The Best Hedging Trees for Privacy In Your Garden

Choosing the right trees is the key to a strong, stylish hedge. Whether you need privacy, wind protection, or a stunning green backdrop, these top hedging trees deliver.

1. Ficus Hillii / Ficus Hillii ‘Flash’

Ficus Hillii is a standout choice for those seeking a fast-growing, lush green hedge. Its dense foliage creates a solid screen, making it perfect for privacy in larger urban properties. This tree offers a more formal look compared to other species, maintaining a structured appearance with regular pruning. Low maintenance and highly adaptable, it thrives in urban environments and can reach up to 15m if left unpruned. However, it’s not suited for frost-prone areas. Ficus Hillii can be trimmed to your desired height, making it a versatile option for various landscapes.

Mature Height: Up to 15m

Mature Width: 5-6m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Dense, glossy foliage

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

2. Waterhousea Floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly)

For a more relaxed, natural look, Waterhousea Floribunda is an excellent choice. Its weeping foliage creates a softer, less structured hedge while still providing dense privacy. This tree thrives in wetter conditions, making it ideal for areas with consistent moisture. It’s perfect for those who want a full, screening hedge that blends seamlessly into the landscape. While it can be pruned to maintain height and shape, it also looks stunning when left to grow naturally.

Mature Height: Up to 12m

Mature Width: 4-6m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Lush, vibrant green leaves

Growth Rate: Steady

3. Laurus Nobilis ‘Miles Choice’ (Bay Tree)

Laurus Nobilis ‘Miles Choice’ is a gorgeous, classic hedging option with deep green, dense foliage. More compact and upright than the standard Laurus Nobilis, it’s perfect for creating a structured hedge or backdrop planting. Its fragrant foliage adds both ornamental and practical value to your garden. A slow to medium grower, this tree is low maintenance and can be pruned into a formal shape or left to grow in its natural form.

Mature Height: Up to 10m

Mature Width: 3-4m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Dark green, fragrant leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate

Notable Features: Ideal for decorative hedging with culinary benefits

4. Laurus Nobilis (Bay Tree)

A classic culinary and ornamental tree, Laurus Nobilis is known for its dense, aromatic foliage, perfect for screens and hedging.

Mature Height: 6-8m

Mature Width: 2-4m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Glossy, dark green leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate

5. Backyard Bliss Lilly Pilly

If you’re after a compact, pest-resistant hedge for smaller gardens, Backyard Bliss Lilly Pilly is a fantastic option. It forms a dense screen and holds its shape well with pruning, making it ideal for urban gardens or tight spaces. This tree provides privacy without the maintenance required by larger species, offering a practical and stylish solution for smaller properties.

Mature Height: 3-5m

Mature Width: 2-3m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Dark green leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate

Notable Features: Low maintenance, excellent for privacy

6. Tristaniopsis Luscious (Watergum)

Tristaniopsis Luscious is an attractive Australian native with thick, glossy green leaves and a smooth, copper-colored trunk. It grows into a strong, upright hedge, making it a great choice for feature hedging or boundary planting. This low-maintenance tree is perfect for those looking to add a touch of native beauty to their landscape.

Mature Height: 10-12m

Mature Width: 5-6m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Thick, glossy green leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate

7. Cupressus Leylandii ‘Better Green’ / Leighton Green

For large properties needing tall privacy screens or wind protection, Cupressus Leylandii is a top choice. This fast-growing conifer creates a dense, tall hedge that requires minimal upkeep once established. It’s perfect for creating a strong, evergreen barrier on larger properties.

Mature Height: 15-20m

Mature Width: 5-6m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Dense, green foliage

Growth Rate: Fast

8. Magnolia Grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’

Magnolia Grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’ is a compact variety with dense, dark green foliage and large, fragrant flowers. Ideal for feature hedging in limited spaces, this tree adds both privacy and ornamental value to your garden. Its striking appearance makes it a standout choice for those looking to make an impact.

Mature Height: 8-10m

Mature Width: 4-5m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Glossy, dark green leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate

9. Pittosporum Tenufolium ‘Green Pillar’

Pittosporum Tenuifolium ‘Green Pillar’ is a narrow, upright hedge perfect for small gardens and restricted spaces. Its strong vertical screen is easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for urban properties or areas where space is limited.

Mature Height: Up to 10m

Mature Width: 2-3m

Spacing: 0.8-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Small, glossy green leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate

10. Syzygium ‘Straight and Narrow’ (Lilly Pilly)

Syzygium ‘Straight and Narrow’ is a tall, narrow-growing hedge that fits perfectly into tight spaces. Fast-growing and compact, it provides privacy without taking up excess space, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens or narrow boundaries.

Mature Height: 6-8m

Mature Width: 1-2m

Spacing: 0.5-1m apart

Leaf Appearance: Dark green, glossy leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

11. Olea Europea ‘Tolley’s Upright’ (Olive Tree)

For a drought-tolerant hedging option with a Mediterranean aesthetic, Olea Europeae ‘Tolley’s Upright’ is a refined choice. Its silvery-green foliage offers a soft contrast to darker green hedging options, making it a great decorative screening solution for dry climates.

Mature Height: 4-6m

Mature Width: 2-3m

Spacing: 1-2m apart

Leaf Appearance: Silvery-green leaves

Growth Rate: Moderate

From the lush foliage of Ficus Hillii to the elegant form of Tolley’s Upright Olive, these trees create the perfect hedge for any space. Whether you need privacy, structure, or beauty, our expert-picked selections ensure a strong, vibrant, and long-lasting hedge.

Explore our full range at www.evergreentrees.com.au.