Q&A for How to Grow a Hedge Fence

Holly bushes are good! They're a bit spiky but they'll definitely be a good privacy fence. Banana trees are another good option since they populate on their own. Arborvitae is another good shrub to consider.

No—there needs to be enough space so that the hedge isn't at risk of growing into the fence. Fences are just planks of wood, after all, and can get destroyed over time by a bush or hedge. That's why it's important to research hedges ahead of time so you know exactly how far to plant it from the fence.

You'll need to prune them.

Use an electric, gas or manual (shears) trimmers. You want any hedge at least 6 inches back or away from any pavements, and you want the hedge thickness or depth cut down to no more than 2 feet and no less than 1 foot. If you're rejuvenating an overgrown hedge or turning big bushes into a hedge, then just hack away and it'll fill in as you re-train the new shape over the next few years. Otherwise, trim into whatever shape you want. Try not to do a height over your head in order to keep the constant chore as quick, easy and rewarding as possible.

Both. A healthy hedge shouldn't be any wider or thicker than 2 feet and no thinner than 1 foot. Sun needs to penetrate the hedge in order to keep it dense and create solid visual privacy. Height of the hedge is whatever you're comfortable with while not needing a ladder.

250mm or 1 foot will give a full effect and this will help with the extra weight of any blossom.