Rapid Privacy with 9 Expeditiously Growing Hedges

Posted on 19/05/2025

Rapid Privacy with 9 Expeditiously Growing Hedges

In a world where privacy is more valued than ever before, fast-growing privacy hedges have become the go-to solution for many homeowners and landscapers. If you want to create a living barrier that not only shields your property from prying eyes but also adds natural beauty and enhances property value, investing in rapidly growing hedges is your best bet. This article explores the nine fastest-growing hedge plants, perfect for those seeking quick privacy solutions with lush, green serenity.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

Privacy hedges are more than just fencing alternatives; they are living walls that provide natural seclusion, act as windbreaks, buffer noise, and create charming green backdrops for your landscape. The main advantage of fast-growing hedges is their ability to deliver these benefits in a matter of seasons, not years. If instant or rapid privacy is a must for your outdoor space, these remarkable hedges will ensure you're hidden from view in no time.

Key Benefits of Rapid-Growth Hedges:

• Quick Privacy: Achieve seclusion faster than with traditional fencing or slow-growing shrubs.
• Visual Appeal: Green hedges soften property lines and create a lush, inviting atmosphere.
• Wind and Sound Protection: Thick foliage absorbs noise and acts as a windbreak.
• Wildlife Habitat: *Birds and beneficial insects* thrive in well-established hedges.
• Increased Property Value: An established, well-maintained hedge enhances curb appeal and market value.

What to Consider Before Planting Privacy Hedges

Not all expeditious privacy hedges are suited to every climate, soil type, or space. Before choosing your hedge, consider the following:

• Growth Rate: Look for species renowned for growing at least 2 feet per year.
• Height and Spread: Ensure the mature hedge size fits your needs and available space.
• Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Evergreens offer year-round coverage, while deciduous hedges provide seasonal privacy.
• Sunlight Requirement: Match the plant's light needs to your garden's exposure.
• Soil and Watering: Assess whether your soil drains well and if regular watering is feasible.
• Maintenance Level: Some hedges require regular trimming and shaping, others are low-maintenance.

Tip: Always check for local restrictions! Some fast-growing species are invasive in certain regions.

Top 9 Rapid Growth Hedges for Fast Privacy

Let's discover the nine best expeditious hedge plants that promise quick and effective privacy for your yard.

1. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

Renowned for its exceptional speed and reliability, the Green Giant Arborvitae has become an iconic privacy solution throughout North America.

• Growth Rate: 3 to 5 feet per year
• Height: Up to 60 feet (commonly maintained at 12-20 feet)
• Type: Evergreen
• Key Benefit: Tolerates a range of soils, highly resistant to deer and pests

Why It's Great: Green Giant Arborvitae forms a thick, stately screen remarkably quickly, requiring minimal shaping.

2. Privet Hedge (Ligustrum spp.)

Classic and adaptable, the Privet grows rapidly and can be shaped to any height or width, making it a favorite for formal landscapes.

• Growth Rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
• Height: 6-15 feet (varieties available for different tastes and climates)
• Type: Semi-evergreen to deciduous, depending on variety
• Key Benefit: Withstands heavy pruning and pollution, ideal for urban privacy screens

Bonus: Some privet species flower in spring, attracting pollinators and scenting the air.

3. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Few trees can compete with the explosive growth of Leyland Cypress. It's the go-to species for an almost instant living wall.

• Growth Rate: 3 to 4 feet per year
• Height: 30-60 feet (easily kept smaller with pruning)
• Type: Evergreen
• Key Benefit: Dense, feathery foliage offers exceptional wind and noise buffering

Best Practice: Give these trees room to grow--plant at least 6-8 feet apart for healthier, fuller hedges.

4. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Also known as Eastern Arborvitae, this North American native is prized for its elegant, columnar shape and reliability.

• Growth Rate: 1 to 2 feet per year
• Height: 12-40 feet, depending on variety
• Type: Evergreen
• Key Benefit: Cold-hardy and easy to grow; perfect for natural, soft green screens

Tip: For the thickest privacy, choose 'Techny' or 'Emerald' cultivars.

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

With glossy, broad leaves and robust growth, Cherry Laurel provides impenetrable privacy in record time, especially in milder climates.

• Growth Rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
• Height: 10-20 feet
• Type: Evergreen
• Key Benefit: Tolerates deep shade and urban conditions; produces fragrant white flowers in spring

Warning: All parts of Cherry Laurel are toxic if ingested; not suitable for gardens with pets or small children who may chew plants.

6. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

This adaptable, broad-leafed evergreen thrives in heat and humidity, making it a superstar in southern landscapes seeking fast privacy.

• Growth Rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
• Height: 10-20 feet
• Type: Evergreen
• Key Benefit: Highly salt-tolerant and pest-resistant; aromatic foliage deters insects

Wildlife Bonus: Blue-grey berries provide late-winter food for birds.

7. Bamboo (Clumping Types)

For nearly instant, dense living walls, few plants rival clumping bamboo. Avoid running types, as they can spread aggressively.

• Growth Rate: 3 to 5 feet per year (sometimes more)
• Height: 10-30 feet, depending on species
• Type: Evergreen grass
• Key Benefit: Creates Asian-inspired privacy screens rapidly; minimal maintenance if clumping type

Popular clumping bamboos include Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis' and Fargesia robusta.

8. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

Beloved for its vibrant red new growth, Photinia offers eye-catching privacy and rapid coverage for hedges or screens.

• Growth Rate: 2 feet per year
• Height: 10-15 feet (prune to suit your style)
• Type: Evergreen
• Key Benefit: Evergreen brilliance with striking color transitions; drought-tolerant once established

Warning: In areas with high humidity, photinia can suffer from leaf spot disease--ensure good air circulation.

9. Pyracantha (Firethorn)

Adding both security and privacy, Firethorn is a fast-growing, thorny, evergreen shrub with clusters of white flowers and vivid orange-to-red berries in autumn.

• Growth Rate: 2 feet per year
• Height: 6-12 feet
• Type: Evergreen
• Key Benefit: Deters trespassers with its thorns, provides berries for birds, and flourishes even in poor soil

Tip: Plant pyracantha near property edges to form an impenetrable barrier--handle with care due to its sharp thorns.

Planting and Maintaining Your Expeditiously Growing Privacy Hedge

Site Selection and Planting

To ensure maximum growth speed and hedge health, follow these steps:

• Choose a Location: Full sun to partial shade, depending on your plant's preference.
• Prepare the Soil: Loosen soil deeply and incorporate compost for optimal water and nutrient uptake.
• Spacing: Plant hedges at recommended intervals for a dense, fast-forming screen (consult nursery tags or guides for your species).
• Watering: Deeply water plants after planting and maintain consistent moisture during establishment.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Routine Care for Rapid-Growth Privacy Hedges

• Pruning: Shape for denser growth; frequent, light trims encourage bushier, thicker hedges.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support rapid growth.
• Watering: Established hedges are typically drought-tolerant but require regular watering during dry spells.
• Pest and Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye on foliage for warning signs of pests or disease; manage issues early for healthiest growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rapid Privacy Hedges

Which hedge grows the fastest for privacy?

Leyland Cypress and Green Giant Arborvitae are widely considered the fastest-growing privacy hedges, with mature privacy achieved in as little as three years under ideal conditions.

How close can I plant a privacy hedge to a property line?

Always check local codes, but a general rule is to plant hedges 2-4 feet inside your property line to allow for future growth and maintenance access.

How do I keep my hedge green all year?

Choose **evergreen hedge varieties** suited to your climate zone, irrigate during drought, mulch the base, and prune regularly for a healthy, dense look.

Conclusion: The Living Solution for Rapid Privacy

With the right choice from these 9 expeditiously growing hedges, you can achieve quick, beautiful, and sustainable privacy in your outdoor spaces. By considering site conditions, plant species, and ongoing care, you'll soon enjoy the solitude and security they bring. Whether you're looking to create a natural sanctuary, shield your home from noise, or define your boundaries with green elegance, a fast-growing privacy hedge is the answer that grows even better with time.

Ready to plant your living privacy wall? Choose your favorite hedge, prepare your soil, and watch your private oasis spring to life in just a few seasons!