Use narrow plants as privacy screens

Narrow hedges in the garden provide good privacy and more

In a small garden, narrow hedges don't require too much space, provided they are trimmed regularly. Their use is by no means pure Privacy protection limited. Narrow hedges also serve many other functions. They serve to delimit the property from neighbors or public paths, as well as to delimit the front garden. They are good privacy protection, not only on the property line, but also around a seating area or the entire area terrace to protect from prying eyes. They serve as a bed border, but then more as a very low, narrow hedge or as a structural element, for example on a garden pond. But they can also be used to limit paths and spaces. A wide hedge is unlikely to fulfill all of these uses. What is important is the correct height of the narrow hedge, which should be fully adapted to its function.

This keeps the hedges narrow

These factors play a crucial role when trimming hedges.

• The speed of growth: The greater the growth of the plants, the faster they grow beyond the desired shape. Whether a hedge grows faster or slower depends on the variety and breeding. Young hedges often grow faster than older ones.
• Pruning: A narrow hedge means constant trimming. The bushes have to be pruned throughout their life in order to be brought back into shape again and again. As a rule, you cut twice a year so that the hedge doesn't get out of shape. More often for very fast-growing varieties.

Which plants are ideal as narrow evergreen hedges?

1. Cup yew and yew: The plant tolerates pruning well and has a high tolerance for location and soil conditions. It is easily malleable, hardy and frost-resistant. Yew trees should be avoided in gardens with children or pets, as fallen needles, as well as bark, wood, roots and seeds, are very toxic even in small quantities.


How do I attach a privacy screen to the balcony?

A privacy screen on the balcony should protect you from the prying eyes of your neighbors and...

2. Boxwood: Boxwood is a very densely growing plant and can therefore be grown very well as a hedge. The boxwood tolerates cuttings very well and can be easily shaped. It needs to be pruned regularly to avoid baldness and it is not suitable for every location.
3. Glossy medlar: It is not only a privacy screen, but with its subtle flowers it is also a beautiful eye-catcher in the garden in summer. It is easy to shape and has good cutting compatibility. It is hardy down to -20°C.
4. Mock cypress: The Mock cypress grows slim, dense, but also quickly in height. It retains a conical shape even without cutting. Caution is advised when cutting, as the plant has little tolerance for cutting. However, the false cypress is robust, hardy and easy to care for. The rapid growth also has the advantage that a dense privacy screen can be created in a short time.
5. Holly: The plant has an extremely high tolerance to air pollution, soil conditions and location. It feels comfortable in almost any location, is easy to care for and long-lasting. Offcuts are possible without any problems. However, you should be careful when shaping it.
6. Thuja: The thuja, also known as the tree of life, is one of the most popular plants. As a hedge plant, it is very undemanding and easy to care for. The Thuja plant tolerates pruning well, grows very quickly, is hardy and tolerant of location and soil conditions.

Narrow hedges in the garden

Whether as a privacy screen, bed border or border, narrow, evergreen hedges are very popular. In order for them to remain narrow and serve their purpose, they must be trimmed regularly. An overview shows which plants are particularly suitable for this and what needs to be taken into account in terms of location, cut resistance and malleability. You will soon have a beautiful, nature-loving privacy screen in your garden.