Creating Privacy with Hedges and Screens

Everyone loves spending time outdoors, but it’s not always easy to relax when neighbours or passersby can see straight into your garden. Privacy is a crucial aspect of making your outdoor space feel comfortable, secure, and truly your own. One of the best ways to create this privacy is by using natural hedges and stylish screens.  Hedges add greenery and soften the look of your garden, while screens give you instant coverage and come in a range of modern designs. Together, they can block unwanted views, reduce noise, and turn your backyard into a private retreat.

In this article, we’ll share simple tips on how to use hedges and screens to design a more private, peaceful, and enjoyable garden in New Zealand.

9 Tips for Creating Privacy with Hedges and Screens

In New Zealand, many homeowners use hedges and screens to create outdoor areas where they can entertain, rest, or simply enjoy being outside without feeling exposed. Here are some detailed tips to help you design your own private retreat.

1. Pick fast-growing plants for quick results

If you don’t want to wait years for cover, fast-growing plants are the way to go. Options like sweet viburnum, slender weaver's bamboo, and Pittosporum (Kōhūhū) are popular across New Zealand. They create thick, green walls in just a few seasons, giving you privacy faster. Just remember that fast-growing plants may need more pruning to stay neat.

2. Choose evergreen or deciduous depending on your needs

Evergreen plants keep their leaves all year, so they give you constant privacy. It is excellent if you live in a busy neighbourhood or want year-round screening. Deciduous plants, on the other hand, lose their leaves in winter. That may sound like a drawback, but it can be beneficial if you want extra sunlight in the colder months while still enjoying privacy in the summer.

3. Prepare soil and space plants properly

Healthy hedges start with healthy soil. Before planting, mix compost or organic matter into the ground so the plants grow stronger and fuller. Planting distance is also critical. If you plant too close, hedges may become crowded and unhealthy. However, if you plant them too far apart, it will take much longer for them to fill in and provide you with cover.

4. Plan the right height and width

Think carefully about how tall and wide you want your hedge or screen. A small hedge may be enough for low-level privacy, while taller hedges are needed to block views from upstairs windows or roads. Also consider the space you have available; some species grow very wide and may not suit a compact garden. Choosing the right size early saves you from problems later.

5. Try layering or double rows

Planting in layers makes your garden feel lush and natural. For example, you could plant a row of tall shrubs at the back and add smaller plants in front to soften the look. Double rows of hedges also work well when you want very dense coverage. The approach blocks views more effectively and adds depth to your landscaping.

6. Combine plants with hardscape screens

Screens don’t always have to be green. Decorative timber panels, bamboo screens, or slatted fences can give you instant privacy. These are especially useful while your plants are still growing. Combining living hedges with structural screens creates a layered, modern look and ensures you have cover both now and in the future.

7. Keep hedges trimmed and healthy

A hedge only looks good and provides privacy if it is correctly cared for. Regular trimming encourages dense, bushy growth instead of thin, leggy branches. Watering during dry spells and feeding with fertiliser also keep the foliage strong. Good maintenance ensures your hedge remains attractive and continues to serve its purpose year after year.

8. Choose plants that suit your site

Not all hedges grow well in every environment. If your garden is near the coast, you’ll need salt-tolerant plants. For shady areas, choose species that don’t need full sun. If you live somewhere windy, look for hardy plants that can cope with exposure. Picking the right plants for your site ensures they grow stronger and last longer.

9. Plant at the right time

In New Zealand, winter or early spring is usually the best time to plant hedges. The cooler weather and moist soil help plants establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives. Planting at the right time gives your hedge the best chance of growing quickly and evenly.

Create Your Private Garden with Zones NZ

At Zones Landscaping NZ, we make it easy to design outdoor spaces that feel private, peaceful, and beautifully styled.

We take care of everything, from planning and plant selection to installation and ongoing maintenance, so you can enjoy a garden that’s not only private but also low-maintenance and attractive year-round.

Get in touch with Zones NZ today and let us transform your backyard into a private retreat you’ll love spending time in.