Let’s face it—nobody wants to feel like they’re living in a fishbowl. Whether your neighbors are just too close or you’re looking to block an unsightly view, privacy in your backyard is pure gold. And if you’re not keen on waiting years for that privacy to grow in, you’re in luck.
These 8 fast-growing shrubs aren’t just gorgeous—they’re also hard workers that fill in quickly, offering natural screening and a lush green barrier in a hurry. From evergreen beauties to flowering powerhouses, there’s something here for every yard.
Let’s dig into the top choices that’ll help you reclaim your personal space—fast.
1. Arborvitae (Thuja)
Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year
Best for: Year-round privacy, formal hedges
This one’s a classic—and for good reason. Arborvitae grows tall, thick, and fast. Varieties like ‘Green Giant’ are incredibly popular for privacy hedges because they’re low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and stay green all year long.
Why it’s a winner:
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Dense, evergreen foliage
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Tolerates a wide range of soils
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Great for shaping into formal hedges or natural screens
Pro tip: Plant them about 3-4 feet apart to create a solid privacy wall in just a couple of seasons.
2. Privet (Ligustrum)
Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Best for: Fast formal hedges, quick privacy
If you want privacy yesterday, privet is your best friend. It grows fast and thick, and can be pruned into a crisp, clean hedge—or left to grow more naturally.
Why gardeners love it:
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Incredibly fast-growing
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Handles heavy pruning like a champ
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Produces sweet-smelling white flowers in summer
Heads-up: Some types can be invasive in certain regions. Check with your local extension office before planting.
3. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
Growth Rate: Up to 5 feet per year
Best for: Southern gardens, privacy with fragrance
This tough evergreen shrub thrives in the South and coastal areas. Wax myrtle is a privacy powerhouse with aromatic foliage and a rapid growth habit.
Why it stands out:
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Fast growth, even in poor soil
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Naturally pest-resistant
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Offers a light, pleasant fragrance
Bonus: Birds love the berries, so you’ll get some feathered visitors, too.
4. Bamboo (Clumping varieties)
Growth Rate: 2–4 feet per year (some faster)
Best for: Tropical vibes, instant screen
Yep, bamboo. But hold up—clumping bamboo is the one you want. Unlike the running kind that’ll invade your whole yard, clumping bamboo stays in check and creates a tall, lush screen in record time.
Why it’s unique:
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Bold, exotic look
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Evergreen in warm climates
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Excellent sound and visual barrier
Important: Choose cold-hardy varieties if you’re not in a warm zone.
5. Forsythia
Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Best for: Early spring color and fast coverage
If you’re dreaming of bright yellow blooms and quick coverage, forsythia delivers. This cheerful shrub bursts into flower in early spring—sometimes before the snow melts.
Why it’s a favorite:
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Lightning-fast growth
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Easy to propagate from cuttings
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Eye-catching spring display
Tip: Plant several in a row and let them grow wild for a natural screen with serious charm.
6. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
Best for: Dense evergreen screening, shaded areas
Need privacy in a shady spot? Cherry laurel’s got you covered. Its large, glossy leaves make it a standout, and its dense growth habit means no one’s peeking through.
Why it’s great:
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Evergreen and fast-growing
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Thrives in part shade
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Can be pruned into a formal hedge
Watch out: The berries and leaves are toxic if eaten—keep it away from pets that like to nibble.
7. Red-Tipped Photinia
Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
Best for: Colorful privacy hedge with flair
Looking for something that pops? Red-tipped photinia has stunning new growth that comes in bright red before maturing to a deep green. It’s a head-turner that also blocks the view like a champ.
Why it works:
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Eye-catching color
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Forms a thick, tall hedge
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Handles heat and sun well
Note: Avoid overwatering and give it good airflow to prevent leaf spot.
8. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Growth Rate: Around 3 feet per year
Best for: Wildlife-friendly privacy with color
Here’s one for the nature lovers. American beautyberry isn’t just a privacy shrub—it’s a bird buffet and pollinator magnet. With arching branches, lush green leaves, and vivid purple berries in fall, it’s a stunner that does double duty.
Why it’s a must-have:
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Native to the U.S.
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Fast-growing and easygoing
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Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies
Best planted: In full sun to part shade with a little space to spread.
Quick Comparison Table
| Shrub | Growth Rate | Evergreen? | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arborvitae | Up to 3 ft/year | Yes | Year-round dense privacy |
| Privet | 2–3 ft/year | Some | Fast formal hedges |
| Wax Myrtle | Up to 5 ft/year | Yes | Southern screens with fragrance |
| Clumping Bamboo | 2–4 ft/year | Yes | Exotic, sound-blocking screen |
| Forsythia | 2–3 ft/year | No | Bright spring color |
| Cherry Laurel | 1–2 ft/year | Yes | Shady privacy spots |
| Red-Tipped Photinia | Up to 2 ft/year | Yes | Colorful, tall privacy hedge |
| American Beautyberry | ~3 ft/year | No | Wildlife-friendly screens |
Final Thoughts
When it comes to creating privacy fast, you’ve got plenty of beautiful, fast-growing options to choose from. Whether you’re going for a neat and tidy hedge or a wild, natural screen, these shrubs grow quickly and fill in thick—so you can enjoy peace and quiet sooner rather than later.
Before planting, always check your local growing zone and sunlight conditions. A well-matched shrub is a happy shrub—and a happy shrub grows fast.
So go ahead—reclaim your backyard, block those prying eyes, and enjoy a little more “you” time. Privacy never looked so good.