Whether you're looking to create a personal oasis in your backyard or block out the noise from the street, planting privacy hedges are an ideal solution. With its thick foliage and height, a privacy hedge makes all the difference when transforming your outdoor space.

From easy-to-care-for trees to evergreen shrubs, these seven best privacy hedges will help keep your property secluded -- even while providing an eye-catching view. Discover which one is right for you!

Privacy Trees

Privacy trees are a great way to add a sense of seclusion and security to your outdoor space. Whether creating a quiet refuge in your backyard or adding some separation between neighbors, privacy trees are an effective subtle solution.

Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypress branch

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The Leyland cypress grows between 40 and 60 feet tall, offering the perfect height to keep out prying eyes while still looking attractive.

They require full sun and grow best in USDA zones 6 to 10, adding 3 to 5 feet per season. They thrive in most soil and climate conditions thanks to their hardy nature. Additionally, they provide an attractive windbreak with lush greenery all year round. Not only does the Leyland cypress provide you with additional privacy, but it also provides cover for some birds.

Austree Willow Hybrid

The Austree willow hybrid grows extremely fast -- up to 6 feet per season, meaning it reaches heights of 35 to 75 feet quickly, making it a perfect option for creating a screening rapidly. Its size and dense foliage make it great at blocking out wind and giving you privacy. This tree also handles cold temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit well. Plus, it thrives in partial to full sunlight and most soil types, so you can easily find the perfect spot in your yard or garden.

However, beware that its long and strong roots sometimes cause problems with foundations, underground pipes, and other underground items. If you plan to use the Austree willow hybrid for privacy or windbreak purposes, plant it as far away from your property as possible.

'Green Giant' Arborvitae

Thuja Green Giant Tree

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Growing up to 40 feet tall (3 to 5 feet per season,) the 'Green Giant' arborvitae quickly provides you with the coverage and seclusion you're after. Furthermore, its resistance to wind and ability to thrive in full and partial sun makes it ideal for most climates -- from USDA zones 5 to 9.

The 'Green Giant' arborvitae isn't very prone to insects or blight. So you won't have to worry about fungal maintenance. And even during dry spells, this hardy tree keeps on going! Plus, in areas where snow and ice occur, it tolerates them both, so you can have your privacy hedge year-round.

Privacy Shrubs

Privacy shrubs are a great addition to an outdoor space. Whether you're looking for a way to add a natural element of privacy to your backyard or want to create an intimate garden atmosphere, these versatile plants do the trick.

Blackthorn

Blackthorn Fruit Tree

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Blackthorn's evergreen foliage provides beautiful coverage. Meanwhile, its 13-foot height makes it tall enough to create substantial privacy and block out unsightly views.

You can plant this shrub in the winter. And in the spring, it adds some lightness to your landscape with its white flowers. Come fall, it produces fruit that feeds plenty of animals. Best of all, blackthorn is hardy and resilient. It grows well in all soil types in USDA zones 5 to 9.

Not only does your privacy hedge provide style and function, but it'll also benefit wildlife. Blackthorn attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, making your garden a haven for nature.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangea

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Growing between 6 and 12 feet tall, the oakleaf hydrangea is ideal for creating a hedge that adds beauty and function to your outdoor space. With its easy-to-care-for nature, this plant is perfect for even beginner-level gardeners or those who don't want to worry about overly meticulous care.

The large leaves turn many colors in the fall, providing a stunning display and added privacy throughout the year. Plus, white flowers bloom during summer, making it eye-catching! This hardy shrub thrives in partial to full sun and grows in zones 5 to 9, meaning it's suitable for most gardens nationwide.

Arctic Willow

With a height of 10 to 15 feet, this stylish shrub offers excellent coverage while enhancing your garden's aesthetic appeal. The dual-colored leaves are silver underneath and appear to sparkle in the sunlight.

Planting the Arctic willow in full sun ensures it reaches its maximum growth potential so you can reap all its advantages. It grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7, making it ideal for many climates across North America.

Late Cotoneaster

Late Cotoneaster

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The late cotoneaster is an excellent choice for a gardener looking to create a beautiful and unique privacy hedge. With its full height of 13 feet, it provides the perfect amount of coverage while still being able to be enjoyed from afar.

The late cotoneaster enjoys full sun and partial shade, meaning it thrives in just about any area you place it in. In addition, the late cotoneaster produces white flowers during the summer. It bears red berries in the fall, adding a beautiful touch of seasonal color to your garden.

This plant also has foliage all year round, so you don't have to worry about bare spots in winter. And with its hardiness in zones 7 to 9 and success in various soil conditions, the late cotoneaster is an asset to your garden. Just be aware of potential honey fungus and fire blight issues that may arise and act if necessary.

Hedge Your Bets on Hedges!

There you have it: The seven best privacy hedges to help create a serene, tranquil space in your garden or yard. Each of these plants offers its unique mix of beauty, coverage, and ease of maintenance, making them an ideal choice for a homeowner looking for extra privacy. So why not try one (or more!) of these amazing hedges today?

Now that you know all about the potential of privacy plants for fending off nosy neighbors, why not share this knowledge with family and friends? Help create more peaceful yards everywhere by giving them the gift of tranquility today!