How to Plant a Privacy Hedge

Instead of using a man-made fence for privacy, try to find a hedge that provides the same results. Planting a privacy hedge gives you years of aesthetically pleasing lawn definition. Some privacy hedges grow faster than others, but there are ways to provide privacy while the hedges mature.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose the type of hedge you want to use and how you want them displayed. You can go with a formal or informal hedge design. The formal privacy hedge provides a uniform look by using the same pruned or trimmed hedge. The informal privacy hedge uses different types of hedges that result in a less rigid look.

2. Determine where to place your privacy hedge. Review your property lines by yourself and with any neighbors who will be impacted by your hedge planting to be sure you are planting on your own land. Take into account how wide your hedge grows so you don't cross over into your neighbor's land years down the road.

3. Read the mature size measurements of the hedge you want to plant. Based on this information, begin spacing the hedges while they are still in their containers. Place the hedges close enough together to provide privacy while still allowing some sunlight and air to pass through to your yard when they mature. Plant your hedges in the ground and give them plenty of water.

4. Fill in the gaps of your privacy hedge with temporary plants. Until the hedge grows in thick, you can plant ornamental grass to help provide immediate privacy. When the hedge begins to get bigger, you can transplant the ornamental grass somewhere else.

Tips & Warnings

• Research the rules about planting near the street if that's where you're headed.
• Know where utility lines are so you can avoid them while digging.