Discover quick privacy fixes with these nine hedge plants

Posted on 23/05/2025

Discover Quick Privacy Fixes with These Nine Hedge Plants

Are you seeking an effective way to enhance privacy in your outdoor space? Discover rapid privacy solutions with our curated list of nine fast-growing hedge plants. These versatile green screens not only provide privacy but also add beauty and increase the value of your property.

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Why Plant Hedges for Privacy?

Planting hedges is a traditional and attractive method to create natural privacy screens in your garden. Compared to artificial fences, these living boundaries offer several benefits:

Quick results: Many hedge plants are fast-growing, helping you achieve privacy in just a few seasons.
Aesthetic value: Hedges provide texture, color, and seasonal interest with flowers, berries, and evergreen foliage.
Environmental benefits: They support local wildlife, reduce wind, and reduce noise and dust.

Ready to transform your outdoor living areas? Read on to discover quick privacy fixes with these exceptional hedge plant varieties.

Top 9 Fast-Growing Hedge Plants for Instant Privacy

Below, we present nine of the most effective hedge plants to ensure your garden remains peaceful and private all year round.

**1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)**

Leyland cypress is one of the most popular choices when you want rapid privacy solutions. Its rapid growth rate (up to 3 feet per year) makes it an ideal fast-growing privacy hedge.

Growth Rate: Fast - up to 3 feet per year
Height: Up to 60 feet if untrimmed
Best For: Large properties, tall screens

Tip: Keep Leyland cypress trimmed annually for a thick, formal hedge.

**2. Privet (Ligustrum species)**

Privet hedging is renowned for its dense foliage and speedy establishment, making it perfect for quick privacy fixes--especially for suburban yards and smaller gardens.

Growth Rate: Very fast - 2-3 feet per year
Height: 8-12 feet
Best For: Formal hedging, urban privacy screens

Tip: Privet responds well to frequent pruning, promoting a lush, thick barrier.

**3. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)**

Seeking a low-maintenance privacy hedge? Arborvitae, notably the 'Green Giant' variety, is a superior fast-growing hedge plant that remains green year-round.

Growth Rate: 2-3 feet yearly
Height: 12-30 feet depending on variety
Best For: Windbreaks, living fences, borders

Tip: Space arborvitae 5-6 feet apart for the quickest coverage.

**4. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)**

With bold, glossy leaves and rapid growth, cherry laurel is a striking hedge plant for achieving quick seclusion.

Growth Rate: About 2 feet per year
Height: 10-18 feet
Best For: Dense screening, decorative foliage

Tip: Its resilience to various soil types makes it widely adaptable for most gardens.

**5. Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea and clumping types)**

If you want modern, rapid privacy, bamboo is an unmatched option. Certain clumping bamboo varieties can shoot up quickly, creating an exotic, impenetrable screen.

Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet or more annually
Height: Varies from 10 to over 30 feet
Best For: Fast privacy with a contemporary look

Tip: Choose clumping bamboo over running types to avoid unwanted spread and maintenance headaches.

**6. Photinia Red Robin (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin')**

Photinia is not only fast-growing; it is also stunning with its red-tipped young foliage. It's an excellent hedge plant for year-round privacy with visual impact.

Growth Rate: Around 1.5-2 feet annually
Height: 10-15 feet
Best For: Colourful, flowering hedges

Tip: Prune after the first flush of red growth for maximum color and density.

**7. Viburnum (Viburnum tinus)**

Well-loved for its tough, evergreen leaves and clusters of white flowers, Viburnum is ideal for those seeking fast but compact privacy hedges.

Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
Height: 6-12 feet
Best For: Smaller gardens, flowering screens

Tip: Viburnum is shade-tolerant, making it versatile for different garden spots.

**8. Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)**

Want a touch of elegance with your quick privacy? Portuguese laurel is highly adaptable, dense, and grows fast enough to offer excellent screening without overpowering small spaces.

Growth Rate: Around 1-1.5 feet a year
Height: 10-15 feet
Best For: Elegant, tidy hedging

Tip: This laurel prefers well-drained soil and tolerates urban conditions well.

**9. Boxwood (Buxus species)**

While boxwood is slightly slower to mature, it is often used for neat, compact privacy hedges in formal garden designs. Some newer cultivars grow much faster, making them a worthy privacy fix.

Growth Rate: 6-12 inches per year (faster for some cultivars)
Height: 2-12 feet depending on variety and trimming
Best For: Formal gardens, classic hedging

Tip: Boxwood can be shaped tightly for detailed, low or medium-height privacy hedges.

How to Choose the Best Hedge Plant for Your Privacy Needs

Selecting the right plants for a quick privacy fix depends on a few crucial factors:

Growth rate: If you need instant results, opt for the fastest-growing species like Leyland cypress or privet.
Available space: Ensure your chosen plant won't outgrow its area. For small spaces, Viburnum or Portuguese laurel are excellent.
Maintenance: Some hedges need regular clipping (e.g., privet), while others, such as arborvitae, are lower upkeep.
Sun or shade: Consider plant varieties that match your garden's light conditions. Viburnum and Portuguese laurel offer good shade tolerance.
Soil type: Match your plant to your soil for the healthiest hedge and fastest results.

Tips for Fast-Establishing Privacy Hedges

To speed up your privacy hedge and keep it thriving:

Soil preparation: Dig wide trenches and enrich with compost.
Water well: Especially in the first year, provide deep, regular watering for rapid root establishment.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage robust, lush foliage.
Mulch: Lay down a thick mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune regularly: Early, frequent trimming helps hedges grow bushy and dense.
Spacing: Plant closely (as per species recommendations) for the quickest coverage.

The Benefits of Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

Opting for a quick privacy hedge solution goes beyond just shielding your yard from prying eyes. Here's why they make an excellent investment for your home or garden:

Year-round coverage: Evergreen varieties keep your space private and attractive in all seasons.
Wildlife habitat: Birds and beneficial insects use dense hedges for shelter, nesting, and food.
No-permit advantage: Unlike fences, tall hedges often require no planning permission in residential areas.
Wind and sound barriers: Thick hedges can dampen street noise and protect your plantings from strong winds.
Property value: A strategically planted privacy hedge adds curb appeal and can increase your property's worth.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hedge Plants for Privacy

Which hedge plant grows the fastest for privacy?

The fastest-growing hedge plants include Leyland cypress, privet, and certain types of bamboo. Leyland cypress is especially popular for its rapid coverage and dramatic height.

What is the best evergreen hedge for screening?

Arborvitae ('Green Giant' or 'Emerald Green'), cherry laurel, and Portuguese laurel are among the best evergreens for dense, year-round privacy.

How far apart should I plant hedging plants for fast results?

Spacing typically depends on mature width, but most fast-growing hedges are planted 2-4 feet apart to secure quick coverage. Always consult specific guidelines for your chosen species.

Can privacy hedges reduce noise?

Yes! Thick, dense hedge plants can significantly reduce street and neighbor noise, making your garden oasis more peaceful.

Are there low-maintenance hedge plant options?

Some hedge plants, such as arborvitae and certain laurels, need minimal pruning once established. Others, like boxwood and privet, require more frequent shaping to stay tidy.

Conclusion: Create Outdoor Privacy Fast with the Right Hedge Plants

Achieving privacy in your garden doesn't have to take years. With these nine fast-growing hedge plants, you can quickly transform your yard, balcony, or patio into a private retreat. Whether you prefer the classic look of boxwood, the boldness of photinia, or the towering screening of Leyland cypress, there's a solution to suit every style and setting.

Remember: Choosing the right plant, preparing your site, and following vital care tips will ensure your privacy hedge flourishes in record time. Start planting your living fence today and enjoy a safer, more serene outdoor space by next season!

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Discover quick privacy fixes with these hedge plants--nature's own solution for peace, serenity, and stunning garden design.