7 Privacy Bushes That Grow Very Fast

In the quest for creating serene outdoor spaces that offer a sense of seclusion, privacy bushes play a vital role. Whether you’re seeking refuge from prying eyes, hoping to shield your home from street noise, or simply yearning for a more intimate atmosphere in your garden, fast-growing privacy bushes can be the answer.

These remarkable green companions possess the unique ability to swiftly transform open landscapes into secluded sanctuaries, all while adding a touch of natural beauty to the surroundings.

In this article, we delve into the world of greenery, presenting you with a curated selection of seven privacy bushes renowned for their rapid growth.

Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)

When it comes to fast-growing privacy bushes, few contenders can match the impressive growth rate and lush foliage of the Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii).

This evergreen conifer has gained popularity as a top choice for creating rapid privacy screens and barriers, effectively transforming open spaces into intimate retreats. Its vigorous growth and adaptable nature make it a favorite among homeowners and landscapers seeking quick results without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

Rapid Growth and Density

The Leyland Cypress is renowned for its astonishing growth rate, often adding anywhere from 2 to 4 feet in height annually under optimal conditions. This accelerated growth is a remarkable asset for those who require immediate privacy, as the Leyland Cypress can rapidly create a dense wall of greenery that shields your property from prying eyes and external disturbances.

Where to Buy

Caring for Your Leyland Cypress:

1. Planting: Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Ensure proper spacing between individual plants to allow for their expansive growth without crowding. Planting Leyland Cypress in a staggered formation can enhance the density of the privacy screen.
2. Watering: Keep your young Leyland Cypress well-hydrated, especially during its initial establishment period. Regular watering is crucial to support healthy root development. Once established, the tree becomes more drought-tolerant.
3. Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of your Leyland Cypress helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and suppresses weed growth. Be cautious not to pile mulch against the tree trunk.
4. Pruning: While Leyland Cypress can grow quickly, periodic pruning is necessary to maintain a neat and compact appearance. Trim the branches selectively to encourage upward growth and prevent lower branches from becoming too dense and shading out the interior.
5. Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites and bagworms. Regularly inspect your Leyland Cypress for signs of infestation, and take prompt action if needed. Providing adequate spacing and proper air circulation can also help prevent fungal diseases.
6. Fertilization: Fertilize your Leyland Cypress in the early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can lead to rapid but weak growth.
7. Winter Care: Leyland Cypress can be susceptible to winter damage, particularly in colder climates. Proper watering and mulching before winter can help protect the roots from freezing.
8. Monitoring: Regularly monitor the health and growth of your Leyland Cypress. Swiftly address any signs of stress, disease, or pest issues to ensure its continuous development.

Arborvitae (Thuja spp.)

When it comes to crafting swift and verdant privacy screens, few options rival the Arborvitae (Thuja spp.).

With its rapid growth and elegant, evergreen foliage, Arborvitae stands as a testament to nature’s ability to provide both utility and beauty.

Rapid Growth and Graceful Foliage

Arborvitae’s claim to fame lies in its remarkably fast growth rate, making it a prized candidate for those who desire quick privacy without compromising on aesthetics. Depending on the variety, Arborvitae can achieve growth rates of around 1 to 3 feet per year, providing a rapidly maturing privacy screen that shields your property from prying eyes and the outside world.

Where to Buy

Nurturing Your Arborvitae

1. Ideal Planting: Select a location that receives ample sunlight and offers well-draining soil. Adequate sunlight is essential for fostering healthy growth and maintaining the vibrancy of the foliage.
2. Spacing Consideration: Give your Arborvitae enough room to spread out as it grows. Proper spacing between individual plants ensures they can develop without becoming overcrowded.
3. Watering Routine: During its establishment phase, ensure your Arborvitae receives regular watering to encourage strong root development. Once established, the tree becomes more tolerant of varying moisture levels.
4. Mulching Benefits: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your Arborvitae to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and deter weed growth. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
5. Pruning Practices: While Arborvitae naturally maintains an attractive form, occasional pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages upward growth. Trimming lower branches can enhance air circulation and sunlight penetration.
6. Guarding Against Pests and Diseases: Keep a watchful eye for common pests like spider mites and bagworms. Regular inspection aids in early detection and intervention. Proper spacing and adequate ventilation can minimize the risk of fungal issues.
7. Feeding the Foliage: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to nourish your Arborvitae. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can result in excessive growth that’s vulnerable to damage.
8. Winter Protection: Shield your Arborvitae from winter stress by maintaining proper hydration levels and applying mulch to insulate the soil.
9. Regular Monitoring: Regularly observe the health and growth of your Arborvitae. Address any signs of distress, disease, or pests promptly to ensure its vitality.

Arborvitae’s ability to gracefully combine rapid growth with enduring elegance has established it as a cherished choice for crafting swift and lush privacy screens. By providing the care and attention it requires, you can bask in the rewards of a thriving privacy barrier that not only provides seclusion but also adds a touch of natural allure to your outdoor space.

Nellie Stevens Holly (_Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)

In the realm of swift-growing privacy solutions, the Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’) reigns as a steadfast contender.

Rapid Growth and Luxurious Foliage

One of the defining traits of the Nellie Stevens Holly is its impressive growth rate. Thriving in a variety of climates and soil conditions, this holly variety can shoot up at a rate of approximately 2 to 3 feet per year.

This rapid growth offers a swift path to establishing a verdant privacy screen that not only shields your surroundings but also elevates the aesthetic appeal of your landscape.

Where to Buy

Caring for Your Nellie Stevens Holly

1. Choosing the Perfect Spot: Opt for a location that enjoys ample sunlight and boasts well-draining soil. Adequate sunlight is vital for vibrant growth and the lustrous appearance of the leaves.
2. Mindful Spacing: Allow enough room for your Nellie Stevens Holly to flourish as it matures. Proper spacing between individual plants fosters unencumbered development.
3. Hydration Management: During the establishment phase, prioritize consistent watering to encourage strong root establishment. As the holly matures, it becomes more tolerant of varying moisture levels.
4. Mulching Mastery: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your Nellie Stevens Holly to lock in soil moisture, regulate temperatures, and inhibit weed growth. Steer clear of piling mulch against the trunk.
5. Trimming Techniques: Although Nellie Stevens Holly tends to maintain an attractive form, occasional pruning can assist in shaping its growth and encouraging upward development. Regularly trimming lower branches enhances air circulation and sunlight penetration.
6. Pest and Disease Vigilance: Keep a watchful eye for common pests such as scale insects and spider mites. Regular inspections facilitate early intervention. Proper spacing and ventilation help prevent fungal problems.
7. Nutritional Nurturing: Administer a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the early spring to provide essential nutrients. Exercise caution to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to rapid but weak growth.
8. Winter Care: Shield your Nellie Stevens Holly from winter stress by maintaining adequate moisture levels and applying mulch to insulate the soil.
9. Consistent Surveillance: Regularly assess the health and development of your Nellie Stevens Holly. Address any signs of distress, disease, or pests promptly to preserve its vitality.

The Nellie Stevens Holly’s fusion of rapid growth and timeless elegance makes it an esteemed choice for swiftly establishing lush privacy screens. By tending to its needs with care and diligence, you can relish in the rewards of a thriving privacy haven that not only secludes your surroundings but also graces your outdoor space with the enchantment of evergreen opulence.

Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

With its rapid growth and brilliant yellow blooms, this deciduous shrub effortlessly combines functionality with visual allure.

Rapid Growth and Sunny Splendor

Forsythia’s reputation for rapid growth is well-earned, making it an excellent candidate for those in need of prompt privacy solutions. Bursting forth with its signature yellow blossoms in spring, this deciduous shrub can grow at a rate of approximately 1 to 2 feet each year, forming an eye-catching privacy screen that not only shelters your space but also infuses it with the vibrancy of early-season sunshine.

Where to Buy

Caring for Your Forsythia

1. Ideal Placement: Choose a location that receives full sunlight, as this encourages robust growth and an abundance of vibrant blooms.
2. Mindful Spacing: Leave ample space between individual Forsythia plants to accommodate their growth and prevent overcrowding as they mature.
3. Hydration Harmony: During the establishment phase, prioritize consistent watering to facilitate strong root establishment. As the shrub matures, it becomes more resilient to fluctuating moisture levels.
4. Mulch Magic: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your Forsythia to retain soil moisture, moderate temperature, and inhibit weed growth. Take care not to mound mulch against the stems.
5. Pruning Pointers: While the Forsythia boasts a naturally appealing form, periodic pruning can help shape its growth and promote upward development. Trimming lower branches enhances air circulation and sunlight penetration.
6. Pest and Disease Vigilance: Regularly inspect your Forsythia for common pests like aphids and scale insects. Vigilance aids in early detection and intervention. Well-spaced planting and proper air circulation discourage fungal issues.
7. Feeding Ritual: Administer a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide the necessary nutrients. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth and weak branches.
8. Winter Preparation: Shield your Forsythia from winter stress by maintaining sufficient hydration levels and applying mulch to insulate the soil.
9. Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly monitor the health and growth of your Forsythia. Swiftly address any signs of stress, disease, or pests to ensure its vitality.

Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

In the realm of rapidly growing privacy solutions, the Privet (Ligustrum spp.) stands as a timeless example of how swift growth and understated beauty can work in harmony.

Rapid Growth and Leafy Abundance

The Privet’s hallmark is its rapid growth, making it a prime option for those who desire swift privacy. With the potential to grow 1 to 2 feet or more each year, this shrub forms an efficient privacy screen that not only shields your surroundings but also envelops your space in lush, verdant beauty.

Where to Buy

Caring for Your Privet

1. Optimal Placement: Choose a site that receives ample sunlight, as this stimulates robust growth and ensures full foliage.
2. Mindful Spacing: Adequate spacing between individual Privet plants allows room for expansion as they grow. This avoids overcrowding and supports healthy development.
3. Hydration Management: Consistent watering during the establishment phase encourages strong root growth. As the Privet matures, it becomes more tolerant of varying moisture levels.
4. Mulching for Moisture: Apply organic mulch around the base of your Privet to retain soil moisture, moderate temperature, and inhibit weed growth. Take care not to pile mulch against the stems.
5. Pruning Precision: Although the Privet maintains a naturally attractive form, periodic pruning helps shape its growth and promotes upward development. Trimming lower branches enhances air circulation and sunlight penetration.
6. Pest and Disease Watch: Regular inspection is crucial for early detection of common pests like aphids and scales. Proper spacing and air circulation discourage fungal issues.
7. Fertilization Routine: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide essential nutrients. Avoid excessive fertilization that could lead to weak growth.
8. Winter Care: Safeguard your Privet from winter stress by maintaining adequate hydration and applying mulch to insulate the soil.
9. Vigilant Monitoring: Consistently assess the health and growth of your Privet. Swift action against stress, disease, or pests ensures its continued vitality.

American Holly (Ilex opaca)

In the world of swiftly growing privacy solutions, the American Holly (Ilex opaca) stands as an emblem of both rapid growth and perennial elegance.

Rapid Growth and Timeless Foliage

A defining feature of the American Holly is its rapid growth, rendering it an excellent candidate for those in pursuit of prompt privacy. With an ability to gain height at a rate of 1 to 2 feet or more each year, this holly variety establishes an efficient privacy screen that not only shields your surroundings but also blankets your space in evergreen magnificence.

Where to Buy

Caring for Your American Holly

1. Strategic Placement: Opt for a location that receives ample sunlight, as this fuels robust growth and ensures the lushness of the foliage.
2. Mindful Spacing: Proper spacing between individual American Holly plants provides room for expansion as they mature. This prevents overcrowding and supports healthy development.
3. Hydration Attention: Consistent watering during the establishment phase encourages robust root growth. As the holly matures, it becomes more resilient to varying moisture levels.
4. Mulching Mastery: Apply organic mulch around the base of your American Holly to retain soil moisture, stabilize temperature, and discourage weed growth. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
5. Pruning Practices: Although the American Holly boasts an inherently appealing form, periodic pruning helps shape its growth and encourages upward development. Trimming lower branches enhances air circulation and sunlight penetration.
6. Pest and Disease Watch: Regular inspection is key to early detection of common pests like scale insects and spider mites. Well-spaced planting and adequate air circulation minimize the risk of fungal issues.
7. Feeding Finesse: Administer a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during early spring to provide vital nutrients. Strive for moderation to prevent overstimulated but weak growth.
8. Winter Readiness: Shield your American Holly from winter stress by maintaining adequate hydration levels and applying mulch to insulate the soil.
9. Ongoing Vigilance: Consistently monitor the health and growth of your American Holly. Swiftly addressing signs of stress, disease, or pests ensures its continued vitality.

Japanese Laurel (Aucuba japonica)

In the realm of swiftly growing privacy solutions, the Japanese Laurel (Aucuba japonica) stands as a beacon of both rapid seclusion and graceful aesthetics.

Rapid Growth and Unique Foliage

The Japanese Laurel’s claim to fame is its remarkably fast growth, making it an excellent option for those yearning for quick privacy. With the potential to gain height at a rate of 1 to 2 feet or more per year, this shrub establishes a speedy privacy screen that not only shields your surroundings but also adds a touch of distinct elegance to your landscape.

Where to Buy

Caring for Your Japanese Laurel

1. Ideal Positioning: Opt for a location that receives ample sunlight, as this promotes robust growth and ensures the vibrancy of the foliage.
2. Mindful Spacing: Adequate spacing between individual Japanese Laurel plants allows room for their growth and prevents overcrowding as they mature.
3. Hydration Management: Consistent watering during the establishment phase encourages strong root development. As the shrub matures, it becomes more resilient to varying moisture levels.
4. Mulching Method: Apply organic mulch around the base of your Japanese Laurel to retain soil moisture, moderate temperature, and inhibit weed growth. Avoid piling mulch against the stems.
5. Pruning Principles: While the Japanese Laurel naturally maintains an attractive form, periodic pruning can help shape its growth and encourage upward development. Trimming lower branches enhances air circulation and sunlight penetration.
6. Pest and Disease Vigilance: Regular inspection is vital for early detection of common pests like spider mites and scale insects. Proper spacing and good air circulation discourage fungal issues.
7. Feeding Regimen: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide essential nutrients. Exercise caution to avoid over-fertilization that could result in rapid yet weak growth.
8. Winter Preparation: Safeguard your Japanese Laurel from winter stress by maintaining proper hydration levels and applying mulch to insulate the soil.
9. Consistent Monitoring: Regularly assess the health and growth of your Japanese Laurel. Swift intervention against stress, disease, or pests ensures its ongoing vitality.