Best hedge/bush for privacy

I'd like to put in a hedge instead of a fence to mark a border/create some privacy from my neighbor. What plant would you recommend? Is arborviate what most people use? Where did you buy it? (Nursery, Home Depot, online, landscaper?)

Best hedge/bush for privacy

I have that currently in my yard and would not recommend doing it. It is a lot of maintenance. We ripped out one side last year and still have to remove the other side. I have no idea what kind of bushes they are.

Re: Best hedge/bush for privacy

Yes, arborvitae are great for this. We had our entire backyard lined with them. They were about 12 feet tall and we had SO much privacy and it looked really pretty. Unfortunately they were in a little salt water during Sandy most of them died so we had to rip everything out and now have a fence.....not the same privacy! It will definitely take a few years to get to a great height for privacy.


ETA: They were on the property when we bought the house but I would think HD or Lowes is fine for them.

Message edited 4/20/2015 12:32:16 PM.

Re: Best hedge/bush for privacy

Costco often has great prices on arborvitae

Re: Best hedge/bush for privacy

We just planted a row of arborvitae this weekend. Home Depot had them on sale, 3ft tall for $12.50 each

Best hedge/bush for privacy

Privet is a good choice. It grows quickly.

Re: Best hedge/bush for privacy

We used Emerald Green arborvitae around our patio for year round privacy and color. They don't grow very tall and they're fairly compact in diameter.

I have Privet at the rear of my yard in front of our fence, but it doesn't offer any privacy in the winter. I used it to soften the fence line and because I love the smell of privet when the flowers bloom (summer memories for me. )


You could look into some boxwoods, but I'm not sure which ones grow taller.


ETA: all of our plantings came from Stables in E. Moriches. (We live in Huntington.)

Message edited 4/20/2015 5:02:15 PM.