Best fast-growing hedges for privacy around your home or garden

Those looking to increase privacy around their homes or create a peaceful private oasis in their gardens might first look to fences or brick walls, but a lush green hedge will provide privacy and beauty.

Experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are providing a rundown of their top fast-growing hedges.

Hedges are versatile to any front or back garden, providing a home for wildlife whilst blocking views. It is particularly popular with those who have large windows, homes on busy roads, or lots of other houses looking over their garden.

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Fast-growing hedges are particularly effective for homeowners to achieve their desired screening speedily.

As efficient as hedges can be, if they are allowed to grow unpruned, they can cause issues. Homeowners should ensure hedges do not block views or light from any neighbour’s home, do not grow over into another garden and are not damaging the path or drive.

Hedges can be planted year-round, as long as the ground is prepared correctly first. Ensure the ground is thoroughly weeded six weeks before planting and right before planting.

A spokesman for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Many of us value privacy in our homes. When it comes to houses that look onto busy roads, high-level pedestrian areas or homes with gardens that look onto other people’s houses, hedges are the most viable and affordable option above fencing or installing walls.

“It is essential to plant the hedges and plenty of plant food. Homeowners should look into the specific requirements of whichever hedge they choose to ensure maximum growth and density.

Honeysuckle
The evergreen variety is a must for year-round privacy. In particular, the shrubby honeysuckle is loved for its dense leaves, which must be trimmed regularly due to its speedy growth. The leaves produce flowers in the spring and berries in the autumn.

Privet
With dense foliage and bright green colour, this formal looking hedge offers optimum privacy to those who require it. Privet is very fast-growing, mainly if plant food is used, and it will need pruning several times a year to look its best and is ideal for shaping.

Cornus
More commonly known as red twig dogwood, this shrub is sure to make an impact. These fast-growing hedges create a bank of bright red stems, which look just as good in winter as in spring. It is also easy to propagate and a very affordable way to build privacy around your home or garden.

Bamboo
Bamboo is surprisingly perfect for those looking for a plant to provide screening without inhabiting too much space. Variations called goldenly, or fountain bamboo, add the thick foliage needed for privacy whilst adding a lush and exciting texture to any garden landscaping.

Lilacs
Loved for their sweet smell and colourful flowers, lilacs are a beautiful addition to any garden. They can grow around two feet per year and require pruning to stop them from taking over the landscape. While providing privacy and comfort, they also brighten up and add life to homes.