Transform your Zone 6 garden into a secluded sanctuary with the ideal privacy hedges!
Whether you’re aiming to block out noise, conceal unsightly views, or craft a tranquil retreat, these top hedge choices will meet your needs.
Take a peek at the best fast-growing and resilient options for your landscape.
Proven USDA Zone 6 Privacy Hedge Options
1. Green Giant Arborvitae
Ideal for Zone 6, Green Giant Arborvitae grows rapidly and forms a dense, lush hedge.
This evergreen can reach up to 3-5 feet per year, making it perfect for quick privacy.
It thrives in various soil types and light conditions, providing a solid and low-maintenance screening solution.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 50-60 feet tall, 12-20 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3-5 feet per year)
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Thuja x ‘Green Giant’
2. English Laurel
Dense and glossy foliage makes English Laurel a favorite for privacy hedges in Zone 6.
Growing up to 3 feet per year, this versatile evergreen thrives in both sun and partial shade.
It’s highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance with occasional pruning.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
Average Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3 feet per year)
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus
3. Schip Laurel
Ideal for creating a tall and narrow privacy hedge in Zone 6, Schip Laurel tolerates full sun to full shade.
Growing up to 2 feet per year, this evergreen is highly adaptable to various soil types.
Its glossy green leaves and low maintenance needs make it a favorite for many gardeners.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
Average Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 5-7 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast (up to 2 feet per year)
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’
4. Flame Amur Dwarf Maple Tree
Perfect for Zone 6, Amur Maple offers vibrant fall colors and rapid growth, making it a standout choice for privacy hedges.
This deciduous shrub can grow up to 2 feet per year and thrives in sun to part shade. Its multi-stemmed habit ensures a dense and attractive screen.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 15-20 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast (up to 2 feet per year)
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Acer ginnala ‘Flame’
5. American Arborvitae
Great for Zone 6, American Arborvitae is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its dense, upright growth.
This evergreen can grow up to 1-2 feet per year, creating an effective and low-maintenance screen.
It thrives in various soil conditions and tolerates cold climates well.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-8
Average Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast (up to 1-2 feet per year)
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
6. Lilac Bushes
Lilac bushes are a beautiful option for informal privacy hedges, especially known for their fragrant flowers and lush foliage.
These hardy deciduous shrubs thrive in Zones 3-7 and can grow up to 15 feet tall, making them a stunning addition to any garden. They adapt well to various soil types, preferring well-drained, fertile soils.
Lilacs add a classic, romantic charm to any landscape with their vibrant blossoms.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-7
Average Mature Size: 8-15 feet tall, 6-12 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate (approximately 1 foot per year)
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris
7. Virescens Western Red Cedar
Perfect for Zone 6, Virescens Western Red Cedar is known for its bright green foliage and fast growth.
This evergreen grows up to 2 feet per year, forming a tall and dense privacy hedge.
It’s deer-resistant and thrives in both sun and part shade, making it a versatile and low-maintenance choice.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast (up to 2 feet per year)
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’
8. Korean Boxwood
Korean Boxwood is a hardy evergreen that thrives in Zone 6, making it ideal for neat and formal privacy hedges.
It tolerates severe pruning and shaping, maintaining a dense structure. Growing well in sun to part shade, this shrub is cold-hardy and versatile.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall, 2-6 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate (up to 1 foot per year)
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Buxus microphylla var. koreana
9. Meserve Holly
Thriving in Zone 6, Meserve Holly is an excellent choice for privacy hedges with its spiny, blue-green foliage.
Growing up to 1 foot per year, this hardy evergreen provides effective screening and adds visual interest to any garden. It adapts well to various soil types and conditions.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-7
Average Mature Size: 8-10 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate (up to 1 foot per year)
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Ilex x meserveae
Things To Consider Before Planting
Soil and Sunlight Requirements
Assessing your soil type and sunlight exposure is crucial before planting. Choose hedge plants that are well-suited to your garden’s specific conditions to ensure optimal growth and health.
Spacing and Planting Depth
Proper spacing is essential for the healthy development and dense coverage of your hedges. Adhere to recommended planting depths and distances between plants to ensure a full and robust hedge.
Watering and Irrigation
Consistent watering is key, especially during the first year of growth. Installing a drip irrigation system can provide your hedges with deep, regular moisture, promoting strong and healthy growth.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning helps maintain your hedge’s shape and encourages dense growth. Schedule annual pruning sessions and occasional touch-ups to keep your hedge looking neat and healthy.
Growth Rate and Mature Size
Knowing the growth rate and mature size of your hedge plants is vital for planning. This information helps you anticipate the eventual height and width of your hedge, ensuring it meets your privacy needs.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Selecting hedge plants that are resistant to common pests and diseases in Zone 6 will minimize the need for chemical treatments. This keeps your hedge healthy and low-maintenance.
Environmental Impact
Consider the environmental benefits of your hedge. Choosing native plants can enhance local biodiversity and support wildlife, making your garden more eco-friendly.
Want More?
If you’re seeking privacy but haven’t found the ideal hedging tree for Zone 6, don’t worry!
Explore our other articles to find fast-growing trees privacy trees perfect for your fence line or discover our top choices for privacy hedges.
For additional inspiration, check out our ideas for natural privacy screens that might be just what you need.