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If your garden feels exposed, these six speedy hedges offer a clever privacy fix by next summer
You don't need to wait years for a private garden: some fast-growing hedges, including laurel and Leylandii, can block nosy neighbours in less than a year — and create a softer, more natural alternative to fencing.
But you'll need to be picky with which plants you choose: 'If you want to fully block the view within a year, choose evergreens that arrive already reasonably large, and respond well to early tip-pruning so they bulk out sideways,' says Dr Russell Sharp, Founder of Eutrema. 'Cherry laurel and Portuguese laurel are among the quickest routes to an opaque screen because they hold large leaves year-round and can put on strong extension growth once established.'
As well as their speed, these hedges are incredibly dense, making them highly effective at blocking out unwanted views. For a standard garden hedge, you generally need 3 to 5 plants per meter. If you are planting a boundary hedge (one that sits in between you and a neighbour), the RHS recommends positioning it a little bit back from the boundary line to avoid encroaching on the next property.
Take a look at the best fast-growing hedges to grow now.
Ideal for screening and privacy, Leylandii is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach impressive heights of 60-90 centimeters per year, or, under optimal conditions, 1 metre per year.
'Apart from speed, this evergreen bush is also dense and therefore highly effective at blocking out neighbours’ view,' says gardening expert Crystal Olenbush.
'However, a lack of control over its growth might create problems with neighbors and lead to conflicts. Space plants 50-60 centimeters apart for quick establishment and cut regularly to create thickness, not just height.'
'Cherry laurel remains one of the most effective ways to quickly create dense, natural privacy in UK gardens,' says Jane Fairlie, Technical Manager at Doff. 'Cherry laurel offers broad, glossy leaves that block sightlines effectively year-round.'
If your garden plans include a cherry laurel hedge, Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture, recommends spacing them out correctly to avoid overcrowding.
'For a single row hedge, plants should be spaced between 60cm and 90cm apart, and reduce this to between 45cm and 60cm for a double row hedge,' says Richard.
'To plant cherry laurel, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the rootball and place the plant in this hole, ensuring that the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, and firm the soil gently to eliminate any air pockets. After planting, water thoroughly and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.'
Luscious privet — with oval, glossy green leaves — can impressively grow up to 30-60cm per year.
'Privet is one of the fastest-growing hedges,' says Crystal. 'The main feature that distinguishes it from other fast-growing species is its capacity for forming. As opposed to other types of hedges, it becomes even thicker when trimmed, making it possible to get a tight screen in a short period of time.'
Prune reguarly once established to maintain a neat, dense hedge shape. For the healthiest growth, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot.
Griselinia is another fast-growing shrub that will quickly fill bare-looking borders. Native to New Zealand, its glossy apple-green leaves will bring year-round colour and plenty of privacy.
'Griselinia does best when the root zone never sits wet. Aim for 1.0 to 1.25 m plants at around 60 cm spacing, but prioritise drainage above all else,' says Dr Russell Sharp, Founder, Eutrema.
'If your garden is heavy or waterlogged in winter, growth stalls and leaf drop increases, which undermines the within-a-year privacy goal. Mulch helps, but keep it off the stems to reduce rot risk.'
Commonly found growing in coastal regions, Elaeagnus x ebbingei is a great choice for exposed gardens.
'A spring application of general plant feeds supports steady growth, and a light formative trim helps it branch densely rather than producing long, open shoots,' says Dr Russell. 'Clip it twice in the first year to drive density, shaping the hedge slightly wider at the base so the lower growth stays leafy.'
It's best planted in the autumn because roots grow into still-warm soil while the top growth is under less stress.
And finally, Portuguese Laurel is one of the best choices if you want to screen off neighbours quickly and effectively. With year-round foliage, it grows in most places and doesn't need much fuss to survive.
Dr Russell explains: 'It copes better than many evergreens with light shade, which helps in narrow side returns. A light clip in mid-summer, again focusing on tips rather than hard cuts, encourages a tighter hedge face without sacrificing too much leaf area needed for growth.'
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