Planting a fast-growing hedge on your property increases your privacy while adding a sense of texture to the visuals of your home’s landscaping.
If you’re a gardener looking for a way to transform your property into a secluded haven, or simply block out the passing traffic, then consider adding a few hedges to your garden this planting season.
A hedge acts as a natural, luscious green screen that’s a more attractive and far more natural solution than building a wall.
Hedge Planting Tips
The ideal time for planting fast-growing hedge species like the Leylandii is in the fall to early springtime. We recommend that gardeners avoid planting in periods where frost may occur, especially if they are planting a young hedge.
Garners can plant outside of this optimal time-frame. However, they’ll also need to pay more attention to watering, ensuring that the roots don’t turn dry.
When planting your fast-growing hedge, it’s critical to prepare the soil first. Weed the planting site at least 6-weeks before planting, and ensure that you remove any secondary weeds sprouting when you want to plant your hedge.
Add a low dose of plant food to the soil when planting your hedge.
Gardeners can get more growth out of their hedges in a season if they start with mature hedges. You can get mature or juvenile hedges from your local garden center, and most of them come as a bare-root, root-balls, or in containers.
Those gardeners wanting the fastest growth from their hedges should consider going for container-grown plants.
For the Leylandii and Laurel varieties, spacing your hedges at least 25-inches apart is ideal. For those gardeners not concerned with privacy, they can plant the hedges up to 3-feet apart. The hedges will take longer to form a screening effect, but they’ll get there eventually.
Privet hedges suit closer planting, with four hedges suiting a 3-foot planting area. The size of the plants you buy determines the planting depth. For mature hedges, we recommend that you plant at a depth of at least 30-inches, but check with the consultant at your garden center before planting.
It’s also important to note that growing conditions play a significant role in the growth rate of hedges. Stress from extreme temperatures, dry conditions, and too much or too little exposure to the sun can stunt growth.
For those gardeners that want to ensure the fastest growth possible out of their hedges, follow these 5-tips.
Select the Right Hedge for the Planting Area
Hedges need an optimal growing environment to thrive. Check with your garden center about the right exposure for your plants.
Some hedges prefer full sun all day, while others prefer a bit of afternoon shade. Failing to provide your hedges with the right growing conditions results in slow growth. Make sure you research the variety you intend on planting.
Select the Right Planting Time
The time of the year you choose to plant your hedges makes a significant difference in growth rates as well. Those gardeners that plant an Amur Maple hedge in the height of summer, and limited watering, will set the hedge back significantly in its growth.
The best time of the year to plant your hedges is in the fall, after the long summer days start to cool off, and the first signs of changes in the season begin.
Planting in winter is not an issue, provided that you live in a region of the United States that does not receive any frost. Frost will kill the roots of young hedges, and damage the roots of mature plants when transplanting in colder conditions.
Water Well for the first 2-years
It takes your hedge some time to establish a root system that primes it for growth. In the first two seasons after planting, you can expect your hedge to grow slowly. However, after the roots take and establish themselves in the ground, the tree starts to take off.
During these first two years, you’ll need to ensure that you’re watering the hedge at least two to three times a week. Hedges are thirsty plants and leaving them with dry roots stunts growth. After the second year, the hedge should have a robust root system and will require less water.
For novice gardeners, the best way to ensure your hedge gets the water it needs is to install a drip line irrigation system along the length of the hedgerow bed.
Feeding Your Hedges
Gardeners can take solace in the fact that hedges don’t require much maintenance. However, if you want to accelerate growth, consider adding some fertilizer with a slow-releasing product that’s high in nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer in the spring before the start of the growing season.
Prune Your Hedges Properly
Spring offers gardeners the best opportunity to prune their hedges. Pruning in the spring stimulates growth, ensuring that no new shoots freeze if they pop out close to the wintertime.
Annual pruning is all that’s necessary for your hedges during the first two to three years. When the plants reach full maturity, you’ll find that you need to prune once or twice during the growing season as well.
Speak with Your Neighbors
Some areas of the United States rely heavily on the sense of community. If you start putting up fast growing privacy hedges in your yard, it might annoy your neighbors. If you live in an area where the community is a concern, then make sure you run it past your neighbors as a courtesy, before you start planting.
Top Hedge Varieties
Here are a few of the most popular fast-growing hedge varieties found in the United States.
Flame Amur Maple
A fast-growing deciduous hedge, with beautiful foliage colors in the autumn. Watch it burst into hues of orange, red, and yellow during the fall.
- YARD OR LANDSCAPING TREE: Stunning Amur Maple leaves make this a landscape tree favorite. Hardy and attractive tree that is great for landscaping and shade.
- EASY TO GROW: These seedlings arrive ready to plant.
- MADE IN USA: Buy with confidence you are getting quality plants from CZ Grain.
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This variety is a very cold hardy variety and survives in temperatures down to as low as -40ºF. The multi-stemmed characteristics of this hedge make it an excellent choice for privacy in the garden.
English or Cherry Laurel
This variety grows quickly into an enormous hedge that’s ideal for creating a private sanctuary in your yard. Some of the fastest-growing hedges in this variety gain more than 3-feet in a growing season.
The hedge is very heat tolerant, making it the ideal choice for coastal areas and arid regions of the U.S, where temperatures run high. Gardeners will have to prune two to three times per year, and it’s a drought-resistant plant that grows in almost any soil type.
- All 6 of these Cherry Laurel (Prunus Caroliniana) are fully rooted and thriving in cubes measuring 2.5" wide by 3" deep.
- They are ready to be potted up or put into the ground. The pictures represent the size and shape of the plants you will receive.
- Carolina Laurel is a resilient large shrub capable of reaching over 30 feet in height. It is fast growing, easy to maintain and highly attractive.
- Each of these plants will measure a minimum of 8" from the base of the pot to the top of the plant.
- When shipping, we individually wrap each plant in its own protective casing to ensure it arrives to you healthy and strong.
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The English Laurel is tolerant of salt in the air, and it’s naturally resistant to pests like deer. It’s the ideal choice for large areas where the homeowner needs plenty of privacy.
Schip Laurels
Also known as “Skip Laurels,” the Schip Laurel hedge is another fast-growing variety, growing tall and thin. This hedge can tolerate full sun or full shade, making it one of the most resilient hedges available.
- Skip laurels do in partial shade or partial sun
- Skip laurels can grow 6 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide which will take about 10 years.
- Skip laurels are in hardiness zones 6-9
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The Schip Laurel also grows readily in a variety of soil types, and it’s not got any aversion to salt or smog in the air. The Schip Laurel does well in colder environments up to USDA Zone 6. We like the Schip Laurel for covering fences in the yard, bringing a natural aesthetic to the perimeter.
Portuguese Laurel
This stunning hedge is both fast-growing and easy on the eyes. It’s the ideal variety of coastal regions and areas of the United States with warmer climates. The spreading habit of the Portuguese Laurel makes it easy to maintain, and with annual pruning, it quickly forms a dense.
The Portuguese Laurel is very drought-resistant once it establishes a root system, and it does well in coastal regions, as salt and smog in the air are not an issue for this hedge. The hedge grows well in any soil type, and it’s also resistant to pests like deer.
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The Portuguese Laurel suits planting in the shade or the sun, but for best results, we recommend full sun for optimal growth. The thickness of this hedge makes it one of the best choices for a fast-growing privacy hedge.
Privet
The privet is gaining popularity with homeowners across the United States. However, those homeowners seeking a formal-looking hedge for landscaping purposes might find the privet the attractive option for a hedgerow.
- All 3 of these Texas Privets are fully rooted and thriving inside 2.5" nursery containers. They are ready to be potted up or put in the ground. The pictures of plants in nursery cubes accurately depict the plants you will receive.
- Hands down one of the best hedges to grow. A versatile evergreen that responds well to regular pruning. It can easily be shaped into a hedge, small tree, screen or windbreak. The pictures of plants in nursery cubes accurately show the plants you will receive.
- In the spring, this evergreen shrub has fragrant white blooms and exhibits a fast growth rate. The Texas Privet grows well in containers so long as it has enough room for the roots to expand.
- When shipping, we individually wrap each plant in its own protective casing to ensure it arrives to you healthy and strong.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The dense growth of the hedge makes it an ideal choice for privacy, and the spreading also makes it easy for shaping. The privet grows at a pace of 12 to 25-inches a year. If gardeners use fertilizer when planting and during the early springtime, then they can expect rapid growth rates.
Leylandii
The Leylandii has to be the second most popular hedge after the Laurel. It’s becoming popular with homeowners in the United States due to it requiring little maintenance during the growing season, and it provides a dense hedge that’s ideal for increasing the privacy in your yard.
- Hardiness Zone 6-10
- Full sunlight
- Height 40-60' Width 20-25'
- 2. 25 gallon
- Water daily until established
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The Leylandii can grow as much as 35-inches per year, making it one of the fastest-growing hedges available.
Hedge Maintenance and Care
Proper hedge maintenance and care are essential for keeping your hedges healthy, visually appealing, and providing the privacy you desire. This section will cover essential aspects of hedge care, including watering, fertilizing, pest control, and pruning techniques.
Watering
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- The optimal watering schedule for hedges depends on the specific hedge type and local climate. Generally, hedges require consistent moisture, especially during the first couple of years after planting.
- Consider installing a drip irrigation system to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil and reduce water waste. This system will deliver water directly to the hedge’s roots, promoting healthy growth.
Fertilizing
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- Fertilizing your hedges can help them grow faster and healthier. Apply a slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen during the early spring to promote growth.
- Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and make your hedges more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pest Control
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- Inspect your hedges regularly for signs of pests, such as chewed leaves, discolored foliage, or the presence of insects. Early detection is key to preventing more significant problems.
- Use natural pest control methods, like introducing beneficial insects or using neem oil, before resorting to chemical pesticides.
- Consult your local garden center for advice on appropriate pest control measures for your specific hedge type and regional pests.
Pruning Techniques
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- Regular pruning is crucial for maintaining a neat, dense hedge and encouraging healthy growth. The ideal pruning schedule depends on the specific hedge type and the desired appearance.
- For most hedges, annual pruning during the spring is recommended. This encourages new growth and helps maintain a clean, uniform appearance.
- When pruning, start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Then, trim the hedge to your desired shape and size, being careful not to cut back too far into the older wood.
- For formal hedges, consider using a string line and stakes to help guide your cuts and create a straight, even hedge.
Hedge Design and Aesthetic
A well-designed hedge can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your garden and create a sense of harmony in your outdoor space. This section will provide tips on choosing the right hedge plants, creating visually appealing designs, and incorporating hedges into your overall landscape plan.
Choosing the Right Hedge Plants
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- Consider the purpose of your hedge when selecting plant varieties. For example, if you want privacy, opt for taller, evergreen plants that provide year-round coverage.
- Pay attention to the growth rate and mature size of the plants to ensure they are suitable for your intended space and desired maintenance level.
- Select plants that are compatible with your local climate, soil type, and sunlight conditions to ensure healthy growth and longevity.
Creating Visually Appealing Designs
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- Mix different hedge plant species to create visual interest and contrast. Consider using plants with varying textures, foliage colors, and flowering periods to add depth and variety to your hedge design.
- Incorporate curves and angles into your hedge layout to create a sense of movement and dynamism. This can also help guide visitors’ eyes towards focal points in your garden.
- Use hedges to frame views or create ‘garden rooms’ that provide a sense of discovery and intimacy within your landscape.
Incorporating Hedges into Your Landscape Plan
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- Consider the scale and proportion of your hedges in relation to other elements in your garden. Hedges can be used to create balance and cohesion, but oversized or improperly placed hedges can overwhelm your landscape design.
- Use hedges to define boundaries, create privacy, or delineate different areas within your garden. This can help create a sense of organization and structure in your outdoor space.
- Pair hedges with complementary elements, such as garden sculptures, water features, or seating areas, to create a cohesive and engaging garden design.
By carefully considering hedge design and aesthetics, you can create a visually stunning and functional outdoor space that showcases your unique taste and style.
Conclusion
Hedges are versatile and valuable additions to any garden or landscape, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. By carefully selecting appropriate hedge plants, providing proper maintenance and care, and thoughtfully incorporating them into your garden design, you can create a stunning and functional outdoor space that is both visually appealing and serves its intended purpose.
Hedges not only enhance the beauty of your property but also provide privacy, protection, and structure to your garden. With these tips and guidelines in hand, you are now equipped to create the perfect hedge that will enhance your outdoor environment for years to come.
Hedge FAQs
What is the fastest growing hedge for privacy?
The fastest growing hedge for privacy is the Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii). It can grow up to 3-4 feet per year, providing a dense, evergreen barrier.
What is the fastest growing hedge in the UK?
In the UK, the fastest growing hedge is the Common Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), which can grow up to 2-3 feet per year. It creates a dense evergreen screen that’s ideal for privacy.
What is the fastest growing garden hedge?
The fastest growing garden hedge is the Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii), which can grow 3-4 feet per year. It’s suitable for creating a privacy barrier in a garden.
What is the fastest growing box hedge?
The fastest growing box hedge is the Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), which can grow up to 1-2 feet per year. It’s an excellent substitute for the slower-growing Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens).
What is the best hedging for privacy?
The best hedging for privacy depends on your specific needs and location. Some popular options include Leyland Cypress, Common Laurel, and Privet. Consider factors like growth rate, height, and evergreen foliage when selecting a hedge for privacy.
What is the fastest growing evergreen for privacy?
The fastest growing evergreen for privacy is the Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii), which can grow 3-4 feet per year and provides a dense, evergreen barrier.
What grows fast and tall?
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can reach great heights, making it ideal for creating a tall and dense privacy screen. Be cautious, though, as some species can become invasive.
1 Comment
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I wonder are you familiar with Hostas & what could make them look eaten & brownish? I could use the advice.
Thank you