Good fences make good neighbors. But sometimes fences are not quite high enough and you require more privacy. We have compiled a list of the top ten UK Privacy hedges. We have listed our top 10 The Best Privacy hedges. If you have any questions about the hedges below please use the comment section or our Forum.
1. Beech – Fagus
Beech is the only shrub on our list that is not an evergreen, however it makes it on the list as it holds onto it’s browning leaves in the winter. Giving a bit of privacy but also year round interest with the colour changes.The foliage ranges from green to purple. This is a fast growing hedge, to increase the density you can grow beech with a staggered planting formation..
Soil Type/Habitat: Dry well drained soils. Heavy clay soils must be avoided. Will grow well in most conditions.
Shade tolerant but with a slow growth rate.
Growth Rate: Privet grow up to 1-2 foot per year.
2. Privet – Ligustrum
Privet is an evergreen fast growing shrub which is tolerant to pollution, so can be planted near roads and in urban areas. It has densely packed small light green leaves. This hedge looks very neat if kept well maintained. Privet can tolerate many soil types. Please be aware, the leaves and berries are toxic to humans and dogs.
Soil Type/Habitat: Dry well drained soils. Heavy clay soils must be avoided. Will grow well in most conditions.
Shade tolerant but with a slow growth rate.
Growth Rate: Privet grow up to 1-2 foot per year.
3. Arborvitae – Thuja
Thuja is an evergreen with densely packed leaves, making it perfect for blocking out unwanted light and sounds. There are many variety of Thuja, with different shades to suit your garden.
Thuja can be used as a windbreak in windy areas, and is fast growing. It also has the advantage of be able to grow in all soil types. Thuja will grow back from being cut hard back to wood. If left unpruned thuja will grow in a conical shape but looks great pruned into a rectangular compacted hedge. Thuja leaves are very aromatic and give off a wonderful earthy scent. Thuja is easy to maintain and does not require much attention compared to Leyalndii.
Soil Type/Habitat: Thuja prefers well-drained soil and grows well in full sun or even partial shade.
Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
5. Laurel – Laurus nobilis
Regular laurel is seen on nearly every UK street, it is a popular choice due to it being fast growing and it creates a dense every green privacy screen. It’s broad leaves act very well as a sound barrier.
Portuguese laurel has a slightly darker leaf with a beautiful deep red stem. Portuguese laurel is ever green and is a great alternative to it’s sister regular laurel.Portuguese laurel is slightly slower growing than regular laurel. It produces black berries.
Soil Type/Habitat: Laurel will grow in most soil types. They will happily grow in shade and full sun, this makes laurel perfect for any site needing privacy fast.
Growth Rate: 30 – 60cm per year
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