Guide to Planting Privacy Hedges

Planting privacy hedges will improve your property in several ways. Besides the added privacy, hedges also act as windbreaks, decoration and provide a bit of extra security. Hedges will allow your yard to keep its beautiful natural look while providing the benefits of a a fence. The biggest decision to make will be what kind of plants to use.

Evergreens make great privacy screens. Zig-zag the plants to give them a fuller effect and to allow for air and sun. To keep diseases and pests from destroying your entire planting, use different evergreen varieties along the border.

Yews make great privacy hedges as well. Use this slow to medium growing plant for enclosed gardens. Yews can be planted in full sun to partial shade, and respond well to pruning.

Another plant that responds well to pruning and shaping is the European Boxwood. They make great hedges and are also used for topiaries. Grow in full sun to partial shade.

Arborvitae will grow in almost any soil conditions (sand, clay, etc.), making it a very popular variety of evergreen for use as privacy hedges. These pyramid shaped, pest-resistant plants require no pruning. To grow a quick hedge or windbreak, plant 5' to 6' apart; for a more gradual, slower growing hedge, plant 10' to 12' apart. May be pruned for shape before spring growth. Plant these privacy hedges in full sun.

A very popular plant used for privacy hedges is the Holly. With their glossy green leave and vibrant red berries, hollies look best if kept full and trimmed. In most varieties, only the female plant produces berries, so you will need a male to cross pollinate. Hollies are medium growers that prefer acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. Plant 2' to 4' apart.

Firethorn is a breathtaking evergreen with white flowers in the spring and bright red-orange berries in summer that last into winter. These fast growing plants are drought tolerant and are popular Christmas decorations. Plant full sun to partial shade, 3' to 4' apart.

One of the most popular privacy hedges in the Southern U.S. Is the Nandina. The foliage turns red in fall and winter, and produces white flowers and red berries in spring. This medium to fast grower prefers full sun.

Since you can usually see between bushes or through tree branches, some people may think a natural fence will offer not security. Plants that can offer a little extra security are those with complex branching systems, thorns or prickly leaves.

Width and height are important when considering planting privacy hedges. Be sure plants don't overlap into neighbors yards or obstruct views of nearby roadways. Be sure the growth of the plants won't interfere with power lines. Plant hedges close enough to promote privacy, but with enough space to allow for air and sunlight. A good rule of thumb to follow when spacing is 4 feet apart from center. To provide a pleasant view and more privacy, plant taller hedges with shorter hedges in front.