Shrubs Used for Fences

Barberry

• If privacy and protection are functions you require from a hedge fence, barberry may be a good choice for your yard. Many types of barberry, such as the Burgundy Carousel variety have thorns that will discourage humans or animals from climbing through your fence. Burgundy Carousel also provides attractive purple foliage throughout most of the year as well as red berries that attract birds in the fall. Burgundy Carousel grows up to 3 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide. It can adapt to a wide variety of soil types and prefers full sun. It is best suited for growing zones 4 to 7.

  Barberry Sunjoy Gold Pillar boasts new growth that is red then turns bright gold with mature. It is a good choice to use for fences where seasonal color would be appreciated. In the fall, foliage turns orange and red. Sunjoy grows up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. It prefers full sun and can be grown in zones 4 to 10.

Arborvitae

• Emerald Arborvitae soars to 15 feet high while maintaining its compact, conical shape. It is an evergreen shrub that makes an excellent privacy hedge around the perimeter of your property or block out unattractive views. Emerald Arborvitae prefers alkaline soils but will adapt to many different types. It prefers full sun and grows in zones 5 to 8. Its brilliant green foliage darkens with age and does not require pruning.

Privet

• Privet may be the most popular shrub for formal living fences. Privet Cheyenne is the hardiest variety in the privet species and grows 6 to 8 feet high and 4 to 6 feet wide. However, it can be trimmed as short as 18 inches without harm. Cheyenne's ability to withstand severe pruning is what makes it a popular choice for formal hedges. It grows quickly and prefers full to partial sun. Cheyenne produces small white flowers in the spring and grows best in zones 4 to 8.

White Snowberry

• If you want a living fence that will attract birds, white snowberry, or White Hedge is a popular choice. White Snowberry is a favorite plant of hummingbirds, and its white berries provide food for many types of birds in the fall. It is a dense shrub that spreads by underground suckers, making it well-suited to filling in open spaces. It is also useful for providing privacy, since it grows 5 to 6 feet high and adapts to many types of soil. White Snowberry bears pink flowers in the summer and prefers partial sun. It grows best in zones 3 to 7.