A living fence is a great way to grow a instinctive privacy cover , hedge , or windbreak in your front or backyard . In most cases , planting and grow a know fencing is less criminal maintenance and more cost - in effect than set up wooden or chain - connectedness fencing . Evergreen bushy tree and shrubs are idealistic plants for make a beautiful dwell wall to complement your garden landscape .
There are more benefits to maturate a live on fence than just adding greenery to your garden . Creating a raw privacy wall with bushy shrubs better soil complex body part , heighten biodiversity , and is more attractive than wooden or chain - tie fences . aliveness fencing can also last longer than constructed fences and are more environmentally well-disposed .
This article is a guidebook to the best shrubs and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for growing a living fence . verbal description andpictures of hedging plantswill help you choose the best change of evergreen trees or shrub for planting in your garden .
What Is a Living Fence?
A live fencing is typically a course of bushy bush or tree growing close together . The deciduous or evergreen foliage grows to make a dense green natural screen door . Living fences are attractive and practical solutions to separate boundaries , increase surety , provide shelter , or enhance a garden ’s aesthetics .
The Benefits of Living Fence
One of the main advantage of natural living fence is enhancing your garden landscape painting
Living fences have all the functions of a brick bulwark or wooden fencing , only more likeable . Once launch , there is trivial sustainment to care for a born screen , apart from light annual pruning .
Here are some more benefits of a natural support fencing :
A live fence is cost - in force . Planting hedging plants is tacky than buying fence panel , bricks , or fencing posts . Additionally , sustenance walls are typically more racy than wooden or Sir Ernst Boris Chain - connection fence .
Another benefit of lifelike green fencing is that they are scurvy maintenance . animation fences can also last longer than constructed fence . And , you never need to paint them to keep the evergreen barrier see beautiful .
Using Tree and shrubs to create a born aliveness rampart indorse biodiversity and raise the soil structure . hedgerow become shelter and food for many good insects , animals , and birds .
A living privacy fencing can act as a windbreak . Planting tallevergreen coniferstightly together creates a marvellous , sturdy privacy blind . Depending on thevariety of privacy tree , the natural shelterbelt can be many infantry tall .
get a tall living fence has benefits if provision restrictions restrict the acme of construct wall or wooden fence . normally , there are no limits to the size privacy trees can grow .
The Disadvantages of a Living Fence
Living fence may not be idealistic for all garden . And , if you ’re reckon for a upkeep - free railyard , then the added upkeep take to look after a natural concealment is something to consider .
The main issue with growing a live on fencing is what happens if the flora dies . If a hedging shrub in the fence gets a disease , you ’ll have a gaping hole in your CRT screen . Also , it accept several years for hedge plants to spring up to the required altitude .
Before planting a natural fence , it ’s full of life to cautiously select the good type of shrub or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for your needs . Many suitable hedge plant are fast - growing and do n’t take much forethought to maintain .
Ideas for Creating Living Walls
evergreen plant trees can create a tall dense aliveness fence that is suitable especially for big garden landscape
When be after a survive fencing , you typically have two options — to select shrub or trees . The idea of planting a natural bread and butter wall is to make heavy foliage at the superlative you require in your garden landscape painting .
Shrubs create idealistic life walls if you have a minor G . shaggy-coated shrubs typically uprise between 3 and 6 foot . ( 1 – 1.8 megabyte ) improbable . So , if you demand to landscape a small garden , many evergreen plant shrubs are perfect for creating a survive wall that stays green all year long .
When pick out appropriate shrubs for your living fence , see the light prerequisite , USDA grow geographical zone , and watering needs .
Another idea for a live on fencing is to engraft tall evergreen plant tree . Especially in larger garden landscape , tall hedgerow tree can create a born windbreak . you’re able to alsogrow conifersfor a unretentive , evergreen plant privateness blind . However , you will need to prune them on a regular basis to operate their height .
Living Fence: The Best Trees For Growing a Natural Living Fence
Let ’s look at detailed verbal description and pictures of trees that are suitable for grow a live fencing .
Arborvitae (Thuja) Trees for Privacy Living Fences
Arborvitae ( Thuja ) metal money are very popular as keep fences and hedges with many cultivar to pick out from
Arborvitae is a genus of cone-bearing , tight - acquire evergreen plant trees and bush that make idealliving privacy fence . Their dense , indulgent , bright green feathery leafage micturate splendid privacy screens , windbreaks , and innate barriers . The two most popular metal money for life fences are American arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis ) and Giant arborvitae ( Thuja plicata ) .
For tight spring up living privacy fence choose arborvitae evergreen plant trees such as the Thuja ‘ Green Giant ’
Arborvitae grows best in full sun and well - drain soil . plant the evergreen trees together in rows create shrub borders , secrecy hedges , screens , and living wall . Another advantage of arborvitae life fencing is their cold hardiness . you could rise them in USDA zones 2 through 7 .
Here a few of the best arborvitae species to plant as a natural privateness fencing :
American arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis)—A tight - grow landscaping plant with colored unripened , soft , scale - similar needle leaves . American arborvitae grows between 20 and 40 ft . ( 2 – 12 1000 ) tall , so it ’s more suitable as a shelterbelt in big - yard landscaping . Thecolumnar treehas a natural pyramidic form and only requires crop to maintain its meridian .
The columnar tall Thuja occidentalis is a popular tree for a living fencing or secrecy screen
Arborvitae ‘ Emerald Green ’ ( Thuja occidentalis‘Smaragd’)—This hedging tree is adwarf evergreen treeideal for growing as a hedgerow in diminished or turgid gardens . The ‘ Smaragd ’ evergreen plant arborvitae cultivar is a tardily - acquire conifer that grows between 12 and 14 ft . ( 3.6 – 4.2 m ) grandiloquent . The coniferous tree is identified by its compact , upright growth and sprays of undimmed - dark-green glossy foliage .
picture of thuja ’ emerald green ’ tree ( ‘ Smaragd ’ ) – it ’s consider as one of the best trees for privateness
child giant arborvitae tree ( Thuja plicata x standishii‘Virginian’)—The dwarf arborvitae ‘ Virginian ’ is a cultivar of the pop ‘ Green Giant ’ arborvitae and is a fast - growing evergreen tree with a conical form . Due to its short growth of up to 15 foot . ( 4.5 m ) and dense foliation , it ’s perfect as a living fence in most size of yards .
Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)
Leyland cypress is a popular hedging tree for a living fence – it ’s a fast growing , obtuse evergreen tree diagram hence it ’s very commonly used as a privacy covert
The Leyland cypress tree is an evergreen conifer with soft , dim foliation that give privacy and protection throughout the year . Planting Leyland cypress tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in rows is gross for grow a natural windbreak . As a tall coniferous tree , the Leyland cypress spring up up to 50 ft . ( 15 m ) tall unless you prune it on a regular basis .
you could plant a Leyland cypress living fencing in USDA zones 6 through 10 . Most the great unwashed grow this popular hedging Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and keep it trimmed at 10 to 15 ft . ( 3 – 4.4 one thousand ) improbable .
Hicks Yew (Taxus x media‘Hicksii’)
you’re able to cut back Hicks yew to create a cosmetic living fence for privacy from neighbors
Hicks yew is an evergreen bushy Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that creates a riotous , dense living fence . Its relatively compact growth think that this tardily - spring up coniferous tree is suited for little to intermediate garden landscape painting . The yew tree have a narrow , columnar embodiment that bit by bit spread as they senesce . Hicks yew is ideal for formal hedges , foundation planting , and concealment cover .
A Hicks yew grows between 12 and 20 foot . ( 3.6 – 6 m ) tall and thrives in USDA zone 4 to 7 . It ’s well-off to prune a Hicks yew hedge to make a box hedge anatomy . This popular landscaping tree is excellent for using as a hedge or topiary .
Spartan Juniper (Juniperus chinensis‘Spartan’)
The evergreen austere juniper is a democratic tree used for privateness animation fencing
The Retama raetam cultivar ‘ ascetical ’ is an elegant , fast - raise , shaggy-coated columnar evergreenwith fastigiated , spread growth . The ‘ Spartan ’ Genista raetam is an excellent pick as a formal hedge plant . The dark green , indulgent needle - like leaves form a thick screen for privacy and protective cover .
‘ austere ’ Genista raetam cultivar perform considerably in full Lord’s Day and well - draining stain in USDA zona 4 to 9 . It grow between 15 and 20 ft . ( 4.5 – 6 grand ) tall . The juniper cultivar ’s spreading ontogeny means that it forms a beautiful hedge or born windbreak .
Brodie Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana‘Brodie’)
The ‘ Brodie ’ cedar is a drought - tolerant tall tree unremarkably used as a privacy hedge or living fence for sieve neighbors out
The ‘ Brodie ’ is aspecies of pretended cedarwith undimmed green , dense foliage that form a natural living fence . The soft exfoliation - like ornamental leaves stay green throughout winter . As a humble - maintenance hedging tree , the ‘ Brodie’eastern red cedaronly requires loose pruning to make a formal life fence or a large - scale secrecy screen .
Brodie Eastern Red Cedar grow between 15 and 20 ft . ( 4.5 – 6 m ) grandiloquent and 7 foot . ( 2 m ) wide . flora in full sun in USDA zones 3 to 8 to form an evergreen border hedge .
Moonglow Juniper Hedging Tree (Juniperus scopulorum‘Moonglow’)
plant moonglow juniper hedge trees make an ornamental silvery - blue living fence
Like many juniper trees , the ‘ Moonglow ’ cultivar is a columnlike tree with sonant , feathery foliage . The attractive feature of the ‘ Moonglow ’ juniper tree is its dazzling silver - aristocratical leaves . Its dense emergence substance abuse forms a protective life fence when the tree diagram are produce close together . Due to its meridian , the ‘ Moonglow ’ juniper tree also shit an ideal windbreak .
‘ Moonglow ’ juniper tree diagram perform best in full sun in USDA zone 3 through 7 . It acquire between 15 and 20 ft . ( 4.5 – 6 megabyte ) and up to 6 foot . ( 1.8 m ) wide-cut . get the ‘ Moonglow ’ juniper if you want a striking silvery sustenance fence for secrecy , shelter , or randomness protection .
Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Canadian poison parsley make fast growing dull living fencing for large yard
TheCanadian hemlockis a large cone-bearing tree that is suited for grow as a improbable privacy dwell fencing . The evergreen foliage consist of flat sprays that have short light-green phonograph needle - like leaves . The winter fern species has a conical contour and broadcast , arch branches . acquire in a row , the Canadian hemlock is an ideal experience fence , screen , or hedge .
This hemlock tree diagram also endure by the name eastern hemlock tree . The marvellous hedging tree diagram acquire between 40 and 70 foot . ( 12 – 21 m ) tall and up to 35 foot . ( 10 m ) wide . The cone - producing tree thrive in partial to full nicety in USDA zones 3 to 7 .
Shrubs for Living Privacy Fence
get ’s look at elaborated description and pictures of bush that are suitable for growing a exist fencing .
Photinia ‘Red Robin’ (Photinia x fraseri‘Red Robin’)
Grow Photinia ‘ Red Robin ’ live privacy fencing for its beautiful blood-red leafage
Also called Fraser genus Photinia , this broadleaf , evergreen plant shrub with its shaggy-haired emergence is idealistic for a intermediate - sized living fence . The cultivar name comes from the bright reddened new leave-taking that seem in spring . The hedging shrub has shining , leatherlike , grim unripened oval leaves , and it grow 5 - petaled bloodless flowers in previous April .
The ‘ Red Robin ’ photinia shrub is a succinct shrub , ideal for privacy screen , natural , cozy borders , and hedgerows . you’re able to turn a colorful photinia sustenance fence in USDA geographical zone 7 through 9 , in full sun and loamy , well - drained soil . The hedging shrub matures at 9 to 12 ft . ( 2.7 – 3.6 m ) tall .
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry bay wreath is a great fast raise evergreen bush used as a privateness hedge and as a survive fence plant
Thecherry Stan Laurel shrubis an first-class choice if you desire a living fencing that provide year - long privacy . The salient lineament of the cherry red laurel shrub is the shiny unripe foliage that has dense , wide - spreading growth . Another grounds cherry red laurel is a democratic support fencing shrub is its showy , fragrant white-hot spring peak .
Also called English laurel , this cosmetic evergreen plant hedging shrub thrives in USDA zones 6 through 8 . Although the privacy fencing performs best in full sun , it conform well to wakeless shade . It develop 10 to 20 ft . ( 3 – 6 m ) magniloquent and 10 ft . ( 3 m ) wide .
Cherry laurel is deserving considering as a green living fencing if you have a shade garden and demand to create a natural border or protective screen .
Boxwood Hedge Plant (Buxus sempervirens)
Box hedging is a democratic border shrub in formal garden because it ’s easy to form and prune into born living fencing
box shrub are some of the most pop plants for grow a survive fence . The evergreen leafage consists of small bright oval leaves and densely grow limb . you’re able to plant boxwood living fence for small border hedgerow or magnanimous privateness screen .
The common name ofBuxusplants fall from the fact that they are easy to prune and shape . you’re able to create a formal aliveness fencing in a box seat figure or prune the shrubby plants into other cast .
Here are some case of boxwood bush that are suitable as a populate fencing :
Japanese boxwood‘Green Beauty ’ ( Buxus microphylla volt-ampere . japonica)—The ‘ Green Beauty ’ skirt shrub has lavish , dense foliage and rounded ontogenesis habit . flourish in USDA zones 6 to 9 and partial shade , the plant grow up to 5 ft . ( 1.5 m ) tall . It ’s idealistic as a low - growing hedge , formal dark-green fence , or natural security screen .
Buxus microphylla volt-ampere . japonica is a effective choice for a down living fencing or for stocky garden
Boxwood Dee Runk ( Buxus sempervirens‘Dee Runk’)—Growing between 7 and 8 foot . ( 2 – 2.4 m ) tall , this tall boxwood cultivar allow for all - class privacy grow as a live fence .
The graceful columnar growth of Turkish boxwood Dee Runk creates naturally attractive experience fencing
Turkish boxwood ‘ Winter Gem ’ ( genus Buxus microphylla‘Winter Gem’)—The ‘ Winter Gem ’ boxwood cultivar is ideal for planting as a medium - sized living privacy cover . The densely grow shrub has a rounded growth and matures around 4 ft . ( 1.2 m ) tall . This small shrub is ideal for creating hedge and natural screens in schematic gardens or front or backyards . USDA zone 5 - 9 .
Planting Buxus Winter Gem is a dandy idea for a unfearing low - maintenance support fence
related to reading : The best shrub for base planting .
Holly Bushes for Living Privacy Fence (Ilex)
Holly Dubyuh are common low - maintenance choice if you need evergreen plant sustenance fencing in your front or back M
Holly bushes make idealistic security screens or privateness hedges due to their dense growth and spiky foliage . The thorny , evergreen shrubs with their sheeny leave make beautiful , low - maintenance hedgerow .
Here are a few instance of Buddy Holly bushes that are worthy for growing as living fence :
Alaska Holly ( Ilex aquifolium‘Alaska’)—The prickly provide on the ‘ Alaska ’ holly help keep unwanted intruders out of your chiliad . The shaggy-haired shrub has narrow emergence and grow 16 foot . ( 5 G ) improbable . Suitable for USDA zones 5 to 9 .
Alaska holly is the stale unfearing of all hollies and is a very ornamental living fence flora
Dragon Lady Holly ( Ilex × aquipernyi‘Meschick’)—The holly shrub Dragon Lady has tranquil , shiny green leaves and impenetrable foliage . Its columnar cast means it ’s idealistic as a living fence or privacy projection screen . It grows 10 to 20 ft . ( 3 – 6 m ) marvellous in USDA zones 6 to 9 .
Dragon Lady Buddy Holly are excellent plant for privacy and also as margin hedgerow
Sky Pencil Holly ( Ilex crenata‘Sky Pencil’)—The ‘ Sky Pencil ’ holly shrub has narrow , upright growth and shiny unripened leafage . This holly cultivar matures at 6 to 10 foot . ( 1.8 – 3 m ) marvellous and is idealistic for create a know fence for a front or backyard .
Sky Pencil Holly has narrow growth habit and is not too tall
Californian Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
Choose privet shrub if you desire a fast growing seclusion hedge or keep fence
The Californian privet is a fast - growing flowering shrub that grows into a beautiful living fence . The broadleaved shrub grows between 10 and 15 ft . ( 3 – 4.5 m ) tall and up to 15 foot . ( 4.5 m ) encompassing . The thick foliage consist of glowering - green , shining ovate leaf . In summertime , fragrant bloodless flowers appear on the hedge .
Californian privet is an evergreen living hedge in USDA zones 7 to 10 . In cold zone , the natural ornamental fencing is deciduous and drops its folio in the tumble .
Japanese Spindle Living Fence (Euonymus japonicus)
The impenetrable bush fence of Japanese spindle makes it excellent for privacy hedging
Also called Box - Leaf Euonymus and Evergreen Euonymus , this small evergreen bush is an ideal hedge plant in a small - scale of measurement landscape . The Nipponese arbor shrub has shining , leathery green foliage . As a versatile flora for living fences , Japanese arbor plants perform well in full sun and heavy ghost .
Some spectacularEuonymus japonicuscultivars have motley , brilliantly yellowish and unripened leave , create a arresting colorful bushy living fence . The Japanese mandrel develop up to 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) high and is inhuman sturdy in USDA geographical zone 6 through 9 .
Japanese Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira)
The fast grow Nipponese Pittosporum is an ideal shrub for a living fence
TheJapanese Pittosporumis an evergreen plant bush that creates a natural privacy fence . The slow outgrowth and succinct airing foliage maturate up to 13 ft . ( 4 m ) tall . It ’s a tough , drouth - resistant plantthat expand in full sun . Japanese Pittosporum plants perform best in USDA zones 8 through 10 .
The Nipponese Pittosporum is idealistic for a flower living screen , hedge , or barrier in warm clime .
Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum chinense)
The attractive purple foliage of the Chinese fringe prime adds cosmetic component to your survive fencing
The Chinese fringe peak is an ornamental evergreen shrub that can be rationalise into an attractive colorful secrecy wall . The beautiful feature film of this showy life fence is its leap flowers with four lank flower petal . The fuzzy ovate unripe and purple leave are 3 ” ( 7.5 cm ) long . The shaggy-haired privacy fence plant develop between 6 and 10 ft . ( 1.8 – 3 m ) .
originate the Formosan fringe flower to give your yard protection from the wind or as a natural privacy screen or coloured hedge . Suitable for originate in USDA zones 7 to 9 .
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