Create a private backyard oasis or block out excess wind and noise with a privacy hedge. Planting a row of hedges will screen your yard from neighbors, the street or unwanted visitors while giving a uniform look. We asked local landscapers to share their favorite privacy hedges.
“My favorite screening plant is a Green Giant Arborvitae for its evergreen coverage and deer resistance. The Green Giant Arborvitae grows about 20-30’ tall and 10’ wide, making it a more narrow choice in place of a pine tree or spruce tree. It also provides more dense screening as opposed to alternative evergreen trees that can become airy with age. Green Giant Arborvitaes provide soft, dense privacy and, when planted in a hedge, make a lovely backdrop for your landscape.” Christine Knoernschild, Passiglia’s Nursery & Garden Center.
“The upright, cone-shaped form of the Green Mountain Upright Boxwood is an excellent natural or clipped hedge. An evergreen, deer-resistant shrub, its small, dark-green foliage retains its color better than most boxwoods through the winter. This medium-height hedge has a growth rate of 6-8" per year. The Green Mountain Upright Boxwood maintains its shape with very little pruning, so you won't have to spend your time on maintenance. Full sun produces the best growth, but it can tolerate partial shade as well.” Jim Graeler, Chesterfield Valley Nursery.
“I really like the Techny Arborvitae (Thuja Occidentalis 'Techny') for a great evergreen hedge. It is a soft-textured evergreen plant that can take pruning to accommodate a wide variety of hedge sizes based on the needs of the space.” Eric Ringhofer, Green Guys.
“Our favorite plant used for a privacy hedge would have to be the European Hornbeam. Though deciduous, when planted in tight groups this tree's tight-branching structure forms a perfect hedge. In summer it has dark-green foliage turning bright yellow in fall. There are different varieties that will grow from just 15' wide to over 35' wide, making it a great option for many spaces.” Daniel Mee, Frisella Nursery.
“'Limelight' Hydrangea is an easy-to-grow shrub with massive white-flower clusters with a lime-green cast. The flowers turn a rich, deep pink then burgundy--eye-popping with all colors displayed on one bush. Blooms are great fresh or dried.” Ann Lapides, Sugar Creek Gardens.
