Privacy Hedges enable you to enjoy all of these benefits in any garden, regardless of how noisy or metropolitan the surroundings. 
It reduces noise and inquisitive eyes while also beautifying the landscape and offering a home for small mammals.

So, what shrubs are best for privacy? We’ve put up a list of the greatest shrubs for seclusion. They are all excellent for different scenarios, so we are confident you will discover your ideal fit!

MAINTAINING A PRIVACY HEDGE

The secret to keeping a properly dense privacy hedge is to prune it on the sides consistently. If the hedge is allowed to grow tall and lanky before being heavily clipped, it will result in gaps (this can be remedied in laurels and beech, but not in conifers). 

To keep your hedge full and dense, give it a quick, basic cut once a year for fast-growing species and once every two years for slower-growing varieties. Pruning the upper half of the privacy hedges somewhat thinner than the bottom will preserve the lower branches beautiful and full (see diagram below).

Learn what makes some of our hedges for privacy, & meet top Best Privacy Hedges for adding peace & quiet to any outdoor space.

1. EUROPEAN BEECH

European beech is one of the best privacy shrubs, and it is a popular choice in Europe and European-style gardens. It has rich, green leaves in the spring and summer, and copper autumn colour that lasts through the winter. 

Despite being deciduous, the persistent leaves provide some peace over the winter months. Grows in full sun to partial shade. One of the greatest plants for privacy in zones 5–8.

2. ENGLISH LAUREL

English Laurel (or Prunus laurocerasus), one of the fastest-growing evergreens for seclusion, can quickly fill a large space. It is an excellent choice for privacy hedges if you need a tall hedge rapidly. Make sure to prune regularly to protect it from becoming lanky. 

Beautiful glossy green foliage with white flowers in the spring and non-edible berries in the summer. Deer proof. Grows from full sun to partial shade. Best plants for privacy in zones 6–9.

3. SCHIP LAUREL

Schip laurel, also known as Skip Laurel, Schipka Laurel, or Cherry Laurel, has the same benefits as English Laurel, but with a more upright growth habit that requires less pruning to keep the breadth in check. 

It also has longer, narrower leaves that are a slightly darker green. Grows from full sun to shade. One of the top privacy shrubs to consider.

4. PORTUGUESE LAUREL

The Portuguese Laurel, also known as Prunus Lusitanica, has a very dense natural growth habit. It also grows quickly, allowing you to create a massive, dense hedge with little effort in a short period of time. It is an excellent choice for warmer regions of the country because it is resistant to heat, drought, bad soil, salt, and pollution. 

It has beautiful green leaves with contrasting crimson petioles. It produces white blooms in the spring and black fruits in the summer, which are inedible to humans but a good food source for birds. They are one of the most effective deer-proof privacy bushes. Does well in full sunlight.

5. AMERICAN ARBORVITAE

American Arborvitae, also known as Thuja Occidentalis, is an excellent alternative for individuals in cold climates (hardy to zone 2) looking for a fast-growing privacy hedge. With constant trimming, it will grow swiftly to make a dense screen. 

Grows from full sun to partial shade. Excellent choice for fast-growing evergreen bushes that provide privacy.