Privacy Hedges and Trees for Phoenix Yards
For a hedge along a block wall, Green Hopseed is one of the fastest growers in the Southwest, planted about 4 to 5 feet apart. For height above the wall, go with a narrow tree like Indian Laurel Ficus Column or Italian Cypress, or a screen tree like Willow Acacia. Plant in fall so the roots grow before summer.
Hedge shrubs
| Plant | Height x width | Hedge spacing | Growth | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Hopseed | 10-15 x 6-12 ft | 4-5 ft | Fast | Low water. Can be sheared or left natural. |
| Shiny Xylosma | 10-15 x 10-15 ft | 4-6 ft | Fast | Takes trimming into a hedge. Best on an east or north side. |
| Arizona Rosewood | 10-15 x 5-10 ft | 6-8 ft | Slow | Desert native. Takes patience. |
| Green Cloud Sage | 6-8 x 6-8 ft | 8 ft | Fast | Low water, full sun. |
| Orange Jubilee Bush | 10-12 x 6-8 ft | 8-10 ft | Fast | Tall, flowering screen for a wall. |
| Lemon Bottle Brush | 8-15 x 12-20 ft | 8-12 ft | Moderate | Gets wide, so give it room. |
Purple Hopseed works the same way. Plant it 4 to 5 feet apart for a dense hedge. See more in privacy screens.
Fast privacy trees for more height
| Tree | Height x width | Row spacing | Growth | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Laurel Ficus Column | 10-30 ft tall, kept trimmed | 3-5 ft | Fast | Frost can brown it. Keep it off hot west walls. |
| Italian Cypress | 40-60 x 3-5 ft | 6-8 ft | Moderate | Very narrow, but very tall. |
| Willow Acacia | 20-40 x 15-20 ft | 12-15 ft | Fast | Thornless. Can reseed and send up root suckers. |
| Mondell Pine | 30-60 x 15-25 ft | 20 ft or more | Fast | A big tree. Give it plenty of room. |
See more in privacy trees.
How far apart and how far off the wall
- Spacing: Use the numbers above, measured center to center. Ficus columns planted 3 to 5 feet apart fill in to one screen.
- Too close is a common mistake. Crowded shrubs struggle and need constant cutting. Pick plants that fit the space at full size.
- Off the wall: Leave room for the plant's full width. Pick a spot where it can reach that width without constant cutting.
- Hot west walls: Ficus trunks can sunburn there. Shiny Xylosma also does better on an east or north side.
- Count your plants with the spacing calculator.
How fast they fill in, and which size to buy
- Fastest: Green Hopseed, Shiny Xylosma, Green Cloud Sage, Orange Jubilee and the ficus column. Arizona Rosewood is slow.
- The first year is slow. New desert plants put their energy into roots first, so they can look like they are just sitting there.
- Size: Smaller plants handle the move better and put more into roots. That works best for fast growers. For slow growers, buy a bigger size to get privacy sooner.
- When: Fall is the best time to plant in the low desert. Roots get months to grow before summer. See the planting calendar.
Common questions
What is the fastest growing privacy hedge in Arizona?
Green Hopseed is one of the fastest-growing shrubs in the Southwest and screens a wall quickly. Ficus columns also grow tall fast when winters stay mild.
How far apart should I plant a privacy hedge?
It depends on the plant. Green Hopseed goes about 4 to 5 feet apart, ficus columns 3 to 5 feet, and bigger shrubs like Orange Jubilee 8 to 10 feet.
Is ficus a good privacy hedge in Phoenix?
It grows fast and dense, so it is popular. Frost can brown the leaves in a cold winter, and the roots spread near the surface, so keep it away from pools and patios.
What can I plant for privacy in a narrow side yard?
Italian Cypress stays about 3 to 5 feet wide. Willow Acacia is an upright tree that works as a screen in narrow spaces.
Should I buy a 5 gallon or 15 gallon hedge plant?
For fast growers, smaller plants settle in well and focus on roots. For slow growers, a larger size gives you more screen from day one.
Why is my new hedge not growing?
Desert shrubs often grow little in the first year because they are growing roots.