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7 plants that block out neighbours better than a fence

From dense hedging to fast-growing shrubs, these plants will help you reclaim your privacy fast

By Elaine GriffithsPublished: 25 April 2026

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If neighbours overlook your garden, these fast-growing plants can block them out quickly – no fences needed.

As we spend more time outdoors in warmer weather, screening your space can make it feel far more comfortable and inviting. And rather than relying on solid boundaries, plants offer a softer, more natural solution.

But the right screening plants can do much more than just block a view. They create soft, natural boundaries while adding colour, texture, and even fragrance to your garden. Some varieties also help absorb noise from nearby properties or traffic and can trap dust and pollutants, making your outdoor space feel calmer and cleaner.

For the best results, opt for fast-growing plants with dense foliage. These will establish quickly, provide reliable coverage, and transform your garden into a more private, relaxing retreat in no time.

We asked Tim Clapp, qualified botanist and head of range for Verve, B&Q’s gardening range, for his top picks.

More gardening advice:

Laurel

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‘Laurel features rich, glossy green leaves and works beautifully as both a formal neatly clipped hedge or an informal looser, more natural one. It’s fast-growing, making it ideal for creating quick screening and privacy,’ Tim explains.

‘Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round coverage, making it an excellent choice for blocking views. Laurel is also highly adaptable, thriving in most soil types and positions – including poorer ground conditions and shady areas.

‘It can grow up to 8 metres if left unchecked, but is typically maintained at around 3 metres, perfect for keeping neighbouring properties out of sight.’

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Photinia

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Photinia is known for its striking red foliage, which brings a burst of colour in spring. As the leaves mature, they deepen into rich red and green tones, adding year-round interest.

‘It’s fast-growing but generally easier to manage than laurel, and can be shaped into a formal hedge or left to grow more naturally,’ says Tim.

‘There are several varieties available, each offering subtle differences in leaf shape, colour, and growth habit. Evergreen and reliable, photinia provides excellent privacy and is usually maintained between 1.5–3 metres.’

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Euonymus

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‘Euonymus is a compact, evergreen hedge that’s easy to maintain and ideal for smaller spaces,’ recommends Tim. ‘With its dense growth and smaller leaves, it creates a neat, structured look.

‘It grows up to around 2 metres and is available in a range of colours, including deep green, green and white variegated, and green and gold variegated – perfect for adding visual interest to a boundary.’

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Pittosporum

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If you’re looking for a versatile, low-maintenance hedge for a modern, contemporary garden, this is a great choice according to Tim: ‘With its small, soft leaves and gentle texture, it brings a more refined, tactile quality to planting schemes while still providing structure and privacy.’

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Fargesia

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‘This is a non-invasive bamboo that adds movement and softness to a garden. While it can be planted as a standalone feature, it also works exceptionally well as a screening hedge,’ says Tim.

‘Unlike other bamboos, Fargesia is clump-forming, meaning it won’t spread into neighbouring gardens. It offers year-round interest, with lush green foliage and elegant stems that create visual contrast. Stem colours vary by variety and can include black, red, green, and gold.’

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Leylandii

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Leylandii (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is one of the fastest-growing hedging options available, capable of growing up to 3ft per year.

‘It’s a popular choice for quickly establishing a tall, dense privacy screen, though it does require regular maintenance to keep it under control,’ Tim points out.

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Green Giant

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‘Thuja “Green Giant” is an excellent fast-growing option for screening, typically growing 3–5ft per year once established,’ says Tim.

‘This hardy evergreen can reach heights of 25–40ft with a spread of 12–15ft, forming a dense, vibrant green barrier. It’s also deer-resistant and low-maintenance, making it a reliable long-term privacy solution.’

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