Fences take a weekend to build and can cost thousands. A living screen takes a few seasons but grows better every year, feeds birds, and softens the whole yard. The right fast growing privacy shrubs can close a gap of 6 to 10 feet in three to five years.
Below are 10 reliable fast growing privacy shrubs for North American yards, with honest notes on size, speed, and where each one grows best.
Before You Choose
- Check your zone. Look it up on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
- Measure the space. Mature width matters as much as height. Many hedges end up wider than people expect.
- Decide on evergreen vs. deciduous. Evergreens screen year-round. In contrast, deciduous shrubs grow faster but lose their leaves in winter.
- Mix species. A hedge of one plant is vulnerable if a pest or disease arrives.
10 Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs
1. ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae
Grows up to 3 feet a year and reaches 40 feet or more. It’s best for large properties in zones 5 to 8. Spacing is crucial; see our guide to green giant arborvitae spacing.
2. ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae
Slower, about 1 foot a year, but very narrow, only 3 to 4 feet wide. That makes it ideal for tight side yards. Our emerald green arborvitae care guide covers watering and pruning.
3. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
A glossy broadleaf evergreen that grows 2 feet or more a year. It handles shade better than most hedges. However, it can be invasive in parts of the Pacific Northwest, so check local lists.
4. ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ Holly
This fast-growing holly has glossy leaves and red berries. In addition, it’s dense, deer-resistant, and suited to zones 6 to 9.
5. Privet (Ligustrum)
Privet is extremely fast and easy to shear. That said, several species are invasive in the Southeast and Midwest. Choose sterile cultivars or another option where privet escapes into woods.
6. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
A native evergreen for the Southeast and Gulf Coast. It grows 3 to 5 feet a year, tolerates salt, and feeds birds.
7. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Slower than the others, yet worth including in a mixed native screen in the East. Its berries feed winter birds.
8. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
A tough native juniper that handles drought, poor soil, and wind across much of North America. Plus, it provides excellent bird habitat.
9. Lilac
Deciduous, but fast, fragrant, and very cold-hardy. Lilacs make a lovely informal screen in zones 3 to 7.
10. Bamboo (Clumping Types Only)
Clumping bamboos like Fargesia grow quickly without spreading. On the other hand, avoid running bamboo, which can invade neighboring yards.
How to Plant Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs
- Plant in fall or early spring, when roots establish more easily.
- Space plants according to their mature width, not their pot size.
- Stagger two rows in a zigzag for faster coverage.
- Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep to hold moisture.
- Water deeply once or twice a week for the first two summers.
Speed Up Growth
- Water consistently. In fact, drought is the main thing that slows new hedges.
- However, avoid heavy fertilizer, which can cause weak, leggy growth.
- Also, shear lightly in the first years to encourage dense branching from the base.
Options for South American Gardens
In warm climates of South America, gardeners often use fast hedges like podocarpus, ficus, and duranta. In cooler areas of Chile and Argentina, cypress and laurel hedges are common. The same rules apply everywhere: right plant, right spacing, and steady water.
FAQ
What is the fastest growing privacy shrub?
‘Green Giant’ arborvitae and privet are among the fastest, often 3 feet a year once established.
How far apart should privacy shrubs be planted?
Generally, about half their mature width. For example, a shrub that grows 8 feet wide should be planted about 4 to 5 feet apart.
Can I mix different fast growing privacy shrubs?
Yes. In fact, mixing fast growing privacy shrubs gives a more natural look and makes the hedge less vulnerable to pests.
