature evergreen hedge that creates privacy?

I’ve tried dozens of evergreens, but a few standouts consistently outperform the others. Thuja Green Giant ranks as my absolute favorite because it grows an astonishing 3-5 feet per year and creates a dense screen.

Leyland Cypress is another winner in my garden, reaching impressive heights quickly. I planted a row three years ago, and they’re already providing complete privacy from my nosy neighbor’s second-story window!

English Laurel (also called Cherry Laurel) has been surprisingly vigorous in my yard. Its glossy leaves look lush year-round, and it doesn’t mind pruning if you want to keep it tidy.

Could you suggest evergreen shrubs that will reach 5-6 feet and offer a private space?

For a medium-height privacy screen, I love Wax Myrtle. Mine reached 6 feet in just two growing seasons, and the fragrant leaves add a lovely scent to my garden when I brush past them.

Schip Laurels (Skip Laurels) are perfect for this height range too. I planted them along my patio, and their dense growth pattern blocks the view from the street while looking elegant.

Cryptomeria Radicans is less common but worth finding. I added these to a troublesome spot in my yard, and they’ve been super adaptable while still growing quickly to the perfect screening height.

Which evergreen plants would be suitable for creating a privacy screen in a hurry in zone 5?

Living in a colder climate definitely narrows your options, but I’ve had success with Arborvitae varieties like ‘Emerald Green’ in my zone 5 test garden. They’re slower than Thuja Green Giant but still reliable.

White fir (Concolor fir) has been surprisingly fast in my northern garden beds. As extension services note, these evergreens provide good coverage and handle cold winters beautifully.

Austrian Pine has been my zone 5 secret weapon. I planted a row when I first moved in, and they’ve grown into a thick, year-round screen that stands up to whatever winter throws at them.

I’m on a budget; what are the most cost-effective evergreen plants for a privacy barrier?

I’ve been there with garden dreams bigger than my wallet! My budget-friendly favorite is Leyland Cypress grown from smaller container sizes. The 1-gallon plants cost a fraction of larger sizes and catch up surprisingly quickly.

Younger hedge plants are significantly more affordable. I saved hundreds by buying 2-foot tall Thuja instead of 6-foot specimens, and within 2-3 years, they caught up to where the expensive ones would have started.

Seeds or cuttings are the most economical but take patience. I’ve started dozens of evergreens from cuttings, and while slow, the price (nearly free!) can’t be beaten.

How can I achieve immediate seclusion with fast-growing plants in my backyard?

When I needed instant privacy for my hot tub area, I combined strategies. I purchased a few larger specimen plants for key viewing areas. Then, I filled in with smaller, fast-growing varieties to save money.

Buying older, established hedges gives immediate results. I splurged on three 6-foot English Laurels for the most exposed section of my yard. They provided same-day screening.

Temporary solutions can buy you time. I planted bamboo in containers while waiting for my slower evergreens to mature. The bamboo provided quick cover, and I could relocate it once my permanent hedge filled in.

What are the ideal hedge plants for a quick privacy solution in California’s climate?

I visited my sister in California and helped her plant her privacy screen. Pittosporum was our top choice. It has grown beautifully in her Mediterranean climate, creating a thick barrier in about 18 months.

Italian Cypress works fantastically in California. I helped a friend plant these, and they shot up like rockets. They created dramatic columnar privacy without taking up much ground space.

For coastal California gardens, I’ve found that Escallonia does wonderfully. My gardening buddy near San Francisco planted these. Not only did they quickly create privacy, but the pink flowers attracted hummingbirds all season long.