Community Corner
Hedging for Privacy
These trees and shrubs will screen out poor views or bad neighbors.
They say fences make good neighbors, but often a thick green hedge will also do the trick.
My house sits on a decent lot on a cul-de-sac with great neighbors, but the problem is that my home’s backyard is adjacent to an elementary schoolyard and is flanked by a chain link fence. Since the busy playground affords us little privacy, I am thinking of planting a row of shrubs or evergreen trees along the fence.
After quite a bit of research and visiting nurseries, I’ve identified some bushes and trees that I think would grow quickly, screen out views of the school and playground and lend some privacy. The shrubs and plants I’m considering do well in partial shade, as our backyard is shaded and has some tall deciduous trees along the fence line.
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If you are looking for a quick-growing privacy hedge, here are a few options:
Prunus laurocerasus “Schipkaensis” or “Skip” Laurel: This broadleaf evergreen shrub is hardy, grows up to 8 feet tall, is a spreading plant and can be clipped to form a dense privacy hedge. It has appealing, glossy dark green leaves and can be planted in sun or shade.
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Leyland Cypress: This quick-growing evergreen tree should be planted in full sun. They are great for screening poor views and for providing quick privacy.
Rose of Sharon: This deciduous shrub grows rapidly, can reach 12 feet in height and can be planted in full sun or partial shade. This low-maintenance plant offers beautiful flowers in pink, white and blue.
Thug “Green Giant” Arborvitae: These evergreens can grow three or more feet a year and can reach 50 feet high and are a good option for creating a living fence. Although they fare the best in full sun, they can tolerate light shade. They have a spread of about 12 feet to 30 feet and should be planted 5 feet to 6 feet apart to create a hedge.
I’ve noticed that many yards in the area, especially in Hightstown, have some fantastic privacy hedges. If you have recommendations on good plants to try for privacy, or information on what has worked for you, I would love to hear from you.
