Establish a Private Oasis with 9 Rapidly-Growing Hedges

Posted on 15/08/2025

Establish a Private Oasis with 9 Rapidly-Growing Hedges

Are you longing for a sanctuary in your backyard? Creating a private oasis is easier and more affordable than you might think. One of the most effective, natural, and attractive ways to achieve seclusion is to plant fast-growing hedges. These living walls enhance privacy, reduce noise, block unsightly views, and provide year-round beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you how to establish a private oasis with 9 rapidly-growing hedges that thrive in various climates, suit different landscape styles, and offer quick results.

Why Choose Rapidly-Growing Hedges?

When dreaming of a backyard retreat, you probably don't want to wait a decade for your privacy screen to mature. Fast-growing hedge plants offer swift coverage, transforming open spaces into lush sanctuaries within just a few seasons. Let's explore the key advantages:

• Speed: Many fast-growers add 2-6 feet per year, much faster than traditional hedges.
• Curb Appeal: Lush, green boundaries enhance property value and beauty.
• Eco-Friendly: Living hedges filter air, reduce noise pollution, and support wildlife.
• Customizable: Shape them with pruning for formal lines or let them grow naturally for a relaxed look.

What Makes a Hedge Rapidly-Growing?

The growth rate of hedging plants depends on species, soil quality, climate, and maintenance. For our list, we focused on plants that routinely deliver at least 2 feet of new growth per year when well-cared-for, providing fast and dense privacy.

Top 9 Rapidly-Growing Hedges for a Private Oasis

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Growth rate: Up to 3-5 feet per year
Leyland Cypress is a favorite for privacy seekers who want instant screening. The dense foliage forms a solid wall of green, blocking views and wind effectively. Suitable for large yards, it reaches up to 60 feet tall if unpruned but can be held at any height with regular trimming.

• Evergreen for year-round coverage
• Tolerates most soils and urban pollution
• Needs full sun and good drainage

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant')

Growth rate: 3-4 feet per year
'Green Giant' is a robust, disease-resistant alternative to Leyland Cypress. Its soft, fragrant foliage offers an elegant coniferous screen perfect for both formal and informal gardens.

• Thrives in zones 5-8
• Low-maintenance once established
• Deer-resistant compared to other evergreens

3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
Privet hedges have been used for centuries to create classic living fences. Their small, glossy leaves respond well to tight shearing, creating crisp lines and shapes. They're exceptionally adaptable and vigorous.

• Deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on climate
• Tolerates partial shade and a range of soils
• Fragrant blooms in early summer

4. Bamboo (Phyllostachys and Clumping Types)

Growth rate: 3-5 feet per year (sometimes more)
When you want ultra-fast coverage and an exotic, tranquil vibe, bamboo is unbeatable. Choose clumping bamboo species to avoid invasive spreading. The tall, swaying canes create an instant screen and add soothing movement to the garden.

• Evergreen; provides year-round privacy
• Grows well in containers to manage spread
• Ideal for tight spaces and modern landscapes

5. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
Cherry Laurel's glossy, broad leaves provide robust screening and a classic look in both sun and shade. It tolerates urban conditions and produces lovely white flower spikes in spring.

• Excellent option for shade or tough conditions
• Thrives in US zones 6-9
• Bird-attracting black berries in fall

6. Photinia (Photinia x fraseri 'Red Tip')

Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
Photinia's striking red new growth matures to deep green, making it one of the most colorful hedging plants available. It creates a dense privacy wall and responds well to pruning into formal or informal shapes.

• Evergreen and ornamental
• Heat and drought tolerant once established
• Attracts pollinators with spring flowers

7. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

Growth rate: 3-5 feet per year
Wax Myrtle is prized for its fragrant, lush foliage and fast growth. It's an outstanding choice for coastal landscapes due to its salt tolerance. Adaptable and easy to maintain, Wax Myrtle creates a billowing, informal screen.

• Excellent for wildlife habitat
• Evergreen in southern climates
• Low water needs once established

8. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year (up to 3 feet for some cultivars)
While slightly slower than others on this list, American Arborvitae is a traditional favorite for windbreaks, privacy hedges, and living fences. Varieties like 'Emerald' and 'Techny' deliver reliable density, winter color, and classic landscape style.

• Cold hardy for northern gardens
• Responds beautifully to shearing
• Provides excellent noise reduction

9. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
For a Mediterranean flair, choose Italian Cypress. Its narrow, columnar habit forms a dramatic, vertical wall of dense blue-green foliage. Use in rows for a privacy screen or as living pillars flanking driveways and entrances.

• Evergreen with minimal maintenance needs
• Perfect for small gardens due to slender form
• Heat and drought tolerant

How to Choose the Best Rapidly-Growing Hedge for Your Landscape

Selecting the right fast-growing hedge depends on several key considerations:

• Climate Suitability: Always choose a species adapted to your USDA hardiness zone.
• Sunlight Requirements: Some hedges need full sun; others are shade-tolerant.
• Soil and Water: Assess your site's drainage, fertility, and irrigation options.
• Desired Height: Consider how tall you need your living privacy screen to grow.
• Pruning Commitment: Some hedges are formal and require frequent shaping; others suit a natural look with minimal attention.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Favor resilient species and evaluate potential risks like deer, rabbits, or regional plant diseases.
• Appearance: Decide if you want evergreen or deciduous, fine-textured, flowering, or berry-producing hedges.

Planting and Caring for Rapid-Growing Hedges

To establish a fast privacy hedge, follow these essential steps:

1. Prepare the Site: Remove weeds, amend the soil with compost, and ensure proper drainage.
2. Spacing: Plant shrubs according to their mature width for a full, dense screen. Check the recommended spacing on plant tags or nursery info.
3. Watering: Provide deep, regular watering especially the first 2 years until roots are established.
4. Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Feeding: Fertilize once a year in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
6. Pruning: Prune for shape, size, and density. Most fast hedges respond well to annual trimming - don't be afraid to cut back hard!

Pro Tip: For the fastest results, start with larger nursery plants rather than tiny seedlings. Keep young hedges free from competition for light and nutrients by weeding regularly.

Additional Benefits of Rapid-Growing Hedges

Beyond privacy, there are many reasons to establish a fast-growing green barrier in your home landscape:

• Windbreaks: Shield patios, pools, and play areas from wind and dust.
• Noise Reduction: Dense hedges muffle street and neighbor noise.
• Wildlife Habitat: Birds, butterflies, and pollinators find shelter and food.
• Visual Interest: Most of these hedges provide year-round beauty, blooms, or striking foliage variations.
• Eco-Friendly Cooling: Greenery shades and cools your outdoor spaces, reducing energy needs for homes nearby.

Creative Uses for Fast-Growing Hedges

• Create a "green room" or outdoor living area surrounded by tall hedges
• Define property lines for privacy and security
• Hide unsightly views like sheds, utility boxes, or neighbor's yards
• Wind protection for gardens and patios
• Sound barrier along busy streets or next to playgrounds
• Foundation plantings that blend your house into its landscaping

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Rapidly-Growing Hedges

• Planting too densely: Overcrowding leads to poor air circulation and disease. Respect the mature size for best results.
• Ignoring pruning: Skipping regular trimming can result in leggy, thin hedges.
• Poor soil preparation: Fast hedges need healthy, fertile soil for best growth.
• Choosing the wrong species: Select a plant suited to your climate, soil, and sunlight.
• Poor watering practices: Both drought and overwatering can stunt new plantings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fast-Growing Hedges

How quickly can I expect a new hedge to become private?

With top selections like Leyland Cypress or Green Giant Arborvitae, expect 4-6 feet of dense growth within the first 2-3 years, providing substantial privacy in a short time.

Which rapidly growing hedge is best for small spaces?

Italian Cypress and clumping bamboo are ideal for space-saving privacy. You can also keep Privet or Photinia trimmed to compact sizes.

Are rapidly-growing hedges suitable for container planting?

Yes! Bamboo, Italian Cypress, Photinia, and some Privets do well in large containers, making them suitable for patios and urban gardens.

Can fast-growing hedges become invasive?

A few species can be aggressive if not managed - for instance, running bamboo spreads rapidly underground. Always choose clumping forms where possible, and consult with your local extension office about recommended hedge species.

Conclusion: Transform Your Garden into a Private Oasis

Establishing a private oasis with 9 rapidly-growing hedges is an investment in tranquility, security, and natural beauty. Choose from these top performers suited to your climate and landscape style. With just a bit of planning and ongoing care, your hedge will provide privacy and year-round enjoyment within just a few years. Start planting today, and soon you'll relish the peace and intimacy of your lush, secluded retreat.

Ready to create your green sanctuary? Visit your local nursery, select one (or a combination) of these fast-growing hedge plants, and take the first step toward a more peaceful, beautiful backyard. Your private oasis awaits!