Discover the Top 9 Hedges for Rapid Privacy Growth

Posted on 24/09/2025

Discover the Top 9 Hedges for Rapid Privacy Growth

Are you searching for the fastest-growing privacy hedges to create a secluded outdoor sanctuary? Whether you want to block out neighbors, reduce noise, or define property lines, selecting the right hedging plants is vital. In this comprehensive guide, we uncover the top 9 hedges for rapid privacy growth, providing options that offer beauty, structure, and effective screening for any landscape.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

Fast-growing privacy hedges are an excellent investment for homeowners and landscapers. These living barriers:

• Provide privacy faster than typical shrubs and trees
• Add lush greenery and curb appeal to your property
• Help reduce noise and wind while creating natural boundaries
• Offer habitats for birds and beneficial insects

Privacy hedges can transform your outdoor spaces into tranquil retreats. But, not all hedges grow at the same pace. That's why choosing fastest growing hedges for privacy ensures you'll enjoy a mature screen in less time.

Things to Consider Before Planting Hedges for Privacy

When planning for a quick privacy hedge, consider the following factors to select the best species for your locale and needs:

• Climate suitability: Make sure the plant thrives in your USDA Hardiness Zone
• Soil conditions: Check if the hedge prefers acid, neutral, or alkaline soil, as well as drainage needs
• Sunlight requirements: Some hedges thrive in full sun, while others tolerate shade
• Maintenance: Decide if you prefer low-maintenance hedges or enjoy regular pruning
• Height and density: Consider how tall and dense you want your living privacy fence to be

The Top 9 Fastest-Growing Privacy Hedges

From evergreens to flowering hedges, these nine options are favored for their rapid growth rates and dense foliage--ideal for privacy screens. Let's explore the characteristics, pros, and cons of each.

1. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

• Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
• Height at Maturity: 30-50 feet; easily trimmed for shorter hedges
• USDA Zones: 5-8

The **Green Giant Arborvitae** leads the list of fastest-growing privacy hedges. This evergreen conifer is resilient, disease-resistant, and can handle a variety of soils. Its dense, bright green foliage forms an impenetrable privacy wall quickly. It's deer-resistant and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tip: Plant 5-6 feet apart for a solid, uniform screen.

2. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

• Growth Rate: Up to 4 feet per year
• Height at Maturity: 60-70 feet
• USDA Zones: 6-10

The Leyland Cypress is a favorite for rapid-growing hedges. Its vigorous growth and feathery, lush green texture make it a perfect living fence. It is easily shaped and tolerant of pollution--making it popular in suburban areas.

Note: Requires space and regular pruning to prevent overcrowding and wind damage.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Height at Maturity: 10-15 feet (depends on pruning)
• USDA Zones: 5-9

Privet hedges are a classic choice for both formal and informal screens. Known for their rapid growth and dense habit, privet forms a thick green barrier. It's easy to maintain and can be shaped to any style--even topiary!

Tip: Trim regularly to prevent flowering and seed dispersal, which can be invasive in some areas.

4. Bamboo (Bambusa spp., Phyllostachys spp.)

• Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year, sometimes more in ideal conditions
• Height at Maturity: 10-30 feet, depending on the species
• USDA Zones: Varies, most common varieties suit Zones 6-10

Bamboo is unmatched for those who need an instant and exotic privacy screen. Many clumping varieties are non-invasive and form thick, tall screens quickly. Bamboo's airy foliage and upright canes lend a tropical vibe to any landscape.

Important: Stick to clumping types for control or use root barriers if planting running bamboo.

5. Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus, English or Cherry Laurel)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Height at Maturity: 15-25 feet
• USDA Zones: 6-9

Cherry Laurel is prized for its glossy, broad leaves and rapid growth. This evergreen hedge is extremely dense, offering privacy year-round. It's low-maintenance and tolerates clay soils, shade, and pollution.

Note: Poisonous if ingested. Not recommended for gardens with pets or small children.

6. Red-Tipped Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Height at Maturity: 12-15 feet
• USDA Zones: 7-9

Known for its vibrant red new growth, the Photinia creates both eye-catching beauty and a quick privacy barrier. White flower clusters in spring make it a visually striking hedge all year. Photinia prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Tip: Prune annually to maintain color and prevent common fungal issues.

7. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

• Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year for faster varieties like 'Wintergreen'
• Height at Maturity: 4-6 feet (traditional clipping), can reach 15-20 feet unpruned
• USDA Zones: 5-9

Boxwood is renowned for its elegance, adaptability, and fast-growing cultivars like 'Winter Gem' and 'Wintergreen'. These boxwoods provide tight, evergreen privacy screens with minimal fuss and can be kept as low or high as needed.

Note: Choose disease-resistant varieties and proper site placement for longevity.

8. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

• Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
• Height at Maturity: 10-20 feet
• USDA Zones: 7-11

Wax Myrtle is a fast-growing native shrub in the southern U.S., perfect for informal privacy hedges. Its aromatic, waxy leaves repel insects and retain luster all year. It's salt-tolerant, making it perfect for coastal gardens.

Tip: Thrives on poor soils and can be pruned for shape or left to form a wild barrier.

9. Holly (Ilex spp., especially 'Nellie R. Stevens')

• Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Height at Maturity: 15-25 feet
• USDA Zones: 6-9

The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a robust, resilient evergreen with striking, glossy leaves and bright red berries in winter. Its rapid growth rate and year-round density make it a premium privacy hedge option for diverse climates.

Note: Requires a male pollinator for berry production. Handles sun and partial shade.

Summary Table: Fastest Growing Privacy Hedges

Planting and Care Tips for Thriving Privacy Hedges

Once you've selected your fast-growing privacy hedge, follow these guidelines to maximize healthy, rapid screening:

• Plant during dormancy (late fall or early spring) for best root development
• Space plants appropriately--too close, and they'll compete for resources; too far, and you'll wait longer for full coverage
• Water deeply after planting and during dry spells, especially the first two years
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize only if soil tests indicate deficiencies; excess fertilizer can harm roots and slow establishment
• Prune regularly after initial establishment to maintain dense, attractive growth

How to Choose the Best Fast-Growing Hedge for Your Yard

• For large-scale screening: Green Giant Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, or Bamboo
• For ornamental appeal: Photinia (for its color), Holly (for berries), or Boxwood (for formality)
• For wildlife value: Wax Myrtle (bird-friendly), Holly (berries attract birds)
• For coastal or tough conditions: Wax Myrtle or Laurel
• For small spaces or containers: Boxwood varieties, clumping Bamboo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rapid-Growth Privacy Screens

Which hedge grows the fastest for privacy?

Green Giant Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, and various Bamboo species are considered the fastest privacy hedges, with growth rates of up to 5 feet per year under optimal conditions.

What is the best evergreen hedge for privacy?

Evergreen hedges provide year-round coverage. Popular choices include Arborvitae, Holly, Cherry Laurel, and Boxwood for a dense, lasting green wall.

What is the easiest fast-growing hedge to maintain?

Wax Myrtle and Boxwood require minimal pruning and are fairly drought-tolerant once established, making them some of the easiest to maintain.

Can I mix different types of hedging plants for privacy?

Absolutely! Mixing fast-growing hedges can increase biodiversity and visual interest, and help manage pest and disease risks. Just ensure each species' needs are compatible.

Conclusion: Design Your Ideal Private Outdoor Oasis

Choosing the best rapid-growth hedges for privacy can dramatically transform your yard's atmosphere, comfort, and value. Consider your climate, preferred hedge appearance, and maintenance capacity to select from these top 9 privacy screens. With thoughtful planting and basic care, you'll soon experience the seclusion and serenity only a living green wall can provide.

Ready to create your own lush privacy hedge? Start planning and planting today, and enjoy a beautiful private outdoor retreat in just a few seasons!