Choosing Your Fast Growing Tall Hedge
When seeking to establish privacy or create a visual screen in your garden, selecting plants that offer rapid vertical growth is paramount. Fast growing tall hedges provide an immediate sense of enclosure and maturity, transforming your outdoor space much sooner than slower-growing varieties. The key lies in understanding the specific characteristics of plants that meet both the 'tall' and 'fast growing' criteria, ensuring they are suited to your local climate and soil conditions.
- Rapid height gain for immediate impact.
- Suitable for privacy and garden screening.
- Consider climate and soil for best results.
- Variety exists in evergreen and deciduous options.
The term 'fast growing' typically refers to plants that can add a significant amount of height and spread within a single growing season, often several feet. 'Tall' implies a mature height of at least 2-3 metres, often more, making them suitable for significant screening purposes. Combining these attributes means you can achieve a substantial hedge within a few years, rather than decades. This is particularly appealing for new garden builds or areas where privacy is a pressing concern.
It is important to consider the ultimate height and spread of the hedge, as well as its maintenance requirements. Some fast growers can become overly vigorous if not managed. Evergreen options provide year-round screening, which is often a primary goal for privacy hedges, while deciduous varieties offer seasonal interest and can allow more light into the garden during winter months. When comparing different species, look at their mature dimensions, their preferred growing conditions (sunlight, soil type, moisture), and their susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Evergreen Options for All-Year Screening
For uninterrupted privacy, evergreen species are frequently the preferred choice. They maintain their foliage throughout the year, offering a constant barrier against the outside world and a consistent visual backdrop. Many fast growing evergreen hedges, such as Leylandii (Cupressocyparis leylandii) and Thuja (often referred to as Western Red Cedar), are renowned for their rapid vertical growth, quickly forming dense screens. However, these can require diligent pruning to manage their size and prevent them from becoming too dominant or encroaching on neighbouring properties. It is vital to choose a variety that suits the available space and to be prepared for regular upkeep. Other excellent evergreen candidates include Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), particularly its 'Rotundifolia' cultivar, and common Yew (Taxus baccata), though Yew is a slower starter but very long-lived and can be kept very formal. These offer a more refined appearance and can be more manageable for the average gardener.
Deciduous Choices with Seasonal Charm
While not providing year-round screening, deciduous hedges offer their own unique advantages. Species like Common Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Beech (Fagus sylvatica) grow relatively quickly and can reach significant heights. They provide excellent screening during the spring, summer, and autumn, with attractive foliage that changes colour beautifully in the autumn before leaf fall. This allows sunlight to penetrate the garden during winter, which can be beneficial for other plants and for general garden light. Hornbeam, in particular, holds its dead leaves well into winter, offering a degree of screening even after leaf drop. These are often favoured for their more naturalistic appearance and their ability to be pruned into formal shapes or left to grow more informally.
When considering deciduous options, think about the texture and colour of the leaves, and how they complement your existing garden design. Some, like certain varieties of Willow (Salix), can be coppiced annually for a very fast-growing, almost shrub-like effect, but these rarely achieve the 'tall hedge' status unless managed specifically over many years. For true tall hedges, focus on species that naturally grow upright and develop a dense canopy when mature.
Understanding Growth Rates and Mature Sizes
How quickly can you expect your hedge to grow and how tall will it ultimately become? This is a critical factor for anyone investing in planting for immediate impact. Plants are often categorised by their growth rate, typically as slow, moderate, or fast. For 'fast growing tall hedges', you'll be looking at species in the latter category, capable of adding over 60cm (2 feet) per year under optimal conditions.
Factors Influencing Hedge Growth
Several elements influence how vigorously your chosen hedging plants will grow. Firstly, the plant's inherent genetic potential is key – some species are simply programmed to grow faster than others. Secondly, environmental conditions play a crucial role. Adequate sunlight, fertile, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture are all vital for robust growth. If a plant is struggling with poor soil or insufficient water, its growth rate will be significantly hampered, regardless of its species.
Consider the planting density and spacing, too. Planting hedges too far apart can lead to gaps, while planting too densely might stunt individual plant growth due to competition for resources. Generally, for most hedging plants, a spacing of 45-60cm (1.5-2 feet) between plants is recommended for a good, dense hedge. For very fast-growing species, you might plant them slightly further apart initially, knowing they will fill in quickly.
The speed at which a hedge establishes is a direct reflection of the plant's natural vigour combined with the quality of its growing environment.
Assessing Mature Height and Spread
While 'fast growing' is appealing, it's equally important to understand the plant's mature height and spread. A hedge that grows too tall too quickly might become unmanageable or require frequent, intensive pruning to keep it within bounds. Conversely, a plant that doesn't reach the desired height will fail to provide adequate privacy. Always research the *potential* mature size of the species you are considering. For instance, while certain conifers can grow exceptionally tall, others are bred for more moderate heights. Similarly, some deciduous shrubs can be trained into tall hedging but may not reach the same imposing stature as a mature forest tree species adapted for hedging.
When reviewing plant descriptions, look for figures relating to average annual growth and maximum attainable height. A hedge that grows 60-90cm (2-3 feet) per year and can reach 4-6 metres (13-20 feet) or more when fully mature would fit the 'fast growing tall hedge' profile well. This information allows you to select a plant that will not only establish rapidly but also meet your long-term privacy and aesthetic goals without becoming an unmanageable giant.
Select a species that will eventually exceed your maximum desired height by at least a metre, allowing you to prune it down to your preferred height and width for a denser, more robust hedge.
Alternative Hedging Solutions for Various Needs
While the focus is on fast growing tall hedges, it is worth considering alternatives that might better suit specific garden conditions or aesthetic preferences. Not every garden is suited to a monolithic, rapidly growing screen, and sometimes a different approach can yield superior results or offer unique benefits.
Low Maintenance and Evergreen Climbers
For smaller gardens or where a less imposing structure is desired, fast-growing evergreen climbers can be trained against fences, trellises, or walls to create a green screen. Plants like Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) or vigorous Ivy (Hedera helix) varieties can cover large areas relatively quickly, providing a dense, leafy barrier. While not a 'hedge' in the traditional sense, they offer similar screening benefits with a different aesthetic. These can be particularly useful for covering unsightly existing structures or adding greenery to vertical spaces. Ensure you have a sturdy support system in place, as these plants can become very heavy when mature.
Shrubs for Shady Spots or Low Borders
If your garden has areas of deep shade, your options for fast-growing tall hedges might be more limited. However, certain shade-tolerant shrubs can be planted closely together to form a dense screen, even if they don't achieve the same towering height as sun-loving species. Consider plants such as Rhododendrons or Camellias, which offer beautiful blooms alongside their foliage, or varieties of Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), which can be pruned into formal shapes and offer dense evergreen cover. For lower borders or areas where only a few feet of screening are needed, small shrubs for shade can be very effective. These typically grow at a moderate pace but can be effective when planted en masse.
Ground cover plants, while not tall, can be used in conjunction with other hedging strategies. For instance, low growing ground cover plants can help suppress weeds at the base of a hedge, reducing maintenance. Shade loving ground cover plants UK gardens may favour, like Vinca or Pachysandra, can create a lush carpet beneath taller shrubs, enhancing the overall garden feel.
For areas requiring screening that don't need to be exceptionally tall, consider planting a double row of robust, bushy shrubs. This can create a dense, effective barrier that is often more adaptable and visually interesting than a single species hedge. Plants such as Forsythia for early spring colour or Buddleja for attracting pollinators can offer both screening and horticultural interest.
Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun
In full sun, ground cover plants can quickly spread to fill difficult areas and prevent weed growth. While they serve a different purpose than tall hedges, they are part of a holistic garden design. Fast spreading varieties like Sedum or Creeping Thyme can create a low-maintenance carpet. These don't contribute to height but are invaluable for filling out the lower levels of a garden, complementing the structure provided by taller plantings.
When evaluating alternatives, assess your garden's specific microclimates, soil conditions, and your tolerance for maintenance. A well-chosen alternative can provide the desired privacy and screening with fewer challenges and a more tailored aesthetic for your outdoor space.
Maintaining Your Fast Growing Tall Hedge
Achieving a well-maintained fast growing tall hedge requires more than just planting; it demands ongoing care. Because these plants are selected for their vigour, they often need regular attention to keep them looking their best and functioning effectively as a screen. Neglecting maintenance can lead to overgrown, unruly, or unhealthy hedges.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Pruning is arguably the most critical aspect of hedge maintenance. For fast growing species, annual pruning is usually recommended, and for some, especially formal evergreen hedges, two prunings per year might be necessary. The timing of pruning depends on the plant species. Generally, spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned *after* they have flowered, while summer-flowering or evergreen species can often be pruned in late spring or early summer. For very fast growers, a light trim in late summer can help maintain a tidy appearance and encourage denser growth for the following year.
When pruning, always use sharp, clean secateurs or shears. For tall hedges, consider using long-handled loppers or a hedge trimmer. Ensure your cuts are clean and precise to minimise stress on the plant and prevent disease entry. Always cut back to a side shoot or bud to encourage new growth in the desired direction. For evergreen hedges, it is generally safe to cut back into older wood, but for some species like beech or hornbeam, cutting too hard into bare wood can result in dieback.
When establishing a new hedge, pruning is also important to encourage bushy growth from the base. Instead of letting the plants shoot straight up, prune them back by about a third in their first year to promote lateral branching. This builds a stronger, denser foundation for the hedge.
Watering and Feeding Requirements
Fast growing plants are often thirsty plants, especially during their establishment phase and in dry spells. Ensure your new hedge receives consistent watering, particularly in the first year or two after planting. Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage strong root development. Once established, many hedges will be more tolerant of dry conditions, but prolonged drought can still cause stress and slow growth.
Feeding can also boost growth rates. A balanced fertiliser applied in spring can provide the nutrients needed for vigorous new growth. For hedges that are being heavily pruned or are in poorer soils, a feed of well-rotted manure or a slow-release fertiliser can be beneficial. Avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to weak, sappy growth that is more susceptible to pests and diseases, and can also increase the frequency of pruning required.
Always check the base of your hedge for signs of pests or diseases before and after pruning, and deal with any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.
Pest and Disease Management
While many fast growing hedging plants are relatively hardy, they can still be susceptible to various pests and diseases, especially when stressed by poor conditions or overgrowth. Common issues include aphids, scale insects, red spider mites, and fungal diseases like root rot or leaf spot. Regular inspection is key to early detection. If you spot problems, try to identify the specific pest or disease and research the most appropriate, environmentally friendly control methods. Good air circulation, achieved through proper pruning, can help prevent many fungal issues.
For hedges that are becoming too large or dense, thinning out some of the interior branches can improve airflow and light penetration, which can deter pests and diseases and encourage healthier overall growth. This is particularly relevant for very vigorous species that can quickly become choked with old growth.