What Plants Make the Best Hedge Fences for Privacy?

 In an age of growing urban density and shrinking personal space, privacy has become a luxury—especially in our backyards. But instead of turning to cold, industrial fencing, many homeowners are rediscovering the charm, beauty, and sustainability of hedge fences.

A hedge fence is a living barrier composed of densely planted shrubs or small trees. Properly selected and maintained, hedge plants can create thick, lush walls that shield your home from prying eyes, reduce noise, and even help regulate temperature and air quality. Plus, they’re often cheaper and more environmentally friendly in the long run than traditional wooden or metal fences.

Let’s explore the best plants to use for privacy hedge fences, what makes them ideal, and how to choose the right one based on your climate, needs, and garden style.

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What to Look for in a Good Hedge Plant

Not all shrubs make good hedge fences. The best privacy hedge plants usually share the following traits:

• Evergreen foliage – for year-round coverage

• Fast-growing – to establish privacy quickly

• Dense growth – to block sightlines and sound effectively

• Tolerant to pruning – so they can be shaped and controlled

• Adaptable to your soil and climate – for long-term success

Bonus traits to consider include flowering potential, fragrance, wildlife friendliness, and resistance to pests or drought.

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1. Leyland Cypress

Type: Evergreen | Growth Rate: Very Fast
Mature Height: 30–60 ft | Best for: Tall, quick privacy fences

Leyland cypress is a favorite for instant privacy. This fast-growing conifer can shoot up several feet per year and creates a dense green wall with proper spacing. It’s excellent for large yards or properties needing quick seclusion.

Pros:

• Extremely fast growth

• Tolerates various soil types

• Thick, year-round coverage

Cons:

• Requires frequent trimming

• Can suffer from root rot in wet soils

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2. Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’ or ‘Emerald Green’)

Type: Evergreen | Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Height: 10–40 ft | Best for: Formal and easy-care privacy screens

These conical evergreens are popular for neat, uniform hedges. ‘Green Giant’ is a fast-growing hybrid, while ‘Emerald Green’ grows more slowly and stays more compact.

Pros:

• Low maintenance

• Stays green all year

• Naturally pest-resistant

Cons:

• Can be damaged by heavy snow

• Requires spacing to avoid disease spread

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3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Type: Semi-evergreen or deciduous | Growth Rate: Very Fast
Mature Height: 8–15 ft | Best for: Formal, shaped hedges

Privet hedges are a classic option for suburban homes and estates. They grow quickly and respond well to pruning, allowing for sharp edges and artistic topiary shapes.

Pros:

• Incredibly fast growth

• Easy to trim and shape

• Inexpensive and widely available

Cons:

• Can become invasive in some regions

• May lose leaves in colder climates

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4. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

Type: Evergreen | Growth Rate: Slow to Medium
Mature Height: 2–8 ft | Best for: Low privacy screens or decorative borders

For lower privacy hedges or classic formal gardens, boxwood is a timeless choice. Its dense, small leaves respond well to tight pruning and are perfect for structured designs.

Pros:

• Elegant and traditional look

• Great for small spaces

• Easy to shape

Cons:

• Slow-growing

• Susceptible to boxwood blight in humid climates

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5. Holly (Ilex spp.)

Type: Evergreen | Growth Rate: Medium
Mature Height: 10–20 ft | Best for: Security hedges with style

Holly varieties such as Ilex aquifolium or Ilex crenata (Japanese holly) make striking, evergreen hedge fences. Their glossy leaves and red berries add color, while the prickly foliage acts as a natural deterrent.

Pros:

• Attractive berries and foliage

• Good for security

• Bird-friendly

Cons:

• Can be slow to fill in

• Some varieties need male and female plants for berries

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6. Photinia ‘Red Tip’

Type: Evergreen | Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Height: 10–15 ft | Best for: Colorful privacy screens

Photinia is an evergreen shrub with a show-stopping red flush of new growth. It grows fast and can be pruned into a neat hedge, offering privacy with a pop of seasonal color.

Pros:

• Fast-growing

• Unique red-to-green foliage

• Low maintenance once established

Cons:

• Susceptible to fungal spots in humid areas

• Needs full sun for best color

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7. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Type: Evergreen | Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Height: 10–20 ft | Best for: Lush, green privacy walls

This dense shrub features large, glossy leaves and thrives in a variety of conditions. It grows quickly and tolerates heavy pruning, making it perfect for privacy screens in many climates.

Pros:

• Thick and fast-growing

• Tolerates poor soil and shade

• Stays green all year

Cons:

• Toxic if ingested

• Can spread aggressively if unmanaged

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8. Bamboo (Clumping varieties only)

Type: Evergreen Grass | Growth Rate: Very Fast
Mature Height: 10–30 ft | Best for: Exotic and modern privacy screens

Clumping bamboo varieties like Bambusa multiplex or Fargesia can create tall, fast-growing privacy screens with a unique look. Avoid running bamboo unless you have proper containment.

Pros:

• Very fast growth

• Provides sound and wind buffering

• Unique, tropical appearance

Cons:

• Needs maintenance and thinning

• Some types can be invasive

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9. Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)

Type: Evergreen | Growth Rate: Medium
Mature Height: 10–15 ft | Best for: Elegant, tidy hedge lines

A more compact and stylish alternative to cherry laurel, Portuguese laurel has dark green leaves and reddish stems. It’s well-suited for formal privacy hedges and adapts well to pruning.

Pros:

• Tidy, attractive appearance

• Tolerates pruning and shaping

• Dense foliage year-round

Cons:

• Slower growing than cherry laurel

• Requires good drainage

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10. Hornbeam or Beech (Carpinus & Fagus)

Type: Deciduous (semi-evergreen in mild climates) | Growth Rate: Medium
Mature Height: 15–30 ft | Best for: Formal privacy hedges with seasonal interest

These trees can be kept pruned as dense hedges and hold their dead leaves through winter, offering visual privacy even when not fully green. Perfect for traditional, high-end landscapes.

Pros:

• Elegant structure

• Holds foliage through winter

• Long lifespan

Cons:

• Slower to establish

• Not ideal for full privacy in harsh winters

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Choosing the Right Hedge Fence Plant for You

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Need	Best Plant Choices
Fast Privacy	Leyland Cypress, Privet, Bamboo
Low Maintenance	Arborvitae, Boxwood, Photinia
Security	Holly, Thorny Hawthorn, Bamboo
Shade Tolerance	Cherry Laurel, Boxwood
Color and Beauty	Photinia, Holly, Beech
Formal Appearance	Boxwood, Portuguese Laurel, Hornbeam
Tall Barriers	Leyland Cypress, Bamboo, Arborvitae
Small Spaces	Boxwood, Japanese Holly, Dwarf Bamboo

Final Thoughts: Grow Privacy, Not Just a Wall

A hedge fence isn’t just about blocking the view—it’s about cultivating something alive, beautiful, and functional. With the right plants, you can transform your property line into a thriving, evergreen wall that supports wildlife, reduces noise, and adds lasting value to your home.