Privacy guaranteed: 9 hedges that grow at record speed

Posted on 17/05/2025

Privacy Guaranteed: 9 Hedges That Grow at Record Speed

Dreaming of a lush green barrier that guarantees solitude? Fast-growing privacy hedges are the ultimate natural solution for creating private, tranquil outdoor spaces with speed and style. If you're eager to shield your yard from prying eyes, reduce noise, or simply add scenic greenery, these rapid-growing hedge varieties are your best bet. Discover nine of the best privacy hedges that grow at record speed and how to care for them so your oasis remains private--all year round.

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Why Choose Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges?

Homeowners love using living hedges as natural privacy screens for several reasons:

Instant privacy--they grow quickly and fill in gaps faster than traditional options
Noise reduction, providing a sound barrier to street noise or noisy neighbors
Environmental benefits such as air purification, windbreaking, and wildlife habitat creation
Increased curb appeal and property value
Low maintenance and often evergreen for year-round screening

Fast-growing privacy shrubs and hedges can reach mature heights in record time, making them ideal for newly built homes or renovations where privacy is immediately needed. Let's dive into the top choices that guarantee privacy--and grow with lightning speed!

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

The Classic for Speedy Privacy

Leyland Cypress remains the gold standard in fastest-growing privacy hedges worldwide. This evergreen giant is well-known for its lightning-fast vertical growth rate--often up to 4 feet per year!

Height: Mature trees can reach 40-60 feet, but can be pruned to any desired height.
Growth Rate: Up to 3-4 feet per year under optimal conditions.
USDA Zones: Best for 6-10.
Sun Needs: Full sun for densest growth.
Maintenance: Tolerates heavy pruning; trim annually for a formal hedge.

Why it's great: Leyland Cypress offers a dense, feathery screen that quickly blocks unwanted views. It tolerates a range of soils and handles urban pollution admirably.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata)

The Popular Evergreen Powerhouse

Green Giant Arborvitae has exploded in popularity for those seeking hedges that provide privacy at record speed. This hybrid is lush, disease-resistant, and low-maintenance.

Height: Up to 30-40 feet at maturity.
Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year.
USDA Zones: 5-9.
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance: Minimal; trim as desired for shape.

Why choose it? This hedge grows symmetrically without rampant spreading. It resists deer and most common pests, making it perfect for suburban and rural yards alike.

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

The Adaptable Privacy Champion

Few shrubs match Privet's speed and adaptability. This classic hedge boasts bright green foliage and tolerates a wide range of soils--and grows up to 2-3 feet per year.

Height: Typically 10-12 feet (can be kept shorter).
Growth Rate: 2-3 feet annually.
USDA Zones: 4-8, depending on species.
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance: Responds well to heavy trimming; shape as desired.

What makes it stand out? Privet quickly creates a dense, formal border, and blooms with fragrant white flowers in late spring. Note: Some varieties are invasive, so check with local guidelines.

4. Bamboo (Bambusoideae)

The Exotic, Ultra-Fast Screen

Looking for hedges that grow fastest for privacy? Bamboo is in a league of its own. Many non-invasive clumping varieties form towering screens within just a couple of years!

Height: 10-20 feet or more, depending on variety.
Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year or more.
USDA Zones: 5-11 (varies by type).
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance: Avoid running bamboo--or contain with barriers to prevent spreading.

Best varieties: Choose clumping bamboo like Bambusa multiplex or Fargesia for non-invasive hedging.

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

The Lush, Broadleaf Evergreen Option

Cherry Laurel (also called English Laurel) is prized among quick-growing privacy bushes. Its glossy, dark-green foliage and strong vertical growth make it a beautiful, effective screen.

Height: 15-20 feet (prune for shorter hedges).
Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year.
USDA Zones: 6-9.
Sun Needs: Tolerates sun or shade.
Maintenance: Occasional pruning keeps it neat and full.

Perfect for: Evergreen privacy hedges where a lush, classic look is desired. Fast and dense!

6. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

The Fragrant, Versatile Hedge

If you want privacy shrubs that grow quickly and also offer a fresh scent, Wax Myrtle is your hedge. With aromatic foliage and excellent salt tolerance, it's ideal for coastal areas.

Height: 10-20 feet.
Growth Rate: Up to 3-5 feet per year.
USDA Zones: 7-10.
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance: Prune lightly for fullness and shape.

Special features: Tolerates poor soils and is resistant to most pests and diseases. A low-maintenance, fast-growing privacy shrub.

7. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

The Vibrant, Colorful Barrier

Few privacy hedges make a statement quite like Photinia. Its new growth emerges in vivid red, maturing to glossy green for a two-tone privacy curtain.

Height: 10-15 feet (can be pruned lower).
Growth Rate: Up to 2-3 feet per year.
USDA Zones: 7-9.
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance: Prune regularly to stimulate red growth and fullness.

Why plant it? Photinia offers a dynamic, colorful look that stands out in any garden as a privacy hedge that grows fast.

8. Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis')

The Shade-Loving Evergreen

If your property is partly shaded, the Skip Laurel is ideal. It's hardy, dense, and forms an impenetrable green wall even in less-than-perfect sunlight.

Height: 10-15 feet at maturity.
Growth Rate: 2 feet per year with good conditions.
USDA Zones: 6-9.
Sun Needs: Grows well in partial shade.
Maintenance: Prune as needed to maintain height and density.

Best feature: Tolerates urban soils and adapts well to both sun and shade, making it perfect for diverse yards.

9. Red-Tipped Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin')

Vivid Color for Privacy and Beauty

Red-Tipped Photinia is renowned for both speed and bold appearance. Its striking red new leaves make it an attractive--and effective--fast privacy plant.

Height: 10-15 feet at maturity.
Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year.
USDA Zones: 7-9.
Sun Needs: Prefers full sun for best color.
Maintenance: Prune new growth for a denser hedge and color revival.

Why plant it? Not only does it provide a lush visual barrier, but it also lights up the landscape from spring through fall.

How to Plant and Maintain Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

Preparation

Soil: Most fast-growing hedges prefer rich, well-draining soils. Test and amend as needed.
Spacing: For a dense privacy wall, plant 3-5 feet apart (check species requirements).
Watering: Regular, deep watering during establishment is crucial!

Maintenance Tips for Lush, Full Privacy Hedges

Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.
Fertilize yearly with balanced, slow-release formula for optimal growth.
Prune regularly to maintain shape, density, and prevent legginess.
Monitor for pests and diseases--choose resistant varieties when possible.
Water during droughts, especially for newly planted hedges.

A little ongoing care ensures your privacy hedge remains thick, healthy, and fast-growing for years to come.

Choosing the Best Rapid-Growing Privacy Hedge for Your Space

When selecting the best fast privacy hedge for your yard, consider these factors:

Sunlight: Does your location get full sun, partial shade, or deep shade?
Soil Drainage: Check drainage and soil pH for compatibility.
Climate: Match the plant's USDA zone to your area.
Desired Height and Spread: Consider mature size and how much space you wish to fill.
Maintenance Level: Some species require more pruning or pest control than others.
Allergies and Pets: Some hedges have berries or foliage that could be toxic to animals.

PRO TIP: For year-round privacy, choose evergreen and semi-evergreen varieties--they hold their leaves through winter and offer consistent screening.

Additional Advantages of Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy

Fast privacy hedges offer more than just visual separation. Here are several additional benefits:

Improved air quality by trapping dust and pollutants
Noise dampening from busy streets
Energy savings through windbreaks and microclimate creation
Wildlife habitat for birds and beneficial insects
Seasonal beauty with flowers, berries, and colorful foliage

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Conclusion: Privacy Guaranteed with Hedges That Grow at Record Speed

If you want privacy, peace, and beauty--fast--these hedges deliver. With options suitable for every climate and style, there's an ideal, fast-growing privacy hedge for every landscape. Whether you crave a classic cypress curtain, a vibrant photinia border, or a modern bamboo wall, each of these nine options offers rapid growth and lasting seclusion with minimal fuss.

Start planting today and enjoy guaranteed privacy for years to come--with a lush, living wall grown at record speed!

Frequently Asked Questions about Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

What is the quickest growing hedge for privacy?

Leyland Cypress tops the list, growing up to 4 feet per year under ideal conditions. Green Giant Arborvitae and bamboo are other top contenders for speed.

How close should I plant privacy hedges?

This depends on the variety, but as a rule of thumb, space fast-growing privacy shrubs 3 to 5 feet apart for a dense, solid screen. Always consider the mature width of your chosen plant.

Are there any privacy hedges for shade?

Yes, Skip Laurel and most types of laurel thrive in partial shade. Some varieties of photinia and privet also perform well out of direct sun.

Do fast privacy hedges require a lot of maintenance?

Most fast-growing hedge plants benefit from regular pruning to remain neat and dense. If you choose a variety resistant to pests and diseases, maintenance is minimal.

With the right choice, you'll enjoy year-round peace, beauty, and--most importantly--guaranteed privacy!