There are many reasons to plant large privacy hedges, and there are many varieties that can do a good job. Privacy hedges can reduce noise and can provide a space where neighbouring properties can’t see into your property.

To create a good privacy hedge, you’ll want to plant several shrubs together to make sure it’s dense enough. You can plant these hedges all in one row, or plant them staggered, it depends on your desired appearance.

Let’s go over our top 3 recommendations for privacy hedges.

Arborvitae

Arborvitae shrubs grow in a slightly cone-like shape and are great for privacy due to their dense foliage and low maintenance needs. Arborvitae is a conifer that will remain green all year-round. Trimming is recommended 1-2 times a year for good health and to maintain size and shape. Arborvitae will typically grow up to about 12 feet high and about 4 feet wide, so be sure to consider this when planting these next to each other.

Portuguese Laurel

Portuguese laurel is another dense shrub that can be great for privacy. It produces white flowers and dark green leaves. The dark green foliage will remain throughout the winter, and the white flowers will typically bloom in the spring. These are fairly low maintenance shrubs; however, they should be trimmed 1-2 times a year, and pruned every few years. They will grow to about 20 feet high and 20 feet wide.

Yew

Yew shrubs have beautiful dense green pine foliage that can grow up to 18 feet high and 10 feet wide, making them another great option for privacy. The green pines turn a bright green in the spring, giving them a nice fresh look. Yew hedges can be pruned once a year or lightly trimmed 1-2 times a year.

Your privacy hedge can last you a lifetime, so be sure to choose the variety that is right for your properties needs.