Evergreen shrubs and trees make excellent choices for hedges and privacy screens in the garden. Unlike deciduous plants that lose their leaves in winter, evergreens keep their foliage year-round, providing a lush, verdant backdrop or barrier. When planted closely together in a hedge, they create a living wall of greenery that blocks views and muffles noise from adjacent properties or busy streets.

Choosing the right evergreen variety is key to creating a successful, low-maintenance hedge. The following are 10 of the best evergreen shrubs and trees for hedges and screens based on factors like growth rate, mature size, tolerance to pruning, and overall resilience.

Arborvitae

With its naturally conical shape and dense, feathery foliage, arborvitae makes a graceful, formal hedge or privacy screen. Several cultivars are available, including:

Emerald Green

This fast-growing arborvitae reaches 8-15 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide at maturity. It tolerates shearing and shaping well. The bright green foliage provides year-round color. ‘Emerald Green’ works well when planted closely for a tall, opaque screen.

Green Giant

As its name implies, Green Giant arborvitae becomes a monolithic hedge, growing up to 3 feet per year until mature heights of 60 feet. Pruning isn’t required but it can be trimmed as needed. This large cultivar is ideal as a fast, living wall of green.

Little Giant

For shorter hedges, Little Giant arborvitae is a dwarf variety that matures at just 3-5 feet tall, with a 2-3 foot spread. The lime green foliage takes on bronze hues in winter. Its slow growth rate means minimal trimming to maintain size and shape.

Boxwood

No list of hedging plants would be complete without classic boxwood. The small, pointed leaves and moderate growth rate of boxwood make it ideal for formal hedge designs. Popular cultivars like Green Velvet and Green Mountain tolerate frequent shearing. Boxwood blends well in mixed borders and pairs nicely with perennials, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Left unpruned, boxwood makes a fuller, natural hedge.

Cherry Laurel

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a fast-growing, versatile evergreen shrub perfect for tall hedges and screens. Growing 1-2 feet per year, cherry laurel commonly reaches heights of 15 feet. The thick, waxy dark green leaves provide year-round cover. White flower spikes bloom in springtime followed by inedible cherry-like fruit. Cherry laurel handles pruning very well. It can be maintained at desired heights by shearing once or twice a year.

Chamaecyparis

Also called false cypress, Chamaecyparis offers a few excellent evergreen choices for hedging and screens. Two popular species include:

Hinoki Cypress

Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is prized for its fan-like sprays of lacy, bright green foliage and the rich reddish-brown bark that shows on the inner branches. It has a narrowly conical form when young but spreads with age. Slow growing to around 40 feet tall or more, hinoki cypress makes a graceful screen. It can be pruned but looks best when allowed to grow naturally.

Leyland Cypress

A fast-growing hybrid between Monterey cypress and Alaskan cedar, Leyland cypress (×Cupressocyparis leylandii) forms a tall, dense hedge or privacy screen quickly. Growing 3 or more feet per year, it easily reaches 40 to 70 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide. The soft green foliage provides good cover. Regular trimming produces a formal hedge but Leyland cypress also succeeds with minimal pruning.

Eastern Redcedar

With its pyramidal shape and evergreen needles, eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is well suited for large privacy screens. Mature heights range from 30 to 60 feet tall. Eastern redcedar is not a true cedar but a type of juniper. The shaggy, aromatic needles provide excellent year-round cover. The blue fruits mature to a reddish-brown hue, offering unique multi-season interest. It can handle shearing if a more formal look is desired. Otherwise, eastern redcedar succeeds as a low-maintenance, natural screen.

Holly

There are many evergreen varieties of holly that make excellent hedging plants. A few top choices include:

English Holly

A classic hedging plant, this dense, broadleaf evergreen has glossy, spiny dark green leaves. It makes a thick, formal hedge or screen and responds well to pruning and shearing. Many cultivars are available. ‘Argentea Marginata’ has white-edged leaves while ‘Blue Prince’ and ‘Blue Princess’ have purple-tinged foliage.

Inkberry

Native to eastern North America, inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a versatile evergreen shrub. Growing 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, inkberry makes a nice informal hedge with its oval green leaves. It produces abundant black fruits loved by birds. Inkberry does well in shade and wet soil. Cultivars like ‘Shamrock’ stay more compact.

Yaupon Holly

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a fast-growing evergreen species that reaches 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The small, glossy green leaves provide dense coverage. Regular pruning keeps yaupon holly contained as a hedge. It produces striking red berries. Native cultivars like ‘Pride of Houston’ tolerate heat, humidity, and coastal conditions.

Portuguese Laurel

With large, erect leaves and a fast growth rate, Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) quickly fills in as a tall, formal hedge or dense screen. It grows up to 3 feet per year and commonly reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet. The glossy green leaves contrast nicely with fragrant white flower spikes in spring. Portuguese laurel responds well to pruning and tolerates a variety of conditions including drought, salt spray, and pollution.

Southern Magnolia

The iconic, classic magnolia tree of the Southeast makes a beautiful evergreen hedge or screen. Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is prized for its huge, glossy leaves, fragrant white blooms, and cone-like fruit. It fills in densely when pruned to form an imposing hedge, growing up to 2 feet per year to 50 feet or more. Southern magnolia transplants and prunes easily. It tolerates heat, humidity, and coastal conditions. Dwarf cultivars like ‘Little Gem’ stay under 20 feet tall.

Spruce

With their conical forms and tolerance of shearing, many spruce varieties are well suited as evergreen hedging. Popular choices include:

Norway Spruce

Fast-growing Norway spruce (Picea abies) makes a tall, formal hedge quickly. Growth rates of 3 feet or more per year are common. Dark green needles clothe the ascending branches in lush color. Regular shearing maintains the hedge at desired heights. If left unpruned, Norway spruce grows to 60-100 feet tall.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

For shorter hedges, Dwarf Alberta spruce is a miniature evergreen cultivar that grows just 1-2 feet per year to mature heights of 10 feet or less. The short green needles are densely arranged on horizontal branches, creating a low mound. Takes well to shearing and shaping.

Yew

With fine-textured needles and dense growth habit, yews like Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) make classic formal hedging. Yew tolerates heavy pruning and shearing exceptionally well. Popular evergreen cultivars include:

English Yew

A classic for sculpted garden hedges, English yew (Taxus baccata) grows moderately fast, up to 2 feet per year. Dark green flat needles provide good cover and contrast nicely with red winter fruits. Takes well to shaping.

Densiformis Yew

Densiformis yew (Taxus x media ‘Densiformis’) is a dense, slow-growing cultivar perfect for a tightly clipped formal hedge. It has very short dark green needles and only reaches 2 to 5 feet tall and wide at maturity.

Hicksii Yew

Hicksii yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’) has a narrowly columnar form that works well for tall, vertical screens. It grows up to 2 feet yearly, maintaining a 5-foot width at maturity while reaching heights up to 20 feet. The flat, twisting green needles provide great cover.

Hedge Design Tips

When planning and planting an evergreen hedge, keep these design tips in mind:

Select Appropriate Plants

• Choose varieties well suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants often perform best.
• Consider mature size to avoid overgrown hedges. Dwarf cultivars can minimize trimming needs.
• Look for upright or columnar varieties for narrow screens or borders. Spreading types work better for wider hedges.

Allow Enough Spacing

• Place plants close together, often 2 to 3 feet apart depending on mature spread.
• Avoid gaps that allow views or wind through the hedge. Supplemental plants can fill in holes.

Prepare the Soil Well

• Amend planting areas with compost or other organic material to improve drainage and nutrients.
• Remove any weeds, which can compete for resources.
• Install underground irrigation if rainfall is lacking.

Mulch After Planting

• Cover bare soil areas around new plantings with 2-4 inches of organic mulch like wood chips to reduce weeds and retain moisture. Leave space around trunks.

Water Well at Planting and as Needed

• Ensure regular irrigation for at least the first year until plants establish deep roots.
• Even mature hedges need supplemental water during times of drought.

Apply Fertilizer in Early Spring

• Use a balanced organic fertilizer or slow-release product in early spring to support new growth.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that spur excessive growth vulnerable to winter damage.

Prune Properly

• For formal hedges, prune often the first year or two to encourage dense growth from the start.
• Time pruning to avoid cutting off new spring growth or damaging winter foliage.
• Informal hedges need less frequent pruning. Only trim to shape or remove errant branches.
• Always use sharp bypass hand pruners for cleaner cuts that heal quickly.

Monitor for Problems

• Watch for signs of diseases or pests and address issues promptly to maintain plant health.
• Remove suckering branches around the base that can undermine the hedge over time.

Edge Beds Around Hedge

• Use metal, stone or brick edging to clearly define the hedge perimeter.
• Avoid turf grass abutting the hedge, which can encourage fungal issues and compete for water and nutrients.

10 Key Benefits of Evergreens for Hedges

Choosing evergreen shrubs or trees for hedges offers many benefits compared to deciduous plants:

Year-Round Privacy and Screening

• The foliage remains in winter when deciduous plants lose their leaves, maintaining cover.

Noise Reduction

• The dense, lush greenery muffles unwanted sounds from nearby roads, homes, etc.

Windbreak

• Blocks cold winter winds to protect gardens, homes and outdoor living spaces.

Soil Retention

• An evergreen hedge prevents soil erosion on slopes or hillsides.

Property Boundaries

• Provides a living border between properties more clearly than a fence.

Ornamental Value

• Many evergreens like holly and arborvitae have decorative, architectural form.

Shelter for Birds

• Birds can nest safely within evergreen hedges away from predators and wind.

Low Combustibility

• Compared to deciduous plants, evergreens contain lower amounts of volatile compounds.

Pollution Tolerance

• Evergreen foliage stays healthy despite exposure to vehicle exhaust, salt spray, etc.

Long Lifespan

• Most evergreens survive for decades with proper care. Yews can live hundreds of years.

Design Inspiration for Evergeen Hedges

Evergreen hedges and screens can be designed in many attractive and functional ways. Here are some inspiring options:

Formal Boxwood Hedges

For formal garden designs, a sculpted boxwood hedge provides an elegant backdrop. The hedge can encircle a patio, border a walkway or frame a flower bed. Boxwood’s tolerance of frequent shearing makes crisp lines possible. Mixing in a few rounded evergreen shrubs like holly, yew or juniper adds textural contrast.

Cherry Laurel Driveway Border

To mask an unattractive driveway view, a row of tall cherry laurels pruned into an opaque hedge does the job beautifully. The thick green leaves also absorb unwanted noise and dust from the road. Underplanted with small shade-loving shrubs like azalea or camellia, it becomes an ornamental feature.

Arborvitae Privacy Screen

A towering row of Green Giant arborvitaes offers instant privacy between homes. Planted just a few feet apart, the fast-growing evergreens quickly merge into a living wall that also filters noise. Small accent trees like Japanese maple can be underplanted on the interior side.

Portuguese Laurel Pool Border

Along a backyard pool or patio, a mid-height hedge of Portuguese laurels establishes a transition between the hardscaping and the garden beyond. The laurels add ornate texture and provide shelter from wind. Planting with a setback allows decking, planting beds or other features around the pool’s edge.

Magnolia Entrance Columns

As striking driveway sentinels or an entrance gateway, a pair of pruned Southern magnolias makes a dramatic statement. The bold evergreen foliage contrasts beautifully with the huge, fragrant white blooms in spring and summer. Underplanted with drifts of camellias or azaleas, they become living statues.

Mixed Native Hedge

For an informal, naturalized hedge, combining several evergreen shrubs like inkberry holly, yaupon holly, cherry laurel and wax myrtle creates diverse foliage colors, textures, and forms. Planted in drifts, the blend attracts birds and pollinators. Mixed hedges suit broader screens and require less pruning.

Frequently Asked Questions about Evergreen Hedges

Many gardeners have questions when planning and caring for evergreen hedges. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:

How close together should I plant evergreens for a hedge?

Plant evergreen shrubs 2 to 3 feet apart for hedges, adjusting spacing based on their expected mature width. Narrower spacing may be needed for quick privacy, while wider spacing allows fuller growth between plants before merging together.

How often should I prune and trim evergreen hedges?

For formal clipped hedges, prune new growth 1-2 times yearly, timing cuts to avoid period of active growth. Informal hedges only need light trimming every 2-4 years to shape as desired. Avoid pruning late fall through early spring when frost damage can occur.

What is the best fertilizer for evergreen hedges?

Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or slow-release product in early spring to nourish plants before the main growth period. Avoid high-nitrogen chemical fertilizers that cause excess growth vulnerable to winter damage.

Should I mulch around my evergreen hedge?

Mulching 2-4 inches deep with organic material like pine straw or wood chips is highly beneficial. It conserves moisture, prevents weeds, stabilizes soil temperatures and adds nutrients as it breaks down. Pull mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems to avoid moisture buildup.

How long do evergreen hedges live?

Many popular evergreen hedge plants like boxwood, yew, holly, arborvitae, and juniper can survive and thrive for decades with proper care and pruning. Some varieties such as yews may persist over 100 years. Most evergreens last longer than deciduous shrubs when maintained as hedges.

Can I grow evergreen hedges in shade?

While most evergreens need at least partial sun, some do well in light to moderate shade conditions, including inkberry, Cherry Laurel, American holly, Nandina, and English yew. Avoid planting sun-loving evergreens like arborvitae in deep shade.

How do I revive an overgrown evergreen hedge?

Severely prune back the tallest branches to reduce height. Fertilize lightly to encourage new growth. Remove the oldest, woodiest stems at ground level to rejuvenate plants. If Routine pruning was suspended too long, it may take a few years to restore dense growth.

Why are the needles falling off my evergreen hedge?

Needles naturally shed on evergreens, but excessive leaf drop can signal an underlying problem. Causes include root disturbance, underwatering, disease, extreme weather damage, or certain pest infestations. Correct any ongoing issues to improve plant health.

How do I stop animals from digging under my evergreen hedge?

Install 2-3 foot wide wire mesh fencing at the base, burying it 6-12 inches underground to block access. Stone or gravel mulch also deters digging. Ensure the hedge grows densely all the way to the ground without gaps animals can penetrate.

Conclusion

Evergreens like arborvitae, boxwood, holly, cherry laurel and spruce make excellent hedge plants, providing year-round privacy and screening, ornamental value, and easy care. With proper plant selection for the site, good preparation and spacing at planting, and appropriate follow-up care and pruning, evergreen hedges can thrive for decades, enhancing privacy and aesthetics in any landscape. Paying attention to plant needs, site conditions