If you need a privacy screen this decade, the choice of fast growing hedges bushes for privacy makes all the difference. Planting the right species can deliver a solid visual barrier in just two or three years, while the wrong pick leaves you staring at a sparse row of twigs.
Which Hedges Grow Fastest?
Growth rates vary more than most planting guides admit, and the difference matters when you’re waiting on a screen. The proven speedsters, with realistic annual growth under good conditions:
Evergreen vs. Deciduous: What’s the Trade-Off?
The single biggest decision is whether you need winter coverage. Evergreen conifers like Leyland cypress and arborvitae hold their foliage year-round, which is why they dominate privacy-hedge recommendations. Deciduous options like forsythia and most viburnums drop their leaves in fall, leaving neighbors a clear view until spring.
That seasonal gap is acceptable for some yards — if your main concern is summer pool use or blocking a view from a porch you rarely use in winter, a deciduous hedge can work well and often establishes faster. Wax myrtle and privet sit in between, keeping some foliage in mild regions while thinning out in colder zones. NC State Extension’s privacy planting guide stresses matching the plant to your site’s sun, soil, and drainage.
When and How to Plant for Fastest Establishment
Timing and aftercare matter as much as species choice. Fall is widely recommended as the ideal planting time for hedges, with early spring a close second. The key is avoiding summer heat while roots establish.
Spacing also shapes your timeline: closer spacing fills in faster, but you should still respect each species’ mature width to prevent crowding and disease. The NC State guide emphasizes that drainage problems kill more hedges than cold winters do.
| Species | Annual Growth | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Leyland cypress | 3–5 feet | Fastest evergreen screen; needs regular trimming |
| Arborvitae (fast cultivars) | 1–3 feet | Dense evergreen coverage with moderate maintenance |
| Privet | 2–3 feet | Classic formal hedge; semi-evergreen in mild zones |
| Wax myrtle | 2–3 feet | Salt-tolerant coastal screening |
| Viburnum | ~2 feet | Flowering screen; deciduous in cold zones |
| Forsythia | ~2 feet | Fast seasonal screen with spring color |
| Junipers (e.g., Wichita blue) | ~1 foot early | Low-maintenance evergreen; slower starter |
Pruning and Maintenance That Keeps a Hedge Private
Fast growth is a blessing and a chore. The goal is to keep the hedge narrow at the base and at your target height — a hedge left untrimmed quickly becomes a tree.
Southern Living’s fast-growing hedge roundup covers these species in practical detail.
One caution worth knowing: Euonymus alatus (burning bush) is considered invasive in North America, so skip it despite its fast growth and fall color. And if you’re weighing options before planting, our roundup of the best bushes for hedges compares top-performing species side by side for different climates and goals.
References & Sources
- Proven Winners. “Privacy Hedges.” Documents arborvitae growth rates and evergreen hedge selection.
- NC State Extension. “What Can I Plant for Privacy?” Covers site matching, soil, and planting considerations.
- Southern Living. “Fast-Growing Hedge Plants.” Recommends top privacy species and maintenance practices.