9 Hedges That Grow Fast for Maximum Privacy

Posted on 26/08/2025

9 Hedges That Grow Fast for Maximum Privacy

Seeking a lush green barrier to shield your home from prying eyes? Privacy hedges are nature's solution for seclusion, noise control, and a beautiful landscape. With the right choices, you don't have to wait decades for that picture-perfect living wall. In this article, we'll delve into nine fast-growing hedges for maximum privacy, offering insights for every climate and garden style.

Why Plant Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

Hedges are a timeless landscaping favorite for good reasons. These living fences not only enhance privacy, but also provide windbreaks, shelter wildlife, reduce noise, and boost your property's curb appeal. While some traditional shrubs inch along slowly, fast-growing privacy hedges can deliver dramatic results within just a few years. Ideal for new gardens or anyone eager to transform their space, these speedy hedges mix beauty with purpose.

What to Consider Before Selecting a Hedge

• Climate and Hardiness Zone: Not all hedges thrive everywhere. Choose species suited to your local USDA zone.
• Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreens retain foliage year-round, ensuring constant privacy. Deciduous options offer seasonal interest but may "open up" in winter.
• Desired Height and Width: How tall and wide do you need your living fence?
• Growth Rate: Look for species that add at least 2 feet per year for fastest impact.
• Care Requirements: Some hedges need regular pruning, others are nearly carefree.
• Sun/Shade Preferences: Match your hedge to the sun exposure of your planting area.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Robust varieties save time and effort in maintenance.

Top 9 Fast-Growing Hedges for Maximum Privacy

Ready to discover the best privacy hedges for rapid results? Below are nine excellent choices, each known for vigorous growth and dense foliage -- perfect for quickly creating a green wall.

1. Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)

• Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
• Type: Evergreen
• Best For: Full sun, fast-growing privacy screen

Leyland Cypress is a superstar for those wanting fast privacy hedges. Its elegant, feathery green foliage quickly forms a tall, solid barrier -- perfect for blocking out neighbors or unwanted views. Reaching up to 60 feet tall if untrimmed, it can be kept in check with regular pruning. Plant these 6-8 feet apart for best coverage!

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant')

• Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year
• Type: Evergreen
• Best For: Windbreaks, privacy, low maintenance

The Green Giant Arborvitae lives up to its name. It's one of the most popular fast-growing evergreen hedges for privacy. Its dense, rich green foliage is tolerant of many soil types and resists most pests and diseases. This robust hedge thrives with little care, making it a favorite for property borders and tall screens.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Type: Semi-evergreen to deciduous
• Best For: Formal and informal hedges, quick results

Privet hedges are classic and adaptable, easily shaped into tidy topiary or left to grow naturally. European and Japanese privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) are especially speedy, offering lush coverage in just a few seasons. Note: In some regions, privet can be invasive -- be sure to check local guidelines.

4. Bamboo (Bambusoideae spp.)

• Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year
• Type: Evergreen
• Best For: Dense, modern, and exotic privacy screens

Bamboo is unrivaled for rapid growth and a unique visual impact. Clumping varieties like Fargesia are ideal for hedge use because they don't spread invasively. With thick canes and leaves, bamboo provides year-round coverage. It works well in narrow spaces and can reach towering heights in a short time.

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Type: Evergreen
• Best For: Dense, lush hedging with glossy leaves

Cherry Laurel boasts large, glossy green leaves and a thick growth habit. Its rapid pace and adaptability to sun or shade make it one of the best hedges for privacy in urban and suburban gardens alike. With the bonus of springtime white flower spikes, this hedge brings an ornamental touch as well as seclusion.

6. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Type: Evergreen
• Best For: Cold climates, low maintenance

American Arborvitae is a top choice for northern gardens seeking year-round privacy hedges. Its soft needles and distinctive, conical habit are beautiful and functional. 'Emerald Green' and 'Techny' are especially popular cultivars for tight spaces or formal rows.

7. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Tip')

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Type: Evergreen
• Best For: Vibrant color, informal privacy screens

The Photinia hedge delivers a colorful twist. Its young foliage emerges a striking red before maturing to glossy green, creating a dynamic hedge that stands out from the crowd. Best for mild to warm climates, it's moderately drought-tolerant once established and can be pruned for a formal look or allowed to grow freely.

8. Spartan Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan')

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Type: Evergreen
• Best For: Narrow spaces, drought-prone areas, formal hedges

Spartan Juniper is the go-to for upright, columnar privacy screens where space is tight. Its dense, vibrant green foliage adapts to heat and drought, making it a reliable hedge for privacy across much of the country. Use it along property lines, driveways, or as a modern accent.

9. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Type: Semi-evergreen
• Best For: Mild climates, salt tolerance, naturalized hedges

Wax Myrtle is hardy, aromatic, and ideal for coastal gardens or areas with sandy soil. Its rapid growth and fragrant foliage attract birds and pollinators. With little care, it creates a light, airy, yet effective screen perfect for achieving maximum privacy.

Tips for Growing and Maintaining Fast-Growing Hedges

• Start with healthy, well-rooted plants - they'll establish and grow faster.
• Plant in early spring or fall to allow roots to settle before extreme temperatures.
• Water young hedges regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
• Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to boost growth.
• Prune regularly to shape your hedge and encourage dense branching -- begin early for a fuller look.
• Monitor for pests and diseases - fast growers may sometimes be more susceptible, especially in humid or crowded settings.
• Space plants correctly for the variety -- this ensures fast fill-in without overcrowding.

Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge FAQs

• How soon will a fast-growing hedge provide privacy?
  Most varieties can achieve 6-8 feet of height and dense coverage within 2-5 years, depending on initial plant size, growing conditions, and maintenance.
• What's the fastest-growing privacy hedge?
  Bamboo and Leyland Cypress are among the quickest, sometimes growing over 4 feet per year.
• Are fast-growing hedges high maintenance?
  Some, like privet or laurel, benefit from regular clipping. Others, such as Green Giant or American Arborvitae, are more forgiving.
• Which hedges stay green all year?
  Evergreen hedges like Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, Cherry Laurel, and Juniper maintain year-round privacy.
• Can I plant a privacy hedge in pots or containers?
  Yes! Dwarf or columnar varieties, bamboo, and some laurels work well in large planters for patios or balconies.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Private Sanctuary Sooner

Transforming your outdoor space doesn't have to take a lifetime. By choosing one of these fast-growing privacy hedges, you can enjoy lush living walls, peace, and tranquility -- all in just a few seasons. Remember to select varieties compatible with your local climate and garden needs for best results. With smart planning and proper care, your garden sanctuary will thrive, offering beauty and seclusion year-round.

For even more inspiration and expert tips about hedges that grow fast for maximum privacy, explore local garden centers or speak with your regional extension office. Here's to greener, more private living!