Most privet hedge grow at a rate of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) per year once the roots settle into good soil. That pace makes privet one of the fastest options you can plant when you need a dense green screen between your yard and the neighbors.
I planted a row of bare-root privet along my back fence one spring and the results shocked me. By mid-August those skinny sticks had pushed out so much new growth that the gaps between plants had almost closed into a solid wall. The privet growth rate during that first warm season gave me a hedge that looked like it had been there for years.
Not every privet species moves at the same speed though. Japanese privet leads the pack at 25 inches (63 centimeters) or more per year per Clemson Extension data. California privet keeps a close pace in milder zones. Boxwood puts on a mere 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) per year. That gap in privet growth rate shows why so many homeowners choose privet when they need a screen in a hurry.
Four main factors control how fast your privet fills in. Sunlight sits at the top of the list because privet pushes its hardest growth in full sun to partial shade. Soil quality matters too since compacted clay or bone-dry sand will slow root expansion and stunt above-ground growth. Watering frequency during the first two growing seasons keeps roots spreading outward instead of going dormant. And species choice locks in your maximum possible speed before you even put a shovel in the ground.
Spacing and Planting
- Plant distance: Set privet 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart for a dense hedge that fills in within two growing seasons.
- Root prep: Soak bare-root plants in water for one hour before planting so the roots start absorbing moisture right away.
- Soil amendment: Mix compost into the planting trench to give roots a rich, loose medium that encourages rapid spread.
Water and Fertilizer Schedule
- First year watering: Give each plant 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water per week during the growing season to keep roots active and expanding.
- Fertilizer timing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as buds begin to swell for maximum new growth.
- Mulch layer: Spread 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) of mulch around the base to hold moisture and keep roots cool through summer heat.
Pruning for Density
- First trim: Cut the top growth back by one-third after planting to force side branching and a thicker hedge from the bottom up.
- Shaping cuts: Trim the sides twice a year so the hedge stays wider at the base than the top, letting sunlight reach lower branches.
- Growth response: Each pruning cut triggers two or more new shoots, so regular trimming makes the hedge denser rather than taller.
I watched my neighbor plant a row of California privet at the same time I planted mine. She skipped the compost and watered just once a week. Her privet hedge grow at about half the speed of mine, which proved that soil prep and water make all the difference in the world.
If speed is your top concern, pick Japanese privet or California privet as your fast growing privet hedge. Both species handle a wide range of soils and bounce back from hard pruning with ease. Expect a solid screen in as little as two to three years from bare-root planting. Waxleaf privet works just as well in warmer zones and keeps its leaves through winter.
Give your privet the right start with good soil, steady water, and a couple of light trims each year. You will have a thick, green privacy wall faster than almost any other shrub can deliver.
Read the full article: Privet Hedge: 8 Best Varieties and Care Guide
