{"id":15309,"date":"2019-08-13T22:38:31","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T01:38:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=15309"},"modified":"2026-10-23T13:30:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T16:30:28","slug":"11-of-the-best-privacy-hedges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/11-of-the-best-privacy-hedges\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Best Privacy Hedges"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Picks for special needs:<\/strong> Wintergreen boxwood suits small gardens, southern red cedar works as a windbreak, and yew plum pine tolerates drought.<br>\u2022 <strong>Cherry laurel is poisonous:<\/strong> Schipka cherry laurel resists deer, but every part is poisonous if eaten.<br>\u2022 <strong>Plan before planting:<\/strong> Aim for a hedge that&#8217;s at least 6 feet tall, space most shrubs about 3 feet apart, and call 811 before digging.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best privacy hedges are dense, fast-growing evergreens like American arborvitae, Leyland cypress, and cherry laurel, along with deciduous shrubs like ninebark for seasonal color.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Commonly called living fences, these shrubs do more than block prying eyes. Below are experts&#8217; 11 top picks for screening, security, and seclusion, plus how to plan and space them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you would rather skip the hard work to maintain these hedges, LawnStarter can connect you with <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=bushTrimming\">bush trimming pros<\/a> who keep your living fence dense and tidy.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-ceb7b086-9026-4afc-8a36-9b2c9bcc726a\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/11-of-the-best-privacy-hedges\/#0-what-makes-a-good-privacy-hedge\" style=\"\">What Makes a Good Privacy Hedge?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/11-of-the-best-privacy-hedges\/#1-evergreen-privacy-hedges\" style=\"\">Evergreen Privacy Hedges<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/11-of-the-best-privacy-hedges\/#11-deciduous-privacy-hedges\" style=\"\">Deciduous Privacy Hedges<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/11-of-the-best-privacy-hedges\/#14-how-to-plan-and-plant-privacy-hedges\" style=\"\">How to Plan and Plant Privacy Hedges<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/11-of-the-best-privacy-hedges\/#15-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-what-makes-a-good-privacy-hedge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes a Good Privacy Hedge?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good privacy hedge is dense, hardy in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-hardiness-zone-map-helps-yard\/\">USDA plant hardiness zone<\/a>, and tall enough to screen the view you want to block. Evergreens give year-round cover; deciduous shrubs add seasonal flowers and color.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A beautiful living privacy fence made of rows of densely planted bushes offers:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>A fast-growing boundary:<\/strong> Quickly define property lines and shield yourself from nosy neighbors.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Noise reduction:<\/strong> A living fence can drastically reduce noise from traffic or neighbors.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>A windbreak:<\/strong> It limits wind and blowing snow and helps reduce your heating bill.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Natural habitat:<\/strong> It provides shelter and foraging for birds, mammals, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/\">beneficial insects<\/a>.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Erosion control:<\/strong> Root systems work together to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping-tips\/how-to-control-erosion\/\">control erosion in your yard<\/a>.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Improved curb appeal:<\/strong> It fills space, creates a beautiful screen, and can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/home-value-lawn-landscape-increase-decrease\/\">increase your home&#8217;s value<\/a>.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"1-evergreen-privacy-hedges\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evergreen Privacy Hedges<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We asked experts to name some of the best hedges for privacy that balance fast growth, hardiness, and beauty. Here&#8217;s what they said.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-1-american-arborvitae-best-for-year-round-privacy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. American Arborvitae: Best for Year-Round Privacy<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/40284093693_4d58db451e_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"American Arborvitae\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">American arborvitae. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/oregonstateuniversity\/40284093693\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oregon State University<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">American arborvitae ranges from the smaller &#8216;Emerald Green&#8217; to the towering &#8216;Green Giant&#8217;. Low maintenance and evergreen, these cultivars are among the most popular year-round privacy hedges, with reddish-brown, furrowed bark on the <a href=\"https:\/\/plants.ces.ncsu.edu\/plants\/thuja-occidentalis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Thuja occidentalis<\/em><\/a> species.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Privacy screens, borders, windbreaks, and foundation plants<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Slow<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Prune so the top is narrower than the base. Space about 6 feet apart in a single line, or double rows 9 feet apart for a dense hedge.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3-7<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 2-50 feet tall, 4-15 feet wide, depending on variety<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"3-2-chindo-viburnum-best-for-a-fast-growing-hedge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Chindo Viburnum: Best for a Fast-Growing Hedge<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"571\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Viburnum_odoratissimum_var._awabuki_kz01.jpg\" alt=\"Clusters of small white Viburnum odoratissimum flowers blooming among dark green glossy leaves.\" class=\"wp-image-155405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Viburnum_odoratissimum_var._awabuki_kz01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Viburnum_odoratissimum_var._awabuki_kz01-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Viburnum_odoratissimum_var._awabuki_kz01-656x468.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Viburnum_odoratissimum_var._awabuki_kz01-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Viburnum_odoratissimum_var._awabuki_kz01-768x548.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clustered white blooms of <em>Viburnum odoratissimum<\/em> var. <em>awabuki<\/em>. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Viburnum_odoratissimum_var._awabuki_kz01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Krzysztof Ziarnek<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CC-BY-2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC-BY-2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This fast-growing hedge offers four seasons of interest, with fragrant late-spring flowers, glossy evergreen leaves, and vivid red fall berries. J.C. Raulston of the North Carolina State University Arboretum collected the variety on the South Korean island of Chindo in 1985.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Hedges, screens, barriers, foundations, and borders<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Fast<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Water weekly so the top 3 inches of soil stay moist, prune in late winter or early spring, and plant shrubs half their mature width apart.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 7-11<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, tolerates partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> Up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"4-3-american-holly-best-for-wildlife-gardens\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. American Holly: Best for Wildlife Gardens<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/31953982266_8871446f01_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Ilex Opaca\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ilex opaca<\/em>. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/138014579@N08\/31953982266\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Image Library<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">American holly works as an ornamental hedge for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/landscaping-for-privacy\/\">landscaping for privacy<\/a> or a wildlife garden, since its red berries attract songbirds. The dense evergreen foliage needs little pruning, and holly comes in dozens of tree and shrub varieties.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> An ornamental or privacy hedge; also good for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/landscaping-for-shade\/\">low-maintenance shade landscaping<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Slow<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Keep the soil moist and shelter it from harsh winter winds. Prune only to shape it, and plant from containers or balled-and-burlapped stock rather than bare roots.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 5-9<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> Untrimmed, 40-60 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"5-4-manhattan-euonymus-best-for-partial-shade\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Manhattan Euonymus: Best for Partial Shade<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/800px-Euonymus_kiautschovicus_Manhattan_3zz-1.jpg\" alt=\"Euonymus kiautschovicus Manhattan\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Euonymus kiautschovicus<\/em> &#8216;Manhattan.&#8217; Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Euonymus_kiautschovicus_Manhattan_3zz.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David J. Stang<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8216;Manhattan&#8217; euonymus is an evergreen seen in the famous hedges of the Hamptons, and trimming it produces a tight, dense hedge. Its foliage is semi-evergreen to deciduous in cold climates (USDA zones 5 and 6). The <a href=\"https:\/\/plants.ces.ncsu.edu\/plants\/euonymus-kiautschovicus-manhattan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8216;Manhattan&#8217; cultivar<\/a> was developed in Manhattan, Kansas, and resists the euonymus scale that afflicts most species in its genus.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Borders, hedges, privacy screens, topiary, and barriers<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Fast<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Keep it regularly trimmed; it needs little water once established. Plant about 3 feet apart and add a 2 to 3-inch layer of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/types-of-organic-mulch\/\">organic mulch<\/a>.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 5-8<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 4-6 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"6-5-leyland-cypress-best-for-tall-hedges\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Leyland Cypress: Best for Tall Hedges<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Starr_080117-2021_Cupressus_\u00d7_leylandii-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cupressus \u00d7 leylandii\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Cupressus \u00d7 leylandii<\/em>. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Starr_080117-2021_Cupressus_%C3%97_leylandii.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The popular Leyland cypress makes an excellent tall hedge or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-trees-for-privacy\/\">tree for privacy<\/a> and tops the fast-growing wishlist. It&#8217;s a coniferous, evergreen tree with a conical shape and a &#8220;lighter, lacier&#8221; look, says Lisa Mierop, principal of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mieropdesign.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mierop Design<\/a> in Montclair, New Jersey. It gives birds winter cover and comes in more than 30 varieties.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Privacy screens, hedges, and windbreaks<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Fast<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Water new trees several times a week for the first month, then weekly or biweekly. Trim up to three times during the growing season. Plant 3 feet apart for a 12-foot hedge. Mierop says, &#8220;They can, however, be kept sheared into a tight hedge, with maintenance pruning essential.&#8221;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 6-10<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, tolerates partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 10 to 15 feet as a hedge; 60-70 feet tall on its own<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"7-6-schipka-cherry-laurel-best-for-low-maintenance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Schipka Cherry Laurel: Best for Low Maintenance<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/800px-Prunus_laurocerasus_Schipkaensis_1zz-1.jpg\" alt=\"Prunus_laurocerasus_Schipkaensis\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Prunus laurocerasus<\/em> &#8216;Schipkaensis.&#8217; Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Prunus_laurocerasus_Schipkaensis_1zz.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David Stang<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8216;Schipkaensis&#8217; is a popular, low-maintenance laurel cultivar: a goblet-shaped, upright evergreen shrub whose thick foliage gives songbirds cover and resists deer. Glossy leaves back white spring flowers. Its purple-black fruit is not safe to eat, so watch kids and pets, since every part of the plant is poisonous if eaten.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Tall hedges, privacy screens, shady areas, or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/environment\/turn-your-yard-certified-wildlife-habitat\/\">backyard wildlife habitat<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Medium<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Give it rich, moist, well-drained soil and plant shrubs 3 feet apart so branches intertwine into a thick barrier. Prune right after flowering ends in late spring.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 5-9<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, tolerates partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 10-15.5 feet tall, 5-7 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"8-7-southern-red-cedar-best-for-windbreaks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Southern Red Cedar: Best for Windbreaks<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Juniperus_virginiana_var._silicicola_01-1.jpg\" alt=\" Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Juniperus virginiana<\/em> var. <em>silicicola<\/em>. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Juniperus_virginiana_var._silicicola_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">KATHERINE WAGNER-REISS<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Southern red cedars aren&#8217;t true cedars. They&#8217;re easy-care junipers, common along the Southeast coast and often used as windbreaks. Their emerald-green leaves form a thick evergreen canopy, and the berries attract songbirds. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/lloyd-singleton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lloyd Singleton<\/a>, former director of the New Hanover County Agricultural Extension in North Carolina, says that in addition to repelling deer and insects, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildflower.org\/plants\/result.php?id_plant=JUVIS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">southern red cedar<\/a> is &#8220;tough, totally adapted to regional conditions, and it&#8217;s really pretty with great berries that birds love, and flowers that attract bees and butterflies \u2026 with a nice aroma to boot.&#8221;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Privacy screens, hedges, wildlife habitat, and windbreaks<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Medium<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Water frequently until established, then let it fend for itself. Space seedlings 8 to 18 inches apart, or larger plants 5 to 7 feet apart. It rarely needs trimming.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 7-11<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 30 to 45 feet tall, up to 30 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"9-8-wintergreen-boxwood-best-for-small-gardens\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Wintergreen Boxwood: Best for Small Gardens<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AdobeStock_789563670.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A dense, neatly trimmed Korean boxwood hedge covered in bright green and yellow-green oval leaves fills the frame in full sun, with blurred trees and an orange building visible in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-154677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AdobeStock_789563670.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AdobeStock_789563670-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AdobeStock_789563670-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AdobeStock_789563670-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AdobeStock_789563670-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A lush Korean boxwood hedge thriving in full sun. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/buxus-sinica-var-insularis-wintergreen-the-korean-boxwood-is-an-often-maligned\/789563670\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oksana<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also known as Korean boxwood, this &#8216;Wintergreen&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/boxwood-shrubs-guide\/\">boxwood shrub<\/a> resists winter yellowing. Its cold hardiness and short height make it a favorite for northern homeowners wanting a low hedge or layered fence, with small leaves and tiny fragrant flowers.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Privacy screens, container gardens, borders, or rock gardens<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Moderately slow<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Water once or twice a week until established. Space plants 3.5 to 4 feet apart, center to center, and mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, kept away from the stem.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 4-9<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 2-4 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"10-9-yew-plum-pine-best-for-drought-tolerance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Yew Plum Pine: Best for Drought Tolerance<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Podocarpus_macrophyllus_IMG_1115.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A rounded Podocarpus macrophyllus shrub with dense, narrow green leaves growing against a paneled wall.\" class=\"wp-image-155406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Podocarpus_macrophyllus_IMG_1115.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Podocarpus_macrophyllus_IMG_1115-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Podocarpus_macrophyllus_IMG_1115-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Podocarpus_macrophyllus_IMG_1115-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Podocarpus_macrophyllus_IMG_1115-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A dense, rounded <em>Podocarpus macrophyllus<\/em> shrub. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Podocarpus_macrophyllus_IMG_1115.jpg#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S.G.S.<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CC-BY-2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC-BY-2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yew plum pines are slow-growing, coniferous evergreens that can be pruned into a soft, low-maintenance hedge with dense, dark green foliage. They are very drought-tolerant once established and fit tight spaces well. Singleton says, &#8220;<em>Podocarpus macrophyllus<\/em>, though slower-growing, is well-suited to growing in a narrow space.&#8221;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Hedges, windbreaks, privacy screens, and containers<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Slow<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Avoid shearing the sides so shrubs grow together; prune so the top is slightly smaller than the bottom. Plant 2 feet apart and trim regularly.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 7-9<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> Up to 50 feet tall untrimmed; keep to 6-7 feet as a hedge<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"11-deciduous-privacy-hedges\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deciduous Privacy Hedges<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in winter and leaf out again in spring, trading year-round cover for flowers and seasonal color.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-10-ninebark-best-for-pollinator-gardens\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Ninebark: Best for Pollinator Gardens<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Physocarpus_opulifolius_Arkansas-1-2.jpg\" alt=\"Physocarpus_opulifolius\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Physocarpus opulifolius<\/em>. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Physocarpus_opulifolius_Arkansas.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eric Hunt<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ninebark is a tall, fast-growing shrub native to Missouri, named for the bark that peels in layers as it matures. This flowering shrub blooms in spring for bees, birds, and butterflies, and its leaves turn yellow and red in fall. Cultivars like &#8216;Dart&#8217;s Gold&#8217; and &#8216;Summer Wine&#8217; hold color all season.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Mass plantings, floral privacy hedges, borders, or erosion control on banks<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Fast; can mature in one year<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Prune after it flowers, or no later than mid-August. Water young shrubs once or twice a week in summer, and space them 3 to 6 feet apart.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 2-8<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 5-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"13-11-yellow-twig-dogwoods-best-for-winter-interest\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Yellow-Twig Dogwoods: Best for Winter Interest<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/yellow-twig-dogwood.jpg\" alt=\"yellow stems of yellow twig dogwood\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yellow stems of yellow-twig dogwood. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/138014579@N08\/32495859186\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Image Library<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yellow-twig dogwoods are a native shrub that livens up cold months with vibrant yellow twigs, then leafs out with white spring blooms and berries. Because it grows fast, it adds year-round interest quickly.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Hedge, privacy screen, mass planting, and erosion control<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Growth rate:<\/strong> Fast<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Prune in late winter to early spring for airflow and shape, and water at least weekly to keep soil moist. Space shrubs 3 feet apart, center to center. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/deer-resistant-shrubs\/\">deer-resistant shrub<\/a>, it prefers cooler climates.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:<\/strong> 3-8<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to part shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mature size:<\/strong> 6-8 feet tall, 7-8 feet wide<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"14-how-to-plan-and-plant-privacy-hedges\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Plan and Plant Privacy Hedges<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you buy, grab a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/ph-soil-test-lawn-grass\/\">soil test<\/a> and note your climate, sun, and space so you pick a plant that fits. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For privacy or security, aim for a hedge at least 6 feet tall and follow any local height limits. Space most shrubs about 3 feet apart, or divide the mature width by two, so plants don&#8217;t crowd walls or each other. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water new trees and shrubs until roots establish: daily for the first week or two, every two to three days for up to three months, then weekly. For new trees, the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/planting-and-growing-guides\/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Minnesota Extension<\/a> recommends about 1 to 1.5 gallons per inch of trunk width at each watering; give shrubs about one-quarter to one-third of their pot&#8217;s volume.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Call 811 or visit call811.com at least three business days before digging so utilities can be marked at no charge.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the full step-by-step on designing your layout, sizing rows, and planting, see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/landscape-with-evergreen-shrubs\/\">landscaping with evergreen shrubs<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"15-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17884573833225381\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Far From a Wall Should My Hedge Be?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Plant at least 18 to 24 inches away for traditional or hybrid hedges. For a very tall living fence, base the spacing on how wide the plants will grow so the mature shrub has room to fill out without crowding the wall.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17884573833225194\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Do I Make My Growing Hedge Denser?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Clip or prune the young hedge to promote thickening. Pruning methods vary by species; cherry laurel, hollies, and yew plum pine need careful pruning.<br><br>For a full walkthrough, see our guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-trim-bushes\/\">How to Trim Bushes<\/a><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-178845738332211\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why Should I Get a Soil Test?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Soils in poor condition don&#8217;t retain enough nutrients and water for healthy growth. A test gives you the basis for the right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-soil-amendments\/\">soil amendments<\/a>. Matthew Kiefer, principal of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kieferlandscapes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kiefer Landscapes<\/a>, says, &#8220;It&#8217;s really an excellent and inexpensive investment.&#8221;<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"16-when-to-call-a-pro\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Call a Pro<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding a few hedges can turn your property into a quiet sanctuary or simply block out those noisy neighbors. If planning, planting, and pruning your living fence doesn&#8217;t sound like an ideal weekend, reach out to one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">LawnStarter&#8217;s local landscaping pros<\/a> today to handle the dirty work.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: <em>Thuja occidentalis<\/em>. Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Thuja_occidentalis_%27Globosa%27_%C5%BBywotnik_zachodni_2019-08-03_02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Agnieszka Kwiecie\u0144, Nova<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/p><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container ays-arp-elegant-layout related-posts\" id=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-15309-6ae301118fae5\"  data-id=\"6ae301118fae5\" data-ratio=\"1\"><h2 class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-title\">Related Posts:<\/h2><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ays-arp-id-6ae301118fae5\" value=\"15309\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-winterize-a-garden\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img 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class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/organic-mulch-vs-inorganic-mulch\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch: Which Should You...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/organic-mulch-vs-inorganic-mulch\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-15309-6ae301118fae5 {\n                width: 100%;\n                word-break: break-word;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-15309-6ae301118fae5 .ays-arp-under-post {\n                width: calc(20% - 10px);\n                overflow: hidden;\n                padding: 10px;\n                border: none;\n            }\n\n            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