Best Privacy Bushes That Grow Fast and Tall

4 min read
By Lily Carter

Want a private backyard or garden but don’t want to wait years for plants to grow? Privacy bushes that grow fast and tall are a great way to create a natural screen quickly. These bushes can block out nosy neighbors, reduce noise, and make your outdoor space feel cozy. Let’s talk about some of the best options that are easy to grow and understand, even for kids!


Quick Answer

Looking for the best privacy bushes that grow fast and tall? Here are top picks

  • Leyland Cypress: Grows 3–4 feet per year, reaching 20–30 feet tall.
  • Arborvitae (Green Giant): Grows 3–5 feet per year, up to 30–50 feet tall.
  • Bamboo (Clumping): Grows 1–3 feet per year, up to 10–20 feet tall.
  • Privet: Grows 2–3 feet per year, reaching 8–12 feet tall.
  • Wax Myrtle: Grows 3–5 feet per year, up to 15–20 feet tall.

Table of Contents


Why Choose Fast-Growing Privacy Bushes?

Privacy bushes are like nature’s walls. They grow tall and thick to hide your yard from people passing by. Fast-growing bushes are great because they don’t take long to get big. You can have a private space in just a couple of years! Plus, they’re often easy to take care of and make your yard look pretty.

Here’s why they’re awesome

  • Quick privacy: You don’t have to wait a long time.
  • Natural look: They blend into your yard better than a fence.
  • Eco-friendly: Bushes help clean the air and give birds a place to hang out.

Top 5 Privacy Bushes That Grow Fast and Tall

Here are five bushes that grow quickly and get tall enough to give you privacy. Each one is easy to understand and works well in many yards.

1. Leyland Cypress

This tree grows super fast—about 3 to 4 feet every year! It can get as tall as 20 to 30 feet or more. Its soft, green needles make it look fluffy, and it’s great for blocking views.

  • Growth rate: 3–4 feet per year
  • Height: 20–30 feet (sometimes taller)
  • Best for: Sunny spots with lots of space
  • Care tip: Water it regularly when it’s young, and trim it to keep it neat.

2. Arborvitae (Green Giant)

The Green Giant is a popular choice because it grows fast (3–5 feet per year) and gets really tall, up to 50 feet! It has soft, green leaves that stay pretty all year.

  • Growth rate: 3–5 feet per year
  • Height: 30–50 feet
  • Best for: Cold or warm climates
  • Care tip: Plant them 5–6 feet apart for a thick screen.

3. Clumping Bamboo

Bamboo is cool because it looks exotic and grows fast, about 1–3 feet per year. Clumping bamboo stays in one spot (unlike running bamboo, which can spread too much). It can reach 10–20 feet tall.

  • Growth rate: 1–3 feet per year
  • Height: 10–20 feet
  • Best for: Warm climates or yards with some shade
  • Care tip: Give it plenty of water and a barrier if you’re worried about spreading.

4. Privet

Privet bushes are great for smaller yards. They grow 2–3 feet per year and reach 8–12 feet tall. They have shiny leaves and can be trimmed into neat shapes.

  • Growth rate: 2–3 feet per year
  • Height: 8–12 feet
  • Best for: Small spaces or formal gardens
  • Care tip: Trim it often to keep it thick and tidy.

5. Wax Myrtle

Wax Myrtle is a tough bush that grows 3–5 feet per year and gets up to 15–20 feet tall. It has pretty, green leaves and smells nice when you rub them.

  • Growth rate: 3–5 feet per year
  • Height: 15–20 feet
  • Best for: Warm areas or near the coast
  • Care tip: It likes wet soil but can handle dry spots too.

How to Choose the Right Privacy Bush

Not every bush works for every yard. Here’s what to think about

  • Space: How much room do you have? Some bushes, like Leyland Cypress, need more space than Privet.
  • Climate: Check if the bush grows well where you live. For example, Wax Myrtle loves warm places.
  • Sun or shade: Some bushes need lots of sun, while others are okay with shade.
  • Maintenance: Do you want a bush you can trim into shapes, or one that grows on its own?

You can ask a local garden store for help picking the best one for your area.


Tips for Planting and Caring for Privacy Bushes

To make sure your bushes grow fast and tall, follow these simple tips

  1. Plant in the right spot: Make sure the bush gets the sun or shade it needs.
  2. Water regularly: Young bushes need water to grow strong. Water them once or twice a week.
  3. Add fertilizer: Use plant food in the spring to help them grow faster.
  4. Trim when needed: Cut back branches to keep the bush thick and shaped nicely.
  5. Check for bugs: Look for bugs or sick leaves and treat them quickly.

Conclusion

Fast-growing privacy bushes like Leyland Cypress, Green Giant Arborvitae, Clumping Bamboo, Privet, and Wax Myrtle are perfect for creating a private, green space in your yard. They grow tall quickly and are easy to take care of, even if you’re new to gardening. Pick the one that fits your yard’s size, climate, and style, and you’ll have a beautiful, private space in no time!

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