Create a serene and secluded haven in your Zone 7 garden with the perfect privacy hedges!
Whether you want to block noise, hide unsightly views, or establish a peaceful retreat, these top hedge choices are designed to meet your needs.
Take a look at the best fast-growing options that will enhance your landscape and provide effective privacy throughout the year.
Proven Evergreen Hedges for Creating Privacy in USDA Zone 7
1. Green Giant Arborvitae
Perfect for creating privacy, this fast-growing evergreen forms tall, dense screens.
It thrives in various soil types and is drought-tolerant once established. Its lush green foliage offers year-round coverage, effectively blocking unwanted views.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 30-40 ft tall, 12-15 ft wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Thuja standishii x plicata
2. Leyland Cypress
Perfect for privacy hedges, this evergreen grows rapidly, forming tall, dense barriers.
Its fine, feathery foliage adds a soft texture to landscapes while providing year-round privacy. Thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soil conditions.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-10
Average Mature Size: 40-60 ft tall, 15-25 ft wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: × Cuprocyparis leylandii
3. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Ideal for creating privacy, this evergreen grows quickly, forming tall, dense barriers.
Its fine, feathery foliage adds a soft texture to landscapes while offering year-round privacy. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soil conditions.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-8
Average Mature Size: 10-15 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
4. Schipka Cherry Laurel
An excellent choice for creating privacy in Zone 7, this evergreen features glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring.
It grows rapidly, forming a dense, lush barrier that thrives in partial to full sun. Perfect for an elegant and refined hedge.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
Average Mature Size: Up to 10 ft tall and wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’
5. English Laurel
With glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring, this evergreen is an excellent choice for creating privacy.
It grows quickly, forming a dense, lush barrier that thrives in partial to full sun, ideal for an elegant and refined hedge.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
Average Mature Size: 15-20 ft tall, 10-15 ft wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus
6. American Holly
This evergreen, featuring glossy dark green leaves and bright red berries in winter, is a classic choice for creating privacy in Zone 7.
It provides year-round coverage and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its dense foliage forms an effective and attractive screen.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 15-30 ft tall, 10-20 ft wide
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Ilex opaca
7. Variegated Privet
This fast-growing shrub, with striking green and white foliage, is perfect for creating privacy.
It forms a dense barrier and can be easily shaped with pruning. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-10
Average Mature Size: 6-10 ft tall, 6-8 ft wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Ligustrum sinense ‘Variegatum’
8. Yukon Belle® Pyracantha

Perfect for privacy hedges, this evergreen features white spring blooms followed by bright orange berries in winter.
It grows quickly, forming a dense barrier that birds love. Thrives in full sun and adds year-round interest to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 8-10 ft tall, 6-8 ft wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Pyracantha ‘Yukon Belle’
9. Volcano Cherry Laurel
An excellent choice for Zone 7 privacy hedges, this evergreen shrub features shiny, dark green foliage with striking bronze-red new growth.
This robust and versatile shrub is cold hardy and adapts well to occasional pruning. Thriving in partial to full sun, it maintains a tidy and attractive appearance year-round.
In spring, it produces small white flowers, followed by black ornamental fruit that attract birds.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 4-7 ft tall, 4-5 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Jong1’
10. Oak Leaf™ Red Holly
A fantastic option, this evergreen showcases elegant burgundy spring foliage that matures to deep green.
Bright red berries add seasonal interest, and its dense, pyramidal shape provides excellent coverage for privacy hedges. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it offers year-round appeal.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
Average Mature Size: Up to 14 ft tall, 8 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Ilex x ‘Conaf’
11. Chinese Snowball Bush
A showstopper in any landscape, this deciduous shrub dazzles with its vibrant lime-green flowers that turn snowy-white in mid-May.
The Chinese Snowball Bush blooms profusely, producing stunning white pom-poms up to 8 inches wide. The dark green, saw-toothed foliage contrasts beautifully with the blooms, and the plant is resistant to insects and diseases.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
Average Mature Size: 10-12 ft tall, 10-12 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Viburnum macrocephalum ‘Sterile’
12. Hicks Yew
This evergreen features dense, glossy green foliage and bright red berries. It grows slowly, forming a narrow, upright barrier perfect for privacy hedges and takes well to shearing.
Thriving in partial to full sun, it adds a classic touch to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-7
Average Mature Size: Up to 12 ft tall, 4 ft wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’
13. Red Dynamo Photinia
Featuring striking burgundy-red new foliage that matures to deep green, this evergreen is a vibrant choice for privacy hedges.
It forms a dense, upright barrier that rarely needs pruning. Thriving in full sun, it offers year-round interest with its colorful leaves.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-11
Average Mature Size: Up to 10 ft tall, 7 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Dynamo’
14. Forever Goldy™ Arborvitae Tree
Boasting vibrant golden-yellow foliage that retains its brilliant color year-round, this evergreen is an excellent option for creating eye-catching privacy hedges in Zone 7.
InIn the winter, its foliage takes on a rich, deeper gold hue. Thriving in full sun, it forms a dense, glowing barrier that enhances any landscape throughout the seasons.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 10-12 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Thuja plicata ‘4EVER’
Things To Consider Before Planting
Determine your main objective for the hedge.
Are you looking for privacy, a windbreak, noise reduction, or aesthetic appeal?
This will help you choose the right type of tree.
Space and Size
Assess the available space and consider the mature size of the trees. Ensure there is enough room for them to grow to their full height and width without overcrowding.
Soil and Drainage
Check the soil type and drainage in your planting area. Most of these trees prefer well-drained soil. Amend the soil if necessary to improve drainage and fertility.
Sunlight Requirements
Make sure the chosen spot provides the required amount of sunlight for the trees. Some trees thrive in full sun, while others may tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
Consider the watering requirements of the trees, especially during their establishment phase. Ensure you can provide consistent watering until the trees are well-established.
Maintenance and Pruning
Evaluate the level of maintenance required. Some trees may need regular pruning to maintain their shape and health, while others are more low-maintenance.
Local Regulations
Check for any local regulations or HOA rules regarding hedge height and placement. This can prevent future conflicts and ensure compliance.
Pests and Diseases
Be aware of any common pests or diseases that might affect the trees you choose. Select resistant varieties if possible and be prepared to manage potential issues.
Wildlife Attraction
Consider whether you want to attract wildlife, such as birds, with your hedge. Some trees produce berries or provide shelter, making them ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Want More?
If you’re searching for the perfect hedging tree for Zone 7 and haven’t found it yet, you’re in luck!
Take a look at our articles on fast-growing privacy trees that are ideal for your fence line or discover the best options for privacy hedges.
For even more inspiration, explore our ideas for natural privacy screens that could be the perfect solution for your garden.