Boost Property Privacy with 9 Rapidly Growing Hedges

Posted on 18/08/2025

Boost Property Privacy with 9 Rapidly Growing Hedges

Are you searching for natural ways to fortify your home's boundaries and create a serene oasis away from prying eyes? Rapidly growing hedges for privacy are the perfect solution! Not only do they offer a lush, green visual barrier, but they also enhance curb appeal, reduce noise pollution, and provide habitats for wildlife. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 9 fastest-growing privacy hedges that can transform your property into a secluded retreat in no time.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Enhanced Privacy?

Rapidly growing privacy plants serve as a natural fence, forming dense walls of foliage that shield your yard from neighbors, traffic, and passersby. Unlike traditional fences, fast-growing hedges offer beauty, versatility, and long-term value. With proper care, they mature quickly, requiring minimal maintenance while providing year-round protection and greenery.

Advantages of Using Living Privacy Screens

• Eco-Friendly: Hedges filter air, absorb carbon dioxide, and promote biodiversity.
• Noise Reduction: Dense foliage dampens unwanted sounds, adding tranquility to outdoor spaces.
• Windbreaks: They act as buffers, protecting gardens and outdoor areas from harsh winds.
• Visual Appeal: Flowering and evergreen hedges add texture and color for year-round interest.
• Property Value: Lush privacy screens can boost curb appeal and increase market value.

Ready to create your own private oasis? Let's dive into the top nine rapidly growing hedges for property privacy!

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leyland Cypress stands out as one of the fastest-growing hedges for privacy, shooting up at an impressive rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. This evergreen conifer features lush, feathery foliage and forms a dense green wall that's almost impenetrable to sight and sound.

• Height & Spread: Matures up to 60-70 feet tall, can be kept trimmed between 6-20 feet for hedging.
• Growth Rate: Exceptionally fast; ideal for urgent privacy needs.
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
• Low Maintenance: Responds well to regular pruning.
• Pest Resistance: Generally free from major pests or diseases.

Tip: Leyland Cypress is a robust choice for large properties but can grow too large for smaller yards if not regularly trimmed.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

Green Giant Arborvitae is prized for its rich green, layered foliage and quick growth habit--up to 3 feet per year. As one of the best fast-growing privacy hedges, it is ideal for creating tall, uniform screens.

• Height & Spread: 30-50 feet tall, 12-20 feet wide; manageable as a hedge at smaller heights.
• Evergreen All Year: Provides privacy and wind filtering even in winter.
• Soil Adaptability: Tolerates a variety of soil types.
• Deer Resistance: Less prone to deer grazing than most thujas.

Note: Plant Green Giant Arborvitae 5-6 feet apart for a dense privacy hedge.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet hedges are classic, fastest-growing hedges for privacy often seen in both urban and suburban landscapes. With their glossy green leaves and dense habit, they quickly form an attractive, formal screen.

• Height & Spread: 8-12 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide.
• Fast Growth: Up to 2-3 feet per year under optimal conditions.
• Versatility: Suitable for both formal clipped hedges and informal borders.
• Flowering: Produces fragrant white blooms in late spring or early summer.

Important: Some privet species are considered invasive in certain regions--check local guidelines before planting.

4. Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)

Bamboo offers a unique and rapidly growing alternative hedge for privacy. With certain clumping or non-invasive species, you can enjoy a towering, lush barrier in just a few seasons.

• Height & Spread: Clumping bamboo varieties reach 10-20 feet; running varieties can exceed 30 feet.
• Growth Rate: 2-4 feet per year (even more in optimal conditions).
• Evergreen: Remains green year-round in mild climates.
• Modern Look: Adds a contemporary flair to privacy landscaping.

Tip: Choose clumping bamboo to avoid invasive spreading, and always install root barriers to contain growth.

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry Laurel is a popular choice for rapid property privacy hedges thanks to its robust growth, large glossy leaves, and adaptability. It's perfect for creating year-round green walls in urban or suburban settings.

• Height & Spread: 15-30 feet tall, 10-20 feet wide.
• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year with proper watering and feeding.
• Shade Tolerance: Thrives in both sun and shade.
• Soil Flexibility: Adaptable to different soil types, including clay.

Caution: Leaves and seeds are toxic if ingested--keep away from pets and children.

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

The stunning Photinia hedge is famed for its vibrant red new growth that matures to glossy dark green, adding dramatic color to garden screens. Photinia 'Red Robin' grows 1-2 feet per year, making it a stylish and effective privacy hedge.

• Height & Spread: 10-15 feet tall, can be pruned to desired size.
• Colorful Foliage: Striking red leaves in spring and early summer.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, requires little supplemental watering.
• Low Maintenance: Benefits from an annual trim to promote bushy growth.

7. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

American Arborvitae is another excellent choice for privacy hedges, prized for its pyramidal shape, dense branching, and year-round color. It grows rapidly, especially in its early years.

• Height & Spread: 10-25 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide (variety dependent).
• Evergreen: Maintains thick coverage throughout winter.
• Cold Hardy: Well-suited to colder climates.
• Shearability: Easily pruned for neat, formal hedges.

Tip: Plant slightly staggered rows for maximum screening effect in the shortest time.

8. Escallonia (Escallonia spp.)

If you're searching for something with beautiful blooms and evergreen foliage, Escallonia is a standout. Thriving in coastal climates, it delivers rapid growth with the bonus of fragrant flower clusters in pink, white, or red.

• Height & Spread: 6-10 feet tall and wide.
• Flowering: Showy blooms from late spring into summer.
• Drought & Salt Tolerance: Ideal for coastal or arid landscapes.
• Low Care: Prune mildly after flowering to maintain shape.

Escallonia hedges offer instant curb appeal as well as practical seclusion.

9. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

Wax Myrtle is a native North American shrub recognized for its flexible shape, aromatic leaves, and fast-growing privacy hedge capability. It's superb for informal screens, particularly in warmer US climates.

• Height & Spread: 10-20 feet tall, up to 15 feet wide.
• Rapid Growth: 3-5 feet per year when conditions are right.
• Wildlife Friendly: Provides berries and shelter for birds.
• Salt Resistance: Performs well near coastal areas.

Tip: Wax Myrtle has a delightful fragrance and tolerates heavy pruning for dense privacy screens.

How to Establish a Fast-Growing Hedge for Maximum Privacy

1. Select the Right Hedge for Your Needs

Consider your climate, available space, desired hedge height, and whether you want evergreen or flowering varieties. Fastest growing hedges for privacy come in many forms, so choose one that suits your landscape and privacy requirements.

2. Site Preparation

Remove weeds and prepare a fertile planting strip. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content. Lay your hedge line using a taut string to ensure straight, uniform spacing.

3. Proper Spacing Matters

Follow recommended planting distances for each hedge species--usually between 2 and 6 feet--so plants have room to spread and develop a dense screen.

4. Regular Feeding and Watering

Water new hedges deeply to settle roots, then maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Fertilize in spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer to speed up growth.

5. Pruning for Density

Early and regular pruning encourages bushier growth and a tighter hedge. Avoid severe pruning during nesting season or late fall, as this can stress plants and reduce privacy.

Caring for Your Rapidly Growing Hedges

• Mulching: Apply organic mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
• Pest Management: Inspect periodically for signs of disease or pests and treat promptly if needed.
• Annual Feeding: Feed each spring to maintain vigorous growth and lush foliage.
• Height Control: Prune as necessary to maintain the ideal hedge height for consistent privacy.

By staying proactive with maintenance, your screening hedges will remain healthy, dense, and attractive for years.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

How fast do these hedges grow?

Most of the hedges on this list grow between 2 to 5 feet per year, with some bamboo and cypress species capable of exceeding these rates under optimal conditions.

Which hedge is best for year-round privacy?

Evergreen hedges like Leyland Cypress, Green Giant Arborvitae, and Cherry Laurel provide continuous screening throughout all seasons.

Are there rapidly growing hedges that flower for added beauty?

Yes! Photinia, Escallonia, and Privet offer gorgeous blooms along with privacy features.

Can I plant a fast-growing hedge near a property line?

Plant at least 2-3 feet within your boundary to allow for future growth and access for maintenance. Always check local zoning or HOA restrictions.

Conclusion: Boost Your Property's Privacy Naturally

Few landscape solutions match the effectiveness, beauty, and environmental value of rapidly growing hedges for property privacy. Whether you seek an evergreen fortress, a fragrant flowering border, or a modern bamboo screen, these nine hedge species deliver fast, stunning results.

With thoughtful selection and care, you'll transform your outdoor space into a tranquil, private refuge--adding value, beauty, and serenity to your home for seasons to come.

Ready to add a living privacy wall of greenery? Discover the perfect fast-growing hedge for your landscape and enjoy secluded outdoor living in record time!