22 Fast Growing Shrubs for Privacy Hedges in Your Yard

Fast growing shrubs for privacy hedges are perfect if you want to quickly create a natural green barrier in your yard. Whether you need to block an unwanted view, create more seclusion in your garden, or simply want to section off areas for functionality, the right shrubs can grow into a dense, living privacy hedge in just a few years.

In this article, we’ll explore 22 of the fastest-growing shrub options for privacy hedges that will reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within three to four years. From tall evergreens to deciduous shrubs with colorful fall foliage, we’ll cover a range of different plants so you can find the perfect fast-growing shrub to transform your space and add instant privacy and structure to your outdoor area.

Fast Growing Shrubs for Privacy Hedge Needs in the Garden 

1. Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypress trees are fast-growing evergreens that can reach heights of 40 plus feet, making them ideal tall fast growing shrubs for privacy hedges. Leyland cypress thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. They require little care once established but will benefit from fertilizing in spring and fall. Prune cypress hedges annually in late winter to maintain a dense shape.

Common pests for Leyland cypress include bagworms, whose larvae feed on foliage, and scale insects that attach to branches and produce honeydew secretions. Spray hedges with horticultural oil spray in the dormant season to smother overwintering pests. Apply organic insecticides in summer for severe infestations.

With a bit of regular pruning and pest management, Leyland cypress can reach heights of 6 feet within three years, providing thick evergreen privacy for your yard all year long. Their fast growth rate and easy care make them an ideal choice for a tall, impenetrable privacy hedge.

2. Privet

Privet hedges grow extremely fast, reaching 6 to 12 feet tall within three to four years and eventually topping out at 15 feet. Privet hedges need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Apply organic fertilizer in early spring and again in summer. Prune hedges annually to maintain a dense shape and control size.

Common pests for privet include Japanese beetles that feed on leaves and aphids that suck plant juices, causing leaf deformities. Spray hedges with organic insecticidal soap in summer to control aphid and beetle problems.

With proper pruning and pest management, private growing hedges can provide an impenetrable living barrier of dense green foliage within just a few years. Their dark green leaves remain attractive all year, making privet hedges an excellent option for evergreen privacy screens.

3. American Arborvitae

American arborvitae, also known as northern white cedar, are fast-growing evergreen shrubs that can reach heights of 20 to 30 plus feet. American arborvitae thrives in moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Space plants three to four feet apart to form a dense privacy hedge. Fertilize in spring and fall, and prune annually to control size and maintain density.

Common pests for arborvitae growing hedges include bagworms, whose larvae feed on foliage and branch tips, and scale insects that attach to branches. Apply horticultural oil spray in the dormant season to control overwintering pests. Spray with organic insecticide as new growth emerges for severe infestations.

With proper pruning, fertilizing, and pest control, American arborvitae can grow up to three feet per year, reaching heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide thick privacy screens for your yard. Their year-round appeal and easy care make them a top choice for tall dense hedges.

4. Russian Olive

Russian olive shrubs are fast growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 15 to 30 feet, making them a good choice for tall growing privacy hedges. Russian olive shrubs need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants three to four feet apart to form a dense hedge. Prune annually after leaf drop to maintain shape.

Common pests and diseases for Russian olive evergreen shrubs include aphids that suck plant juices and cause leaf deformities and scale insects that attach to branches. Spray infested foliage with organic insecticidal soap in spring and summer to control pests.

With proper spacing, pruning, and pest management, Russian olive growing hedges can quickly reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three years to provide excellent natural year-round privacy for your yard. Their rapid growth rate and tolerance of neglect make them a practical choice for fast-growing screens and barriers.

5. Burning Bush

Burning bush is a deciduous shrub that can reach heights of 15 feet, making it a good option for fast growing privacy hedges. Burning bush shrubs need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants two to four feet apart to form a dense hedge. Prune after leaf drop annually to maintain shape.

Common pests for burning bush growing hedges include Japanese beetles that feed on leaves and bagworms, whose larvae eat the foliage. Spray infested foliage with organic insecticidal soap in summer to control beetles and caterpillars.

With proper spacing, pruning, and pest management, these fast growing shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years, providing excellent natural fall color and privacy for your yard. Their bright red-orange fall foliage also makes them a beautiful choice for fast-growing hedges.

6. Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtles are fast-growing deciduous trees that can reach heights of 15 to 30 feet when grown as a hedge. Crape myrtles need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Apply slow-release granular fertilizer in spring and again in summer. Prune during late winter to maintain desired shape and size.

Common pests and diseases for crape myrtle growing hedges include Japanese beetles that feed on leaves and aphids that suck plant juices, causing leaf deformities. Spray foliage with organic insecticidal soap in summer to control beetle and aphid problems.

With proper fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, crape myrtle can reach 6 to 12 feet tall within just three to four years to provide excellent fall color and screening for your yard. Their stunning flowers that bloom in summer also make them a beautiful choice for living barriers.

7. Photinia

Photinia shrubs are fast-growing evergreen or deciduous plants that can grow 15 to 30 feet tall when grown as a hedge. Photinia shrubs need full sun to partial shade and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants two to three feet apart to form a dense hedge. Apply organic fertilizer in spring and prune after leaf drop to maintain shape.

Common pests and diseases for photinia growing hedges include aphids that suck plant juices, causing leaf deformities, and scale insects that attach and feed on branches. Spray foliage with organic insecticidal soap in late spring and again in mid-summer to control pests.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, photinia fast growing shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide excellent year-round privacy for your yard. Their attractive foliage also makes them a beautiful choice for quick-filling hedges.

8. Forsythia

Forsythia shrubs are fast-growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 6 to 15 feet when grown as a hedge. Forsythia shrubs need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants two to three feet apart to form a dense barrier hedge. Apply organic fertilizer in spring and prune after leaf drop to maintain shape.

Common pests and diseases for forsythia growing hedges include aphids that suck plant juices, causing leaf deformities, and leaf spots that cause brown leaf lesions. Spray foliage with organic insecticidal soap in early spring before growth begins to control aphids and fungicides after leaf drop for leaf spot.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, forsythia shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide good spring bloom color and screening for your yard. Their stunning yellow flowers that bloom in early spring also make them a beautiful option for living barriers.

9. Washington Hawthorn

Washington hawthorn shrubs are fast-growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet when grown as a hedge. Hawthorn shrubs need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants eight to 10 feet apart to allow for their large size. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and prune after leaf drop to maintain their shape.

Common issues for hawthorn growing hedges include fire blight, a bacterial disease causing branch dieback, and cankers that develop on branches. Remove and destroy infected wood for both problems.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and disease management, Washington hawthorn shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within three to four years to provide you with good fall color and giant cover for privacy hedges. Their ornamental fruit also adds visual interest.

10. Chinese Tallow Tree

Chinese tallow trees are fast-growing deciduous trees that can reach heights of 30 to 60 feet when grown as hedges. Tallow trees need full sun and moist, well-draining fertile soil. Space plants 8 to 10 feet apart to allow room for large sizes. Fertilize in spring and prune after leaf drop to maintain shape.

Common pests for tallow tree growing hedges include scale insects that attach to branches and suck sap, as well as aphids that feed on new growth, causing leaf deformities. Spray foliage with horticultural oil spray during the dormant season and organic insecticidal soap in summer to control pests.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, Chinese tallow tree fast growing shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide towering giant size and fall privacy screens for your yard. Their rapid growth also makes them a practical option.

11. American Holly

American holly shrubs and trees are fast-growing evergreen plants that can reach heights of 15 to 30 plus feet when grown as a hedge row. Hollies need partial shade and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants six to eight feet apart to allow room for mature sizes. Fertilize in spring and prune regularly to maintain shape.

Common pests and diseases for holly growing hedges include leaf miners whose larvae tunnel between leaf surfaces and scale insects that attach and feed on branches. Spray foliage with insecticidal soap in spring and again in mid-summer to control pests.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, American Holly can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide towering evergreen privacy screens for your yard. Their ornamental berries also make them a beautiful choice.

12. Emerald Arborvitae

Emerald arborvitae is a cultivar of thuja or arborvitae that grows into tight columnar shapes, making it ideal for growing privacy hedges. Emerald arborvitae needs partial shade and moist, well-draining fertile soil. Space plants two to three feet apart to form a dense hedge. Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and prune regularly to maintain its form.

Common pests for emerald arborvitae hedges include scale insects that attach and feed on branches and bagworms whose larvae eat foliage. Spray with organic horticultural oil spray in the dormant season to smother overwintering scale insects. Apply insecticides as new growth emerges for severe infestations.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, Emerald arborvitae can quickly reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide thick evergreen privacy screens for your yard. Their columnar form and year-round dark foliage also make them a beautiful choice for dense hedges.

13. Weigela

Weigela shrubs are fast-growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet when grown as a hedge. Weigela needs full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants two to three feet apart to form a dense barrier hedge. Apply granular fertilizer in spring and prune after leaf drop to maintain shape.

Common pests for weigela growing hedges include Japanese beetles that feed on leaves, and Japanese beetles and aphids that suck plant juices, causing leaf deformities. Spray foliage with organic insecticidal soap in summer to control beetle and aphid problems.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, weigela can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet within just three to four years to provide good spring bloom color and dense screening for yards. Their lovely trumpet-shaped flowers also make them a beautiful choice for living barriers.

14. Seressa Dwarf False Cypress

Seressa dwarf false cypress is a compact evergreen shrub, growing only three to six feet tall, making it ideal for fast growing privacy hedges. False cypress needs full sun to partial shade and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants one to two feet apart to form a dense hedge row. Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and prune lightly after winter.

Common issues for false cypress growing hedges include bagworms whose larvae feed on foliage and spider mites that feed on plant juices, causing bronze mottle. Spray with organic insecticidal soap in spring and again in mid-summer to control pests.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, Seressa false cypress evergreen shrubs can quickly reach heights of three to six feet within just three years to provide thick hedge plants for screening small areas of your yard. Their year-round dark foliage also makes them a beautiful choice for hedges.

15. Canadian Hemlock

Canadian hemlock trees are fast growing evergreens that can reach heights of 40 plus feet when grown as growing hedges. Hemlock trees need partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Space plants 8 to 10 feet apart. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring and prune after winter to maintain shape.

Common pests for hemlock hedges include spider mites that feed on plant juices, causing yellow stippling, and wooly adelgids, whose sucking mouthparts damage branches. Spray with organic insecticidal soap in spring and again in mid-summer to control infestations.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, Canadian hemlock shrubs can grow up to four feet per year, reaching heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide towering evergreen screening for your yard. Their year-round appeal also makes them a popular choice for privacy hedges.

16. Sumac

Sumac shrubs are fast growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 6 to 20 feet when grown as a hedge. Sumac shrubs need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants three to four feet apart to allow room for spreading habits. Apply organic fertilizer in spring and prune after leaf drop.

Common issues for sumac growing privacy hedges include leaf spots that cause brown lesions and scale insects that attach and feed on branches. Rake and destroy fallen leaves for leaf spot problems. Spray infested foliage with horticultural oil spray in the dormant season to control overwintering scale insects.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, sumac shrubs can quickly reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide good natural fall color and function as a privacy screen. Their ornamental fruits also add winter interest.

17. Red Osier Dogwood

Red osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub, growing 6 to 12 feet tall, that produces vibrant red stems in winter, making it ideal for evergreen privacy hedges. Dogwood needs full sun and constantly moist, well-draining fertile soil. Space plants three to four feet apart to form a dense barrier. Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and prune after leaf drop.

Common pests and diseases for dogwood growing hedges include aphids that suck plant juices, causing leaf deformities, and leaf spots that cause brown lesions. Spray with organic insecticidal soap in spring to control aphids and apply fungicides after leaf drop for spot problems.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, red osier dogwood can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide good fall color and screening for your yard. Their vibrant red winter stems also make them a beautiful choice for living barriers.

18. Dwarf European Hornbeam

Dwarf European hornbeam is a slow-growing small tree that can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet when grown as a fast growing privacy hedge. Hornbeam trees need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants 8 to 10 feet apart to allow room for mature width. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and prune after leaf drop.

Common issues for hornbeam growing hedges include scale insects that attach and feed on branches and leaf spots that cause brown leaf lesions. Spray foliage with horticultural oil spray in the dormant season to smother scale insects. Apply fungicides after leaf drop for spot problems.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, dwarf European hornbeam evergreen shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide good natural year-round interest for hedges. Their crenate leaf margins also make them a beautiful choice for screens.

19. Blackthorn

Blackthorn shrubs are extremely fast-growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet when grown as a growing hedge. Blackthorn shrubs need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants 6 to 8 feet apart to allow room for large sizes. Prune after leaf drop to thin and shape the hedge.

Common issues for blackthorn hedge include leaf spots that cause brown lesions and canker diseases that form sunken areas on branches. Rake and destroy fallen leaves for leaf spot problems. Prune out and destroy affected branches for canker issues.

With proper spacing, pruning, and disease management, blackthorn fast growing shrubs can quickly grow to reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three years to provide towering fall color and function as a solid green privacy hedge for your yard.

20. European Cranberry Bush

European cranberry bush is a deciduous shrub, growing 6 to 12 feet tall, that produces colorful red fruit in fall and winter, making it ideal for growing hedges. Cranberry bush needs full sun to partial shade and constantly moist, well-draining fertile soil. Space plants three to four feet apart to form a dense barrier hedge. Fertilize annually in spring and prune after leaf drop to maintain shape.

Common pests and diseases for cranberry bush hedge plants include leaf spots that cause brown lesions on foliage and aphids that suck plant juices, causing leaf deformities. Spray with organic fungicides after leaf drop for spot problems and insecticidal soap in spring to control aphids.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, cranberry bush can quickly reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide good fall color and natural year-round interest for your yard as ornamental fruit remains through winter.

21. Lilac

Lilac shrubs are fast growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet when grown as a hedge. Lilacs need full sun and well-draining fertile soil. Space plants four to six feet apart to allow room for their ultimate size. Prune after they bloom in spring and again after developing leaf drop to control their size.

Common issues for lilac growing hedges include Japanese beetles that feed on leaves and powdery mildew that coats foliage with white fungal growth. Spray foliage with organic insecticidal soap in summer to control beetles and apply fungicides after leaf drop to prevent mildew recurrence.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and disease management, lilac shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years to provide good spring bloom color and fill in to create dense evergreen privacy for your yard. Their lovely flowers also make them a beautiful choice for living barriers.

22. Korean Boxwood

Korean boxwood is a compact evergreen shrub, growing only three to six feet tall, making it ideal for narrow fast growing hedges. Boxwood needs partial shade to full sun and constantly moist, richly organic soil. Space plants one to two feet apart to form a dense hedge row. Apply slow-release fertilizer during spring and prune after winter.

Common issues for boxwood plants include leaf spots that cause brown leaf lesions and scale insects that attach and feed on branches. Rake and destroy fallen leaves for spot problems. Spray infested foliage with horticultural oil spray in the dormant season to smother overwintering scale insects.

With proper spacing, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, Korean boxwood evergreen shrubs can quickly reach heights of three to six feet within just three years to provide thick, formal year-round hedges that remain full and dense with neat growth habits. Their dark evergreen foliage also makes them a classic choice for formal hedging.

Conclusion

With the proper care including fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, most of these shrubs can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet within just three to four years. They can serve to provide thick evergreen or deciduous screens for your small or large yard. 

• Canadian hemlock trees are fast growing evergreens that can reach heights of 40 plus feet when grown as a hedge.

• Photinia shrubs are fast-growing evergreen or deciduous plants that can grow 15 to 30 feet tall when grown as a hedge.

• Red osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub, growing 6 to 12 feet tall, that produces vibrant red stems in winter, making it ideal for evergreen privacy hedges.

• Emerald arborvitae is a cultivar of thuja or arborvitae that grows into tight columnar shapes, making it ideal for growing privacy hedges.

• Blackthorn shrubs are extremely fast growing deciduous plants that can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet when grown as a hedge.

With the proper care and maintenance, any of these fast growing shrubs can become thick, thriving hedges that enhance your outdoor space for years to come. So select wisely based on your needs and garden conditions, then get growing — the results will be well worth the effort!