Privacy Hedge Planting, Everything You Need to Know

Create a Living Wall of Green for Beauty and Seclusion

If you're looking to add privacy, define property lines, or reduce noise from nearby roads, privacy hedges are an effective and attractive solution. Unlike fencing, hedges provide a softer, more natural look that also boosts curb appeal and contributes to a healthier landscape. At Harvest Outdoor Living, we help homeowners throughout Harford County design and install privacy hedges that are tailored to the local climate, soil conditions, and property needs.

Why Plant a Privacy Hedge?

Privacy hedges offer a range of benefits beyond screening your property from neighbors or passersby. A well-planned hedge:

• • Creates a visual and physical barrier
  • Buffers wind and reduces street noise
  • Enhances property value with year-round beauty
  • Supports local ecosystems with bird habitat and pollinator-friendly species
  • Offers a more natural, long-term solution compared to traditional fencing

Best Privacy Hedge Plants for Maryland Landscapes

Maryland’s climate allows for a variety of privacy hedge species that are hardy, low-maintenance, and fast-growing. Some of the most popular choices include:

1. Arborvitae

• • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Mature Height: 15–40 feet
  • Why It Works: ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae is one of the most popular hedge choices in Maryland. It’s evergreen, fast-growing, and maintains a dense, conical shape without much pruning.

2. American Holly

• • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Mature Height: 15–30 feet
  • Why It Works: Native to Maryland, American Holly provides a dense screen with year-round foliage and bright red berries in the winter.

3. Skip Laurel

• • Sunlight: Tolerates shade well
  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
  • Mature Height: 10–18 feet
  • Why It Works: Ideal for shady areas, Skip Laurel forms a thick, glossy green hedge and tolerates a range of soil types.

4. Leyland Cypress

• • Sunlight: Full sun
  • Growth Rate: Very fast
  • Mature Height: Up to 60 feet
  • Why It Works: A fast-growing evergreen option for larger properties where quick coverage is needed.

5. Inkberry Holly

• • Sunlight: Full sun to shade
  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
  • Mature Height: 4–8 feet
  • Why It Works: A native evergreen with a compact, rounded shape, perfect for lower hedges or pairing with taller species.

Factors to Consider When Planting a Privacy Hedge

1. Spacing and Layout

Proper spacing depends on the plant variety and your desired timeline for achieving full coverage. Plant too close, and you risk crowding and disease; plant too far apart, and privacy will take years to establish. We’ll help you determine the right spacing for healthy, long-lasting growth.

2. Soil Preparation

Most hedge plants prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. If your yard has clay-heavy or poorly draining soil, our team can amend it or recommend species better suited to the conditions.

3. Sun Exposure

We select hedge plants based on the light levels of your site. Some species thrive in full sun, while others, like Skip Laurel, tolerate shade.

4. Maintenance Requirements

All hedge plants require some level of care, especially during their establishment phase. Our planting services include guidance on watering, mulching, and pruning to keep your hedge healthy and tidy.

Professional Privacy Hedge Installation in Harford County

At Harvest Outdoor Living, we provide end-to-end landscaping solutions that include planting privacy hedges as part of a complete landscape design or as a standalone service. We assess your goals, property layout, and environmental conditions to recommend the right species and installation plan.

In addition to privacy hedges, our services include:

• • Landscape design and planting
  • Garden bed installation
  • Mulch and seasonal maintenance
  • Drainage solutions
  • Hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls)
  • Landscape lighting

We ensure your hedge is planted with long-term success in mind—from root zone prep and soil conditioning to irrigation planning and follow-up care.

Proudly Serving Maryland Homeowners

We’re based in Bel Air and proudly serve homeowners in Abingdon, Aberdeen, Churchville, Fallston, Forest Hill, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and surrounding Harford County communities. Our knowledge of local conditions helps us select the right hedge species and plant them for optimal performance.

Ready to Create a Private, Beautiful Outdoor Space?

If you’re ready to improve privacy, curb appeal, and structure in your landscape, let the experts at Harvest Outdoor Living help. We’ll recommend the best plants for your location, install them with precision, and provide the care they need to thrive.

Call today or request an estimate online to schedule a consultation. We serve Bel Air and the surrounding Maryland areas with expert landscaping and planting services that transform your yard into a private retreat.