March 27, 2023

16 Fast-growing shrub for privacy

You want to add some privacy to your yard but don’t want to spend a fortune on a fence. A fence can be a great way to add privacy to your yard, but they can be expensive and time-consuming to install.

Planting a fast-growing shrub is the perfect solution for adding privacy quickly and affordably. Our 10 favorite shrubs for privacy will help you find the best plant for your needs.

Introduce here the fast-growing shrub for privacy, including: Leyland cypress, Emerald green arborvitae, Green giant arborvitae, Skyrocket juniper and etc.

Fast-growing shrub for privacy
Fast-growing shrub for privacy

What is shrub?

Shrub is a perennial woody plant, it can be small or large, and they can grow in a variety of different climates. What are the benefits of shrubs?

There are many benefits to planting shrubs in your yard. Some of the most notable benefits include:

1. Shrubs can provide privacy

2. Shrubs can act as a windbreak

3. Shrubs can provide food and shelter for wildlife

4. Shrubs can help to control erosion

5. Shrubs can improve the appearance of your yard

Fast-growing shrub for privacy

There are a number of fast-growing shrubs that can be used for privacy. Some of the most popular choices include:

1. Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)

If you’re looking for a fast-growing shrub to provide privacy, Leyland cypress is a great option. This shrub can grow up to 3 feet per year, it will take about 3-4 years to reach its full height, and it provides dense coverage (1).

It’s also tolerant of drought and other tough conditions, making it a great choice for those with limited time or resources. Just be aware that Leyland cypress is an evergreen, so it will need to be trimmed regularly to keep it looking its best.

2. Emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)

This fast-growing shrub can reach heights of 15 to 15 feet in just a few years, making it an excellent choice for privacy (2). TheEmerald green arborvitae has a dense, conical habit and deep green foliage that turns yellow in the fall.

It is also deer resistant. It will take the Emerald green arborvitae anywhere from six to eight years to reach its mature height.

Fast-growing shrub
Fast-growing shrub

3. Green giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’)

If you’re looking for a fast-growing shrub for privacy, the green giant arborvitae is a great option. This shrub can grow up to 3 feet per year, so it’s perfect for filling in gaps in your landscaping (3).

The green giant arborvitae is also relatively tolerant of cold weather, so it can be grown in climates that experience harsh winters. Plus, its dark green foliage provides a nice contrast to other plants in your garden.

4. Skyrocket juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’)

A fast-growing evergreen, the Skyrocket juniper can grow up to three feet per year, making it one of the fastest-growing shrubs available. Reaching a height of 20 feet and a width of 10 feet at maturity, this plant is perfect for creating privacy screens and windbreaks (4).

Additionally, its blue-green needles provide year-round interest, and its compact growth habit makes it easy to maintain.hardy plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant and low maintenance.

5. Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Cryptomeria japonica is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of up to 60 feet (5). It provides excellent privacy and wind protection, and its dense foliage makes it an ideal choice for screening. Japanese cedar prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but does best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.Cryptomeria japonica is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of up to 60 feet. It provides excellent privacy and wind protection, and its dense foliage makes it an ideal choice for screening.

Japanese cedar prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but does best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Cryptomeria japonica is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of up to 60 feet. It provides excellent privacy and wind protection, and its dense foliage makes it an ideal choice for screening.

Japanese cedar prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but does best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

6. American holly (Ilex opaca)

If you are looking for a fast-growing shrub that provides privacy, the American holly is a great option. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, making it ideal for use as a privacy hedge (6).

The American holly is also a very popular landscaping plant because of its glossy green leaves and red berries.7. Japanese holly (Ilex crenata)

7. Nellie Stevens holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)

This fast-growing evergreen shrub can reach up to 5-6 feet in height and width, making it an excellent choice for privacy (7).

The glossy green leaves turn a beautiful red in the fall. Deer resistant.

8. inkberry holly (Ilex glabra)

A fast-growing shrub, inkberry holly can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. It has dark green, glossy leaves and black berries that provide food for birds in winter.

Inkberry holly is an excellent choice for privacy hedges or screens, as well as foundation plantings. Zones 4-11. (8)

9. Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

A favorite choice for Christmas trees, the dwarf Alberta spruce is also a fast-growing shrub for privacy. It can reach up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide in just 10 years. This evergreen has a dense, compact growth habit and can tolerate partial shade. (9)

10. Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata)

A Japanese yew is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet (10) tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. It has dark green needles and red berries. This shrub is drought tolerant and makes a good privacy screen.

Each of these plants grows quickly and can provide privacy fast. They also have a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit well in your landscape. When choosing a fast-growing shrub for privacy, be sure to consider

How to buy the right shrub

How to buy the right shrub
How to buy the right shrub

If you’re looking for a fast-growing shrub to provide privacy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The size and shape of the shrub you choose will determine how much privacy it provides, as well as how much work will be required to keep it looking neat and tidy.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right shrub for privacy:

  • Choose a fast-growing variety.
  • Make sure the shrub is suited to your climate and growing conditions.
  • Consider the size and shape of the shrub when making your selection.
  • Think about how much maintenance the shrub will require.

Planting shrub Method

When planting shrub, you will first want to identify the spot in your yard where you would like it to grow. Be sure to select an area that gets plenty of sunlight.

1. Dig a hole

Dig a hole that is twice as large as the root system of the shrub, and fill it with soil mixed with compost.

2. Place the shrub

Place the shrub in the hole, and backfill with soil. The soil for shrub should be moist and well-drained. Amend the soil with compost to keep the shrub healthy and thriving.

3. Water well

Water the shrub well, and apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture. (check out for how to water your plant)

Fast-growing shrub for privacy care tips

Fast-growing shrub care tips
Fast-growing shrub care tips

Maintaining your fast-growing shrubs can be easy if you follow a few simple tips.

1. Watering

First, water regularly and deeply to encourage deep root growth.

2. Fertilizing

Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer. The perfect fertilizer for fast-growing shrubs is a balanced one that will provide the plants with all the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.

3. Pruning

Pruning is important to maintain the shape of your fast-growing shrubs. Prune in late winter or early spring. Pruning is important for shrubs because it helps maintain their shape and keeps them healthy. It can also encourages new growth, which can help fast-growing shrubs grow even faster.

4. Mulching

Mulch around your fast-growing shrubs to help retain moisture and control weeds.

5. Winterizing

In late fall, prepare your fast-growing shrubs for winter by covering them with a layer of mulch. (Check out for how to protect your plants from frost)

Growing shrub in containers

Yes, you can grow shrub in containers. Some fast-growing shrubs that work well in containers include:

  1. Firethorn (Pyracantha)
  2. Flowering quince (Chaenomeles)
  3. Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
  4. Privet (Ligustrum)
  5. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos)
  6. Wax myrtle (Morella cerifera)

These shrubs will provide you with privacy, as well as being fast-growing. Be sure to choose the right size container for your shrub, as some can grow quite large. Also, make sure to provide adequate drainage in the bottom of the container.

How to grow shrub in container

growing shrub
growing shrub

If you’re looking for a fast-growing shrub for privacy, consider planting one in a container. Container-grown shrubs will grow quickly and can be easily moved around to fill in gaps in your landscape. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

1. Choose the right container

The size of the container will determine how fast your shrub grows. A small pot will limit the growth of the roots, while a larger container will encourage rapid growth. Choose a container that is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches deep.

2. Select soil

Use a high-quality potting mix or garden soil amended with compost or peat moss. Avoid using soil from your garden, as it may be too heavy and compacted for container growing.

3. Plant in early spring

When the weather warms and the days begin to lengthen, it’s time to plant fast-growing shrubs in containers. Choose a location that receives full sun. If you’re planting more than one shrub, space them at least 3 feet apart.

4. Water regularly

Fast-growing shrubs need regular watering, especially when they’re first getting established. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

5. Fertilize monthly

Feed fast-growing shrubs with a balanced fertilizer formulated for use on flowering plants. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions.

6. Prune as needed

To keep your fast-growing shrub under control, you may need to prune it periodically. Wait until after the plant blooms to prune it back.

With a little care, fast-growing shrubs planted in containers will thrive and provide privacy in no time.

Common problem of shrub

Common problem of shrub
Common problem of shrub

The common problem of shrub is that it can be invasive and difficult to control. If you have a fast-growing shrub, it is important to keep an eye on it and make sure it does not become a nuisance. There are many fast-growing shrubs that are suitable for privacy, but there are also some that can be a problem.

1. Can be invasive and difficult to control

Shrubs can be a problem because they can spread rapidly and choke out other plants. It can be difficult to control them once they get started, so it is important to be vigilant in keeping them under control.

2. Should be trimmed regularly

Shrubs should be trimmed regularly to keep them from getting out of control. If you do not trim them, they will eventually become a problem.

3. Can be a fire hazard

Shrubs can be a fire hazard if they are not properly maintained. If you have a fast-growing shrub, it is important to keep it trimmed and away from any flammable materials.

Final Thoughts

Although shrub can be invasive and difficult to get rid of, it is a fast-growing shrub that can provide privacy for your yard or garden. If you are looking for a quick way to create some privacy, shrub may be the solution for you.