Fast growing shrubs are an excellent screening choice for smaller residential lots. Shrubs for backyard privacy for pools, outdoor patios, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits allow the homeowner the advantage of not having a “fishbowl” effect from adjoining neighbors or streets. Urban yards and downtown lots are usually too small for planting trees for privacy and fast growing shrubs are ideal for these areas.
Shrubs for Privacy – Dense Barrier or Light Screening
The homeowner must consider the requirements. Is the desire for a dense barrier or just a light screening to give an illusion of privacy? Once having decided what “effect” is needed, check some gardening reference books, visit a local nursery, or consult a Landscape Architect. National zone ranges can be located at The National Arbor Day Foundation. Pictures are available at Fast Growing Trees.
There are fast growing shrubs, ranging in size from 2-3 feet for smaller yards and patios, or up to 25 feet tall if there is adequate space.
Soft Touch Holly
This Holly is quickly becoming a favorite because of its small size and soft, flexible foliage. The shrub has dark glossy leaves, flowers in the spring, and berries in the winter for the birds.
- Zones – 5-9
- Mature height is 2-3 feet
- Mature width is 2 feet
- Full or partial sunlight
- Adaptable to soil conditions
- Good drought tolerance
Frost Proof Gardenia
This Gardenia is a densely leafed shrub with a symmetrical shape. The flowers are as fragrant as its larger cousin and the buds are seemingly not bothered by frost. Known to be hardy in the Midwest, this shrub is also deer resistant.
- Zones – 7-10
- Mature Height is 3-4 feet
- Mature width is 3-6 feet
- Full or partial sunlight
- Adaptable to most soil conditions
- Good drought tolerance
Tri-colored Willow Hedge
This shrub has a lot of branches and will quickly grow into a solid hedge if planted 6-8 feet apart. The leaves are light green with a border of pale white. New growth in the spring shows pink leaves. The rounded weeping form makes it a great accent plant as well.
- Zones – 5-9
- Mature height is 4-6 feet
- Mature width is 4-6 feet
- Full or partial sunlight
- Very adaptable to soil conditions
- Good drought tolerance
Chinese Privet Hedge
The Chinese Privet Hedge is the most desirable fast growing shrub because of low maintenance. It is ideal for planting in rows and makes a wonderful privacy screen or property divider. It requires no pruning to create a solid privacy hedge. When pruned, it maintains its pruned shape long after the trim. It is also great for concealing property utility services.
- Zones – 7-10
- Mature height is 6-8 feet
- Mature width is 6-8 feet
- Full or partial sunlight
- Adaptable to most soil conditions
- Good drought tolerance
Nellie Stevens Holly
This popular Holly Hedge offers complete year-round privacy for the back yard area. It will grow up to three feet per year. Planted 5-6 feet apart, the Holly will give a dense barrier with no holes or gaps. When the tree reaches the desired height, it can be trimmed by cutting off the leader which will slow growth and thicken the hedge. Birds will feast on the red berries in the winter.
- Zones – 6-9
- Mature height 15-25 feet if not pruned
- Mature width is 5-10 feet
- Full or partial sunlight
- Very adaptable to most soil conditions
- Good drought tolerance
Creating a private outdoor living space can be a fun way to improve a home’s value and usable space. Choosing a fast growing privacy hedge blocks undesirable views, reduces noise levels, increases the value of property, and benefits the environment. Consultation with a local Landscape Architect or nursery will save time, money, and the frustration of trial and error.
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