Get Quick Privacy with These 9 Blazing-Growth Hedges

Posted on 15/09/2025

Get Quick Privacy with These 9 Blazing-Growth Hedges

Are you tired of nosy neighbors, busy streets, or unsightly views invading your outdoor oasis? Fast-growing hedges are the ultimate solution for creating instant natural privacy borders in your yard. Not only do they provide you with a lush, green screen throughout the year, but these privacy bushes also attract birds, reduce noise, and add serious curb appeal. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal 9 of the best rapid-growth privacy hedges to transform your landscape quickly and beautifully.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

Establishing a privacy screen is a priority for many homeowners, especially when new neighbors move in or property lines shift. Unlike fences, quick-growing privacy hedges offer a living barrier that's attractive, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Some of the many benefits of using hedges for privacy include:

• Year-round privacy: Many species offer evergreen coverage even in winter.
• Noise reduction: Dense leaves help buffer traffic sounds and neighborhood chatter.
• Wildlife habitat: Birds and pollinators love thick hedges for shelter and nesting.
• Property value: Lush hedging adds visual interest and a sense of seclusion, enhancing curb appeal.
• Flexibility: Hedges can be shaped and tailored to fit any space or garden design.

But with so many fast-growing privacy plants to choose from, which are the best for rapid growth and dense screening? Let's dive into the top 9 choices that deliver both speed and beauty!

The Top 9 Blazing-Growth Hedges for Quick Privacy

Each of these hedges is known for its exceptional growth rate and effectiveness as a living privacy wall. Whether you prefer classic evergreens or want something a little different, there's a fast-growing privacy plant here to suit your landscape and climate.

1. Leyland Cypress (x Cuprocyparis leylandii)

• Growth rate: 3-5 feet per year
• Hardiness: USDA zones 6-10
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

The Leyland Cypress has earned a stellar reputation as the gold standard of fastest-growing privacy hedges. Its feathery green branches form a dense wall that offers year-round privacy. While it can grow up to 60 feet tall if left untrimmed, it's easy to keep Leyland Cypress pruned to a manageable height. Plant them 6-10 feet apart for a tight and effective privacy screen.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

• Growth rate: 3-5 feet annually
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5-8
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

The Green Giant Arborvitae lives up to its vigorous name. Its stately, pyramidal shape and gorgeous emerald foliage make it one of the most popular hedges for fast privacy in North America. Not only is it resistant to pests and deer, but it also holds up well in windy or snowy climates. This hedge requires minimal pruning, and you can plant them as close as 5-6 feet apart for the thickest results.

3. Privet (Ligustrum species)

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5-9 (varies by species)
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

English, Japanese, and California privet varieties are time-tested favorites for blazing-growth privacy hedges. These resilient plants respond well to pruning and will quickly form a lush, uniform living fence, even in less-than-ideal soils. Privet blooms with creamy white flowers in spring, adding fragrance (and pollinators!) to your garden. Its dense, leafy structure is ideal for shaping and topiary, too.

4. Bamboo (Clumping Varieties)

• Growth rate: Up to 5 feet annually for some species
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5-11 (varies by variety)
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Clumping bamboo (such as Bambusa or Fargesia species) delivers one of the fastest privacy screens you'll ever see. Unlike running varieties, clumping bamboo won't invade your yard or your neighbor's next door. Its tall, leafy canes create a tropical vibe and block views within a single season. Plant clumping bamboo 3-5 feet apart for a lush privacy hedge in no time!

5. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Hardiness: USDA zones 7-9
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

If you enjoy color in your privacy shrubs, Photinia is a top pick. Its vivid red new foliage matures to a glossy green, providing year-round interest. With regular trimming, Red Tip Photinia forms a thick hedge ideal for blocking views and sheltering patios. In the spring, small white blossoms attract butterflies and bees.

6. Boxwood (Buxus species)

• Growth rate: 12-24 inches per year
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5-9
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Boxwoods are classic choices for formal gardens and compact yards. Their dense, small leaves and slow-to-moderate growth help them create an evergreen privacy wall that can be tightly clipped or left more natural. While not the fastest on this list, new cultivars like Green Velvet and Winter Gem offer increased vigor and year-round color.

7. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

• Growth rate: 2-4 feet per year
• Hardiness: USDA zones 7-10
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Wax Myrtle is a champion of the Southern U.S. landscapes--loved for its adaptability to various soils, drought tolerance, and salt resistance. With its aromatic, evergreen foliage and quick growth, Wax Myrtle delivers an airy, informal look to privacy barriers. Its blue-gray berries even attract birds in winter.

8. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Hardiness: USDA zones 6-9
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Cherry Laurel is a broadleaf evergreen beloved for its robustness and tolerance to urban conditions. Its broad, glossy leaves form a thick screen, making it ideal for blocking unwanted views quickly. In spring, cherry-like white blossoms appear, adding delicate fragrance. It thrives with minimal care, making it one of the best fast-growing privacy shrubs for busy homeowners.

9. Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens')

• Growth rate: 2-3 feet annually
• Hardiness: USDA zones 6-9
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

The Nellie R. Stevens Holly quickly forms a dense, spiny barrier that keeps prying eyes--and critters--out of your yard. The dark green foliage and classic red berries offer year-round interest and privacy. This holly variety tolerates heat, drought, and even some shade.

How to Plant and Maintain Rapid-Growth Privacy Hedges

Getting your blazing-growth privacy hedge off to a good start is all about careful planning and proper care. Here's how to make the most of your quick hedge investment:

1. Choose the Right Hedge for Your Space

• Consider mature height and spread to avoid overcrowding
• Check your USDA hardiness zone
• Assess the amount of sun and shade your site receives

2. Planting for Privacy Success

• Dig holes twice as wide but just as deep as the root ball
• Space plants according to their mature size for a solid wall
• Amend soil with compost for healthy root growth
• Water newly planted hedges regularly until established

3. Simple Pruning for Maximum Growth

• Lightly trim the tops and sides to encourage branching
• Shape hedges in late winter or early spring for best results
• Remove dead or damaged branches promptly

4. Keep Hedges Thrive with Annual Care

• Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Monitor for pests such as bagworms or spider mites, especially on conifers

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

Are fast-growing hedges invasive?

Some hedge plants, such as running bamboo or certain privets, can be invasive if not properly managed. Always opt for clumping bamboo and check with your local extension office for recommendations on non-invasive hedge species suitable for your region.

Which privacy hedge grows the fastest?

Leyland Cypress and Green Giant Arborvitae are known as the fastest-growing hedges for privacy in temperate climates, often reaching their mature height within a few years.

Do I need to prune my privacy hedge?

Yes, regular pruning encourages fullness and prevents your hedge from becoming leggy or overgrown. Many species respond well to shaping and will quickly fill in after a trim.

Can I plant a hedge near a fence?

Certainly! Fast-growing privacy hedges can complement a fence and enhance your boundary's security and aesthetics. Be sure to allow enough room for air circulation and maintenance.

How soon will my quick-growing hedge provide privacy?

With the right choice and good care, many fast-growing privacy bushes will provide substantial screening within one or two growing seasons. Planting larger nursery stock can accelerate your results even more.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Garden with Speedy Privacy Hedges

Establishing quick privacy with blazing-growth hedges is not just possible--it's surprisingly easy and immensely rewarding. By choosing from this list of fastest-growing privacy plants, you can enjoy your personal sanctuary sooner than you ever thought possible. Whether your landscape calls for the classic grandeur of arborvitae, the colorful new growth of photinia, or the tropical flair of bamboo, there's a rapid-growing hedge perfect for your property.

Ready to create your own green retreat? Start with one of these top 9 hedging superstars and watch your privacy grow right before your eyes!

Key Takeaways: Get Instant Privacy with Fast-Growth Hedges

• Fast-growing hedges offer quick, beautiful privacy solutions for any yard.
• Evergreens like Leyland Cypress and Green Giant Arborvitae deliver thick year-round screening.
• Useful for noise reduction, wildlife value, and added curb appeal.
• Regular pruning boosts growth and encourages fullness.
• Plant your preferred option this season and enjoy instant privacy within a few years!

Give your home and garden the gift of seclusion and beauty. With these 9 blazing-growth hedges, privacy is just a planting away!