Looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal? Growing and maintaining a privacy hedge is the perfect solution. As the name suggests, it consists of either trees or shrubs grown together in a tight, meticulous manner.

When done correctly, a privacy hedge will create a “barrier” between your property and your neighbor’s, offering a greater amount of privacy for you and your family members. But there are a few things you should know before attempting to grow a privacy hedge.

Choose the Location

First and foremost, you’ll need to choose a location for your privacy hedge. Most homeowners prefer to grow their privacy hedge around the perimeter of their property, as this creates a natural fence-like structure for added privacy.

However, there’s no rule – written or otherwise – stating that you must grow your privacy hedge here. You can also grow it around your patio, sidewalk, or any other area of your choosing.

Choose Your Tree or Shrub

Next, choose the type of tree or shrub that you’d like to grow for your privacy hedge. Evergreens are a popular choice for several different reasons.

For starters, they maintain their structural integrity throughout the year, never shedding their leaves regardless of seasonal changes. Evergreens are also highly effective at blocking out noise and visibility, which is particularly important for homeowners who seek additional privacy with their new hedge.

Create a Uniform Height

In order to successfully grow a privacy hedge, you must keep the trees and/or shrubs to the same height. If one tree begins to grow taller than another, it will create a messy appearance that takes away from your home’s curb appeal.

So go ahead and decide exactly how tall you want your privacy hedge. As the trees or shrubs begin to reach the height, you’ll need to trim them down to maintain a uniform height and appearance.

Other Tips for Growing a Privacy Hedge

• Be sure to space your trees or shrubs appropriately, as grouping them too close may restrict their growth – or worse, cause them to die. 10-12 feet spacing seems to work well for most pine trees, wheres 5-7 feet is preferred for junipers and cedars.
• Consider the amount of direct sunlight that your trees or shrubs will receive when planning a privacy hedge.
• Don’t rely strictly on mother nature to provide water for your privacy hedge. A sprinkler may be required to keep your plants or shrubs hydrated.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or

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