Privacy is the most common reason people plant a hedge. Done right, a hedging row creates a natural fenceline that looks softer than a paling fence, blocks two-storey overlook, and lifts the whole feel of the property.
These six picks all deliver dense privacy with low maintenance. Pick the one that suits your space, then plant tight and water consistently for fast hedge closure.
Top Hedging Picks for Privacy
From tall Waterhousea for blocking two-storey overlook to compact Bay and Teddy Bear Magnolia for narrow side gardens, this lineup covers every privacy need in Australian gardens. Each one can be pruned to desired height and gives reliable dense foliage year round.
Planting for a Privacy Hedge
Spacing: Plant 1-1.5m apart for fast hedge closure. Tighter spacing closes the hedge sooner but means more pruning to keep neat. Wider spacing gives individual plant form but takes longer to screen.
Soil prep: Dig a continuous trench rather than individual holes. Trench planting gives roots room to spread laterally and the hedge knits together faster.
Watering in: Deep soak the trench at planting time. Then deep weekly water through the first summer, twice weekly during 30°C and above stretches.
Ongoing Care
Trim two to three times a year. Light frequent trimming encourages dense bushy growth. One annual hard trim is fine but the hedge looks thinner between cuts.
Mulch in a continuous strip down both sides of the hedge. Keep mulch clear of the trunks. Light feed in spring and autumn to keep foliage dense and colour bright.
FAQ
What is the fastest growing privacy hedge in Australia? Ficus Hillii and Waterhousea floribunda are the fastest, reaching screening height in two to three years.
How tall can hedging trees grow? Waterhousea reaches 10m, Ficus Hillii 8m, Magnolia Teddy Bear 5m. All can be pruned to desired height.
How close should I plant hedge trees? 1-1.5m apart for most picks. Tighter for narrow varieties like Bay.
Final Thoughts
The right hedging row turns the boundary into a feature instead of a fence. Pick from this lineup and you'll have dense privacy that stops peeking neighbours within a few growing seasons.
Hi
Looking for a mature ficus to go in a space between two large gums. Must suit topiary style and be at least 2m now. Do you have something? Could u send me photos?