Privacy hedges mean different things to different people.
Do you prefer a formal or informal look?
Do you need to block out sound?
Or to hide views?
Perhaps you want to create a peaceful retreat.
Some want a small hedge, others really tall. Some want deciduous hedges and others evergreen.
Below we have a selection of ideas for evergreen, deciduous, flowering and fast growing privacy hedge options, perfect for Zone 8.
Take a look and see which ones suit your needs the most.
16 Top Zone 8 Privacy Hedges for Every Need
1. Willow Hybrid Tree
Fast-growing and versatile, Willow Hybrid Trees create an excellent privacy hedge in Zone 8. These trees can reach impressive heights quickly, forming dense, lush green barriers.
Minimal maintenance and adaptability to various soil types make them a gardener’s favorite for fast results.
- USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
- Average Mature Size: 35-45 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Very Fast
- Type: Deciduous
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning to shape
- Botanical Name: Salix x matsudana x alba
2. Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae
Offering a tall, dense screen, Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Arborvitae is perfect for privacy in Zone 8.
Known for its narrow, columnar shape, it requires minimal space while providing excellent coverage. Low maintenance and hardy, this evergreen ensures year-round greenery.
- USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 25-30 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional trimming for shape
- Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
3. Otto Luyken Laurel
Perfect for privacy hedges in Zone 8, Otto Luyken Laurel offers lush, dense foliage year-round.
Its moderate growth and tolerance to various conditions make it an excellent choice for creating a low, green screen. Low maintenance with occasional pruning, it’s ideal for busy gardeners.
- USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
- Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’
4. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Compact and vibrant, Emerald Green Arborvitae is ideal for creating privacy in Zone 8.
Its columnar form provides excellent coverage without taking up much space. This evergreen is low maintenance and thrives with minimal care.
- USDA Growing Zone: 2-8
- Average Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
5. Endless Summer® The Original Reblooming Hydrangea
Ideal for vibrant privacy hedges in Zone 8, Endless Summer® The Original Reblooming Hydrangea offers stunning blooms from spring to fall.
With its lush foliage and colorful flowers, it adds beauty and privacy to any garden. Low maintenance, it thrives with regular watering and minimal pruning.
- USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
- Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Type: Deciduous
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional deadheading and pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’
6. Waxleaf Privet Hedge
Creating a dense and glossy green screen, Waxleaf Privet Hedge is perfect for privacy in Zone 8.
This evergreen features small, dark green leaves and can be shaped easily to fit any garden design. It is fast-growing and low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning.
- USDA Growing Zone: 7-10
- Average Mature Size: 8-10 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Ligustrum japonicum
7. Conversation Piece Azalea
Adding vibrant color and privacy, Conversation Piece Azalea thrives in Zone 8 gardens.
This deciduous shrub boasts stunning, multicolored blooms from spring to early summer. Easy to care for, it requires minimal pruning and offers a striking display.
- USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
- Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Type: Deciduous
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning after flowering
- Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Conversation Piece’
8. Nellie Stevens Holly
Nellie Stevens Holly offers year-round privacy with its dense, dark green foliage, perfect for Zone 8 gardens.
This fast-growing evergreen produces bright red berries, adding a splash of color. It’s easy to maintain, needing only occasional pruning to shape.
- USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
- Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’
9. Leyland Cypress Tree
Perfect for creating a quick privacy screen in Zone 8, Leyland Cypress Trees grow tall and dense with minimal effort.
These evergreens feature soft, feathery foliage and can reach impressive heights rapidly. Low maintenance and adaptable, they’re ideal for large spaces.
- USDA Growing Zone: 6-10
- Average Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Cupressus × leylandii
10. Flame Amur Maple
Flame Amur Maple adds a splash of color and privacy to Zone 8 gardens with its brilliant red foliage in fall.
This deciduous tree features a compact form, making it perfect for smaller spaces. Easy to care for, it requires minimal maintenance and occasional pruning.
- USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Type: Deciduous
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Acer ginnala
11. Double Knock Out® Rose
Bringing vibrant blooms and privacy to Zone 8, Double Knock Out® Rose is known for its continuous flowers from spring to frost.
This hardy, disease-resistant shrub requires minimal maintenance and adds a burst of color to any landscape. Ideal for creating a striking hedge.
- USDA Growing Zone: 5-11
- Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Type: Deciduous
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Radtko’
12. Virescens Western Red Cedar
Offering lush, green foliage and upright growth, Virescens Western Red Cedar is perfect for creating privacy in Zone 8.
This fast-growing evergreen thrives in various soil types and requires minimal maintenance. Its dense foliage provides year-round coverage and beauty.
- USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
- Average Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’
13. Thuja Green Giant
With rapid growth and lush, green foliage, Thuja Green Giant is ideal for creating privacy in Zone 8.
This hardy evergreen forms a dense barrier quickly, thriving in a variety of conditions. Minimal maintenance makes it a popular choice for busy gardeners.
- USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
- Average Mature Size: 50-60 feet tall, 12-20 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Thuja standishii x plicata
14. Tri-Color Dappled Willow
Tri-Color Dappled Willow brings a unique touch to Zone 8 gardens with its striking pink, white, and green foliage.
This fast-growing deciduous shrub is perfect for creating a colorful privacy screen. Easy to care for, it thrives with minimal maintenance and occasional pruning.
- USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
- Average Mature Size: 8-10 feet tall, 8-10 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Type: Deciduous
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’
15. Wintergreen Boxwood Shrub
Ideal for creating neat and attractive privacy hedges in Zone 8, Wintergreen Boxwood Shrub boasts dense, evergreen foliage.
This hardy shrub maintains its vibrant green color year-round and requires minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice for formal gardens.
- USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: BBuxus sinica var. insularis ‘Wintergreen’
16. Baby Giant Arborvitae Tree
Compact and lush, Baby Giant Arborvitae Tree is ideal for creating privacy in Zone 8.
This dwarf evergreen maintains its dense foliage with minimal pruning and fits perfectly in small spaces. Its low maintenance needs make it a favorite for busy gardeners.
- USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
- Average Mature Size: 10-12 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Thuja plicata x standishii PPAF 61830744 ‘Virginian™’
17. Sky Pencil Holly Tree
Sleek and columnar, Sky Pencil Holly Tree is ideal for adding vertical interest and privacy in Zone 8.
This evergreen features dense, dark green foliage and fits perfectly in tight spaces. With minimal maintenance needs, it’s a great choice for any garden.
- USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
- Average Mature Size: 6-10 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
- Growth Rate: Slow to medium
- Type: Evergreen
- Maintenance/Pruning Needs: Low, occasional pruning for shape
- Botanical Name: Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’
Things To Consider Before Planting
Purpose and Functionality
Determine if you need the hedge to block noise, provide visual privacy, or create a windbreak.
Height and Width
Consider the mature size of the trees, ensuring they will fit the available space without encroaching on neighboring properties or structures.
Evergreen vs. Deciduous
Decide if you want year-round privacy with evergreens or seasonal interest with deciduous trees.
Growth Rate
Choose between fast-growing varieties for quicker results or slower-growing types for more manageable maintenance.
Maintenance Requirements
Consider the amount of pruning, watering, and general upkeep needed to maintain the hedge.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Select trees that are resistant to common pests and diseases in your area.
Root System
Be aware of the root spread to avoid damage to foundations, sidewalks, and other structures.
Sunlight and Water Needs
Ensure the selected trees match the sunlight and water availability of the planting site.
Local Regulations
Check for any local regulations or homeowners’ association rules regarding hedge height and placement.
Want More?
I hope you found the perfect hedging privacy tree for your needs.
If by some chance you didn’t, please take a look at these privacy trees that are great for fence lines, or these top choices for privacy hedges.
Alternatively our article on natural privacy screens might be just what you are looking for.
