Looking for some privacy but don’t want to wait a decade for it? These fast-growing hedge plants are the perfect solution for getting that lush, green screen in no time. Here’s a breakdown of what each plant brings to your backyard.
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++Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
The Cherry Laurel is easily one of the most popular choices for a privacy screen. Its thick, glossy leaves have a beautiful shape and a deep, rich color. Plus, it’s super low-maintenance and grows into a very dense wall of foliage. For the best results, plant your Cherry Laurel in a spot that’s slightly protected from harsh winds and make sure the soil doesn’t get waterlogged. Do that, and this plant will be a real standout in your garden.
++Red Tip Photinia (Photinia)
If you want speed and a pop of color, the Photinia is your best friend. This plant can grow up to three feet a year and provides excellent privacy. What makes it special is the color play: while the mature leaves are a vibrant green, the fresh new growth comes in a stunning bright red. Not many other plants can pull off that look! Photinias love partial shade and moist soil, so if things get a bit dry in the summer, be sure to give them a good soak.
++European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
The European Beech (often called Copper Beech depending on the variety) is another fast grower that makes for a classic, elegant hedge. Gardeners love the tidy, structured look of its leaves. You can let it grow naturally for a more rustic feel or prune it into a sharp, formal shape—it handles pruning like a champ! It’s a reliable workhorse that looks great year-round.
++Hedge Maple (Acer campestre)
For a hedge with a distinct look, try the Hedge Maple. This deciduous tree grows about a foot and a half every year. When you space them out correctly, they’ll knit together into a beautiful screen very quickly. The iconic maple leaf shape adds a lot of character to your yard, and you’ll even see charming little flowers starting in May. Because it’s such a vigorous grower, you’ll likely want to prune it twice a year to keep it looking its best.
++Hornbeam (Carpinus)
Hornbeams grow nice and thick, but they generally stay a bit more manageable in height compared to some beech varieties. They are a go-to choice for professional landscapers who want to create perfectly shaped, architectural hedges. Hornbeams are incredibly hardy and tolerate heavy pruning. You’ll probably need to break out the shears twice a year to maintain that crisp look, but the result is a stunning, dense barrier.
++American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
