Achieve Seclusion with 9 Dynamic Fast-Growing Hedges

Posted on 20/05/2025

Are you yearning for more privacy in your garden, patio, or backyard? Secluding your property from neighbors and busy streets is easier than you think! Fast-growing hedges offer an attractive, natural, and environmentally friendly solution for those who want to achieve seclusion swiftly and stylishly. With the right hedge, you can create a beautiful living wall that delivers privacy, noise reduction, and even habitat for local wildlife.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover 9 of the best fast-growing hedges for privacy, how to plant and maintain them, and tips for achieving the ultimate secluded sanctuary in your outdoor space.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Hedges for Privacy?

When you need seclusion fast, slow-growing shrubs and trees simply won't suffice. Fast-growing hedges:

Establish privacy in just a few seasons rather than waiting years for mature growth.
Create lush, green walls that act as barriers against noise, wind, and prying eyes.
Offer year-round beauty with both evergreen and deciduous varieties to choose from.
Enhance property value and curb appeal.
Support birds and pollinators, providing valuable urban or suburban wildlife habitat.

If you're ready to achieve seclusion with dynamic fast-growing hedges, read on for our expertly curated list of the top 9 options, with planting and care advice for each!

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The Best 9 Fast-Growing Hedges for Seclusion

1. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet hedges are a staple choice for those seeking a classic, dense privacy screen. Grown for its vigorous growth habit--reaching up to 3 feet per year--privet creates a lush green barrier quickly. Common varieties like the Amur and Japanese privet are easy to shape and thrive in various soil types.

Height: 4-12 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Features: Semi-evergreen or evergreen, drought tolerant

Tip: Regular pruning encourages denser growth and helps maintain the desired hedge shape.

2. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Known for its shiny, dark green leaves and prominent growth speed, cherry laurel forms an effective evergreen screen that looks beautiful year-round. With a rapid growth rate of up to 2 feet per year, this hardy hedge is resistant to pollution and adaptable to various conditions, making it a favorite in urban gardens.

Height: 6-20 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to shade
Features: Evergreen, glossy foliage, white spring flowers

Tip: Plant cherry laurel as a dense hedge for privacy or as a single specimen for dramatic effect.

3. Arborvitae (Thuja spp.)

Arborvitae is a popular choice for quick privacy due to its neat, upright growth and rich, evergreen foliage. 'Green Giant' and 'Emerald' arborvitae are especially known for their fast growth and resilience to pests and disease. These hedges are ideal for tight spaces and require minimal maintenance.

Height: 10-40 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Features: Evergreen, aromatic foliage

Tip: Space arborvitae 3-4 feet apart for a seamless, tight hedge.

4. Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp. and Fargesia spp.)

If you crave a tropical look and speedy growth, bamboo is unrivaled. Certain non-invasive clumping varieties, such as Fargesia, make excellent fast-growing hedges for privacy and are well-behaved in the garden. Bamboo provides immediate vertical coverage and sways gracefully in the breeze.

Height: 8-40 feet (depending on species)
Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Features: Evergreen, wind and sound barrier

Note: Avoid "running" bamboo unless contained, as it can spread aggressively.

5. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Boxwood hedges are prized for their formal appearance and dense growth. While not the fastest-growing option, English and American boxwood can still add up to 1 foot per year and are incredibly versatile, thriving in sun or shade and tolerant of pruning for clean, geometric shapes.

Height: 2-15 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 1 foot per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to shade
Features: Evergreen, deer-resistant, classic aesthetics

Tip: Plant boxwoods close together for a dense, impenetrable privacy hedge.

6. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

If you desire a colorful privacy screen, photinia--especially the 'Red Robin' variety--offers sensational red growth in spring, maturing to glossy green foliage. This fast-growing hedge plant is commonly used throughout temperate regions and stands out for its stunning seasonal display.

Height: 6-15 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Features: Evergreen, red-tipped new leaves, white spring blossoms

Tip: Clip new shoots after spring growth to maintain vivid red highlights.

7. Pyracantha (Firethorn)

Pyracantha is a thorny, evergreen hedge that grows quickly, delivering security and privacy in one. It produces clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by eye-catching orange or red berries in autumn. Its dense, spiny branches make it an effective deterrent for unwanted visitors.

Height: 6-12 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Features: Evergreen, bird-friendly berries, thorny deterrent

Tip: Use gloves when pruning to avoid the sharp thorns.

8. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Wax myrtle is a robust, fast-growing evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States. Valued for its aromatic leaves and attractive berries, wax myrtle resists pests, adapts to a wide range of soils, and brings a soft, feathery texture to your living privacy hedge.

Height: 10-20 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Features: Evergreen, aromatic foliage, tolerant of coastal conditions

Tip: Prune annually to shape and encourage new growth.

9. Escallonia

For those seeking a low-maintenance, flowering privacy hedge, escallonia is a delightful pick. This evergreen shrub features glossy leaves and stunning pink, white, or red blooms in summer. It's drought-resistant and responds well to trimming, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens.

Height: 4-10 feet
Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Features: Evergreen, flowering, tolerant of wind and salt spray

Tip: Plant escallonias in groups for a breathtaking summer hedge display.

How to Choose the Best Fast-Growing Hedge for Privacy

Not every hedge plant will suit your climate, soil, or personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider before selecting a dynamic fast-growing privacy hedge:

Sunlight: Assess how much sunlight your hedge area receives daily.
Soil Drainage: Ensure the soil is well-draining; amend heavy clay as needed.
Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreens provide year-round coverage while deciduous varieties may thin in winter.
Height & Spread: Think about how tall and wide you want your hedge to grow.
Maintenance: Some hedges need frequent pruning to look their best.
Allergies: Be mindful of pollen or berry-producing hedges if allergies are a concern.

Planting and Caring for Your Fast-Growing Hedges

Fast-growing hedges for privacy only reach their full potential with proper planting and care. Here's an essential step-by-step guide:

1. Site Preparation

Remove weeds and grass from the planting strip.
Dig a trench twice the width of the root balls and to the same depth as the root ball height.
Amend soil with compost to boost fertility and drainage.

2. Planting Your Hedges

Space plants according to type and desired density (usually 2-4 feet apart for a tight screen).
Set each plant in the trench and backfill with enriched soil.
Water in well to help roots settle and reduce air pockets.

3. Watering and Mulching

Water young hedges regularly, especially during the first growing season.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Pruning for Density

Start pruning early--trimming the tips encourages bushier growth and a denser hedge.
For formal hedges, trim 1-2 times per year; informal screens may need less frequent pruning.

5. Feeding and Ongoing Care

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Monitor for pests and diseases--treat as needed with organic or chemical controls.

Creative Ways to Use Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

Dynamic, quick-growing hedges are more than just barriers--they're living design features in your landscape. Here are some creative uses for your privacy hedge:

Border patios or decks for intimate outdoor rooms.
Screen unsightly views, such as sheds or alleyways.
Curb traffic noise alongside busy streets.
Establish a lush backdrop for a flower garden or vegetable plot.
Define property lines with natural beauty.
Attract birds, bees, and butterflies for a thriving garden ecosystem.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Privacy Hedges

How quickly will my hedge grow?

Growth rates vary by species, but the dynamic hedges in this list can grow from 1 to 5 feet per year with proper care.

Do fast-growing hedges require a lot of maintenance?

Most will need regular watering, pruning for density, and feeding during the growing season, especially in their first few years. Once established, maintenance usually decreases.

Which hedges work best in shade?

Cherry laurel, privet, and boxwood tolerate partial to full shade, making them ideal fast-growing privacy hedges for less sunny areas.

Can I grow a hedge close to my fence or wall?

Yes, but ensure you leave enough space for future growth and maintenance access. Plant at least 2-3 feet from any existing structure.

Conclusion: Create Your Private Oasis with Fast-Growing Hedges

Seclusion doesn't have to come at the expense of beauty or time. With one (or more!) of these 9 dynamic fast-growing hedges, you can achieve privacy, tranquility, and style in record time. From formal boxwoods to lush bamboo or colorful photinia, there's a fast-growing hedge perfect for every garden.

Ready to achieve seclusion? Choose the right fast-growing privacy hedge for your property, follow our planting tips, and soon you'll enjoy a lush, green barrier that transforms your outdoor space into a true retreat. Embrace your living privacy fence today!