The Best Privacy Plant Hedge & Screen Bush

Burning Bush

• Although the burning bush shrub is deciduous, it is a favorite for homeowners, particularly as a privacy fence, because of its easy care and its year-round attractiveness. Burning bush can be in dwarf form or full size, which can reach heights of 15 feet, with a 20-foot span, if left untrimmed. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8 and is adaptable to a wide range of soil and growing conditions. The burning bush produces lush green foliage with tiny yellow spring flowers, and its leaves turn a vibrant red in the fall. Attractive red berries on the bush in the fall and winter will have you entertained when the wild birds feed on them.

Privet

• Semievergreen privet privacy fences have long been a favorite for their dense foliage and low maintenance. Several species of privet are ideal for privacy hedges in a variety of USDA hardiness zones. Amur privet is often used in the northern regions (zones 4 to 7), while Chinese and California privet is suitable for warmer zones 6 through 9. Privet bushes grow to heights of 8 to 10 feet and can be left to grow naturally or pruned and shaped. The bush is tolerant of heavy pruning and poor growing conditions, including a variety of soils and urban pollution.

Holly

• For a year-round, dense screen privacy fence that is also attractive, holly is an ideal choice. Glossy green leaves will become dense on the bush with regular pruning, though left in its natural growth form it still provides an excellent screening. There are more than 400 species of holly, ranging from 1 foot to over 70 feet in height. Holly prefers to grow in full sun with a slightly acidic soil, but can adapt to less. Holly hedges can be grow in any of the 50 United States, as long as the correct species for the area is planted.

Yew

• An evergreen shrub that can grow in sun or shade, the yew is a fast-growing, dense plant that is ideal for a privacy fence. Yew privacy fences have long been popular in the United Kingdom, with many varieties to select from. Most yew hedges are trimmed and pruned to increase density and keep the height reasonable, as many yew varieties can reach a height of 45 feet. The fine needle foliage gives the privacy hedge a softer visual appeal, and bright red berries appear on the bush in fall and winter. It should be noted that the yew is poisonous to animals and humans, if consumed.