When it comes to creating privacy in your garden, there are a few different options to choose from. A common option is to plant a hedge. Hedges can provide both beauty and privacy, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you’re looking for a hedge that will grow quickly, there are a few varieties that are known for their fast growth rates.
Other options are fences and walls. Compared to fences and walls hedges offer a more natural look to your garden and can be a great addition to any landscape. They also have the added benefit of being alive, so they can provide some extra color and interest to your garden.
On the other hand , fences and walls are more permanent structures. They can provide a higher level of privacy, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a hedge. You will also need to trim your hedge regularly, making it a more high maintenance option.
What to consider in a privacy hedge
If you’re looking for a fast-growing hedge to provide privacy, there are a few things to consider about your space. How much sun and shade does your garden get? What type of soil do you have? And how big is the area you need to cover?
Box is a popular hedge type in the UK, but if the soil around it is not drained properly it becomes susceptible to box blight, here are some alternatives that are a bit more hardy.
Then you can move on to the properties of the hedge itself.
First, you will need to decide how dense of a hedge you want. A dense hedge will provide more privacy but will require more trimming.
Second, you will need to decide how fast you want the hedge to grow. A fast-growing hedge will provide privacy sooner but will require more maintenance.
Finally, you will need to decide how tall you want the hedge to be. A taller hedge will provide more privacy but may be too tall for your property.
You will also need to decide if you want an evergreen hedge or one that loses its leaves in the winter. Evergreen hedges provide privacy year-round but may be more expensive.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can narrow down your choices and pick the best fast-growing hedge for your garden.
Best fast growing hedges for privacy
Evergreens
Evergreen hedges are a great choice for privacy because they provide year-round coverage. They are also relatively low maintenance, only needing to be trimmed once a year.
There are a few different evergreen hedges that grow quickly and can provide privacy in your garden.
1. Laurel (English Lauren & Schip Laurel)(evergreen)
Laurus nobilis
Height: English Laurel typically grows to be about 12 feet tall, while Schip Laurel usually reaches a height of 15 feet.
Speed: Both varieties grow quickly, with English Laurel averaging about 2 feet per year and Schip Laurel gaining 3 to 4 feet in height annually.
Conditions: When choosing a location for your hedge, keep in mind that both English Laurel and Schip Laurel need full sun in order to thrive.
In terms of soil type, either variety will do well in most types of soil as long as it is well-drained. With proper care, an English Laurel or Schip Laurel hedge can provide you with many years of privacy and enjoyment.
2. Leylandii cypress
Cupressus × leylandii
height: The Leylandii cypress is a fast-growing hedge that can reach heights of up to 40 feet. It is an evergreen tree that is native to the UK, and it is often used as a privacy hedge.
speed: 3-4 ft/ year
conditions: The Leylandii cypress grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate both cold and heat, but it does not do well in windy conditions.
The Leylandii cypress has a shallow root system, so it is important to water it regularly. It is also susceptible to fungal diseases, so it is important to keep an eye on the health of the tree.
Overall, the Leylandii cypress is a great choice for a fast-growing hedge that will provide privacy.
3. Thuja Green Giant (evergreen)
Thuja plicata
Thuja Green Giant trees are a popular choice for hedges because they grow quickly and can provide significant privacy
height: 40-60 ft.
speed: On average, they can grow up to 3-5 feet per year.
conditions: They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and they do best in moist, well-drained soil.
Though they are relatively low-maintenance, Thuja Green Giant trees will benefit from occasional pruning to encourage dense growth.
Overall, they make an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast-growing hedge that provides both beauty and privacy.
4. Emerald Green Arborvitae (evergreen)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
height: 20-40 ft
speed: 2-3 ft/ year
conditions: It is an evergreen conifer that is tolerant of a range of soil types and prefers full sun. This hedge is a popular choice for privacy screening and can be planted as a border around a property.
Emerald Green Arborvitae has a dense growth habit and will thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
This plant is relatively low maintenance and does not require much pruning. When planting, space the Emerald Green Arborvitae 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper growth.
5. Holly (evergreen)
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a fast-growing evergreen hedge that can provide privacy all year round.
height: It typically reaches an average height of 6-8 feet, although it can grow up to 12 feet tall in ideal conditions.
speed: 1-2 ft/ year
conditions: Holly grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types.
Holly is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it does require occasional pruning to keep it tidy. In addition, holly is deer resistant and drought tolerant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners in many different regions.
6. Bamboo (evergreen)
Bamboo is a type of grass that is known for its fast growth. In fact, Bamboo is often used as a hedge because it can quickly fill in an empty space.
Height: When grown in rows, bamboo can reach heights of 15 feet or more, making it an excellent choice for privacy
Speed: Some species of bamboo can grow up to four feet in a single day!
Conditions: Bamboo does best in full sun and well-drained soil. However, it is also fairly drought tolerant once established. If you are looking for a fast-growing plant that will give you privacy and add beauty to your landscape, bamboo is an excellent choice.
Deciduous hedges
Deciduous hedges are not as common as evergreen hedges, but they can still provide privacy and beauty to your landscape. Although the density will change seasonally, giving less privacy in winter, you can enjoy the changing colours and appearance throughout the year.
7. Magnolia Grandiflora (deciduous)
Magnolia Grandiflora, also known as the southern magnolia or bull bay, is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its dense network of branches and glossy evergreen leaves.
height: 20-40 ft
speed: 2-3 ft/ year
conditions: Magnolia Grandiflora is native to the southeastern United States and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of both full sun and partial shade, though it will flower best in full sun.
With proper care, Magnolia Grandiflora can be an elegant and low-maintenance addition to any landscape.
8. Weigela (deciduous)
Weigela florida, more commonly known as weigela, is a deciduous shrub that is native to China and Korea. Weigela is often used as a hedge because of its dense growth habit and its ability to quickly provide privacy. It is also a popular landscape plant because of its showy flowers.
The funnel-shaped blooms range in color from white to pink to red, and they attract bees and butterflies.
height: On average, it grows to be about 3-6 feet tall, although some varieties can reach up to 10 feet.
speed: Weigela is a fast-growing plant, typically adding 2-3 feet of growth per year.
conditions: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it thrives in most soil types as long as the soil is well-drained.
Weigela is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively resistant to disease and pests. However, it does require annual pruning in order to maintain its shape.
Fastest growing ranking
1. Bamboo
2. Weigela
3. Magnolia Grandiflora
4. Emerald Green Arborvitae
5. Holly
Tips for installing a hedge
Thinking of planting a hedge yourself? Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Choose the right plant for your needs. Consider the height, speed of growth, and sunlight requirements of the plant before making a purchase.
2. Prepare the planting site by removing all weeds and debris, loosen the soil with a shovel or tiller to make sure the roots have plenty of room to grow.
3. Dig a trench that is twice as wide as the roots of the plant. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out.
4. Plant the hedge at the appropriate distance from your property line or other structures. Check the tag that came with the plant to find out how far apart they should be planted.
5. Water the plants deeply immediately after planting. Be sure to keep the soil moist throughout the first growing season.
6. Fertilize the plants according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.
7. Prune the hedge regularly to encourage growth and to maintain its shape.
How to care for your hedge
Once you have planted your hedge, it is important to give it the proper care to ensure that it thrives. Here are a few tips:
1. Water regularly. Hedge plants need 1-2 inches of water per week. Be sure to water deeply so that the roots can grow properly.
2. Fertilize yearly. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is specific for the type of hedge you are growing.
3. Prune regularly. This will help to encourage new growth and maintain the shape of the hedge.
4. Check for pests and diseases. If you notice any problems, treat them immediately according to the instructions on the product label.
5. Remove any dead or dying branches. This will help to keep the hedge healthy and looking its best.
With a little bit of care, your hedge will be a beautiful and functional addition to your landscape.
In conclusion , there are many different types of fast-growing hedges that can provide privacy for your home. Bamboo, weigela, magnolia grandiflora, and emerald green arborvitae are all good choices. Be sure to choose the right plant for your needs and give it the proper care to ensure that it thrives.
