Fast Growing Hedges

Fast Growing Hedges for Modern Living

Fast-growing hedges are essential for a fast-paced modern lifestyle, perfect for when you want a tall, dense, thriving hedge as soon as possible. When moving into a new property, for instance, many homeowners seek a fast-growing hedge for quick cover.

It’s crucial to remember, however, that fast growing hedges need to be carefully maintained to stop them from getting out of hand. After reaching your desired height, make sure to trim your fast growing hedges regularly, early in Autumn after rapid growth has stopped, to keep them healthy long-term. See our guide to When to Cut a Hedge for more information. 

Note that we have more options for a quick hedge: our Instant Hedging range can transform your space almost overnight.

 Leylandii Hedging Plants – Rapid Growth, Magnificent Results

Of all the fast growing hedges, the best known of course are the Leylandii hedging plants, growing at a rate of 60-75cm per year. If kept trimmed regularly then it can make a magnificent hedge, however if left to grow without pruning, it will become less dense with little growth at the bottom which then makes it difficult to prune back to a hedge. As they do tend to grow faster than most hedging, it is worth taking a look at our guide on the High Hedge Legislation to better understand the height that you are allowed to grow your plant without disrupting your neighbours. See our guide for more advice on trimming your Leylandii hedge.

Thuja plicata atrovirens – A Manageable Alternative 

Another fast growing hedge is Thuja plicata atrovirens, with nearly the same speed of growth as Leylandii; and if it grows too large, this fast-growing hedge can be cut back hard and will regenerate from old wood. The beauty of these plants is that if you are on a restricted budget then smaller plants can be purchased initially and the speed of growth means that the end result may be achieved as quickly as buying larger more expensive plants but with a slower growth habit. 

Native Plants for Quick Results 

Many native plants will also make fast growing hedges, Alder hedging plants are fast-growing for windbreaks and screening whilst Mixed Native hedging plants such as Blackthorn, Quickthorn or Hawthorn and Dogwood grow between 30-60cm per year providing flowers and berries for wildlife as well and evergreen plants such as Beech and Hornbeam hedging plants which grow at a similar speed. It must be remembered however that these plants may require different gardening conditions to achieve the best results.

If you have any further questions about our fast growing hedging plants or would like a special quote for a bulk order over £1000 please call our friendly team on 01580 765600 or get in touch through our contact page.