Top 5 Hedges for Privacy and Screening

With the added benefit of colorful foliage, hedges are well suited to create privacy & boundaries. There is no doubt that bay area is filling up with residential crowds. With fast growing technology and established companies, it’s becoming a little more crowded around peaceful environment. As a result many residential property owners have been wanting to create garden space that provide a break from growing congestion.

Using hedges to design garden that provide privacy and screening is something to consider. Incorporating hedge with formal shape, color is a successful landscaping as well. You can use both evergreen and deciduous hedge variety to modify your garden into new look. Below are some favorite hedge selections that creates optimum privacy and screening-


a. European Beech- Scientifically known as Fagus Sylvatica; European Beech is an extremely popular deciduous hedge popular in Europe and European garden style. The hedge has a lovely bark which is smooth and silver gray in color. Blooms beautifully by producing yellow green flowers in spring and fall color through winters.


Beech Hedge Quick Details-
1. Makes a unique hedge with regular pruning
2. Thrives best in full sun to partial shade

3. Grows upto 12’ height and 4’ width
4. Tolerates a wider range of soil than other beech hedge varieties.
5. Somewhat deer resistant

b. English Laurel- Being one of the fast growing hedges, Englisha laurel scientifically known as Prunus Laurocerasus is a well suited hedge to fill out big spaces Quickly. Simply, ideal hedge selection which grows fast and provide quick privacy and screening.

English Laurel Quick Details-
1. Evergreen foliage throughout the season
2. Ideal hedge for privacy and screening
3. Creates inedible fruits in summer and creamy white flowers in spring.
4. Resistant to deer
5. Quite drought tolerant and requires less irrigation. (more in extreme heat conditions)

c. American Arborvitae- Scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis; American Arborvitae is excellent hedge choice for cold regions. This fast growing arborvitae hedge reaches upto a great height and forms dense screen with consistent pruning. 

American Arborvitae Quick Details-
1. Comparatively less maintenance hedge than other arborvitae varieties.
2. Tolerates different types of soil.
3. No major pests disease.
4. A narrow conical hedge makes distinctive, sturdy and extremely appealing hedge.
5. Has a moderate growth rate

d. Cherry Laurel- Sometimes called skip, schipka, schip laurel; Cherry laurel is one of the hardier laurels and quite less maintenance hedge. Prunus Laurocerasus has smaller leaves than other Prunus (laurel) varieties.

Cherry Laurel Quick Details-
1. Easy to prune and maintain for clean appearance

2. Stays evergreen throughout the season
3. Thrives well in shadier climates
4. Can grow upto 6’-10’ when mature
5. Deer resistant


e. Emerald green Arborvitae- Ultimate hedge selection that hold its evergreen rich foliage throughout the season. The hedge thrives best in hotter and humid climate. Well suited to 3-8 zones. 

Green Arborvitae Details-

1. Grows upto 12’ height and 3’ width.
2. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
3. The hedge prefers loamy, well drained soil with moisture.