How to Choose Berry Bushes for a Privacy Hedge

Decide how tall you want your privacy hedge to be. This is an important factor in choosing the right bushes. Northern bayberry can be an appropriate choice if you want a lot of height, because this variety grows up to 12 feet tall, though 9 feet is more common. It can grow in poor soil, which is an added bonus in many areas, but the berries are usually used for their fragrant wax and not for eating. For a shorter plant, select one of the compact types of cranberry, such as the compact American cranberry bush that grows about 4 to 5 feet in height. This plant also has edible berries and is suited for moist locations.

Determine if your hedge must to discourage people and animals. If so, you should choose one that grows into a thick, brambly mass with a lot of thorns. Both blackberries and red raspberries fit this requirement, though you may find that in some areas they need quite a bit of pruning to keep them from taking over. Once they are established, both of these plants can produce all the fruit that you could want and still leave plenty for the wildlife.

Feed both yourself and the wildlife with plants that offer a mix of plant sizes with edible fruits. According to the Humane Society of the United States, your best choices in this category include plants such as mulberry, serviceberry and blueberry. These attract both mammals and birds, as well as producing fruit that you can enjoy.

Check any plants you are considering to make sure it can grow in your area. Some plants may require a lot of moisture while others will thrive in drier areas. If you are able to water your plants you will be able to grow more kinds, but often it is not practical to water a privacy hedge, due to the overall size. Check the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone you live in against the plants you are considering to see if they are a good fit. If you have questions about the climate or any special concerns, ask your local county extension office for help.