Top 6 Evergreen Hedges for Seattle Gardens

Looking for some more privacy?

Evergreen hedges can be tricky to identify, but once you do, they make a fantastic addition to your outdoor space. They offer year-round greenery, privacy, and structure while requiring minimal upkeep.

In Seattle, WA, where the climate is mild and wet, certain hedge varieties thrive, providing both functionality and beauty to your landscape. Let’s dive into the top 6 evergreen hedges that are perfect for Seattle’s conditions. These options offer:

Lush, year-round greenery to keep your yard vibrant in every season

Low-maintenance care for easy upkeep

Privacy, wildlife habitat, and soil erosion control to enhance your outdoor space

Aesthetic appeal to complement your landscape design

Adaptability to Seattle’s specific soil and climate conditions

Photo Credits: Check out Home Depot for the latest selection of home and garden

Privet

1. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Why Choose Privet?

Fast Growth – Quickly fills in, making it ideal for privacy screens and windbreaks.

Thick Foliage – Creates a solid barrier against noise and unwanted views.

Easy to Maintain – Once established, it requires minimal care.

Perfect For: Homeowners looking for a fast-growing, dense hedge with little upkeep.

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Japanese Holly

2. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Why Choose Japanese Holly?

Thrives in Shade – Perfect for Seattle’s cloudy days and shaded gardens.

Compact & Dense – Great for privacy without taking up too much space.

Wildlife Friendly – Attracts birds and beneficial insects.

Perfect For: Those who want a tidy, compact hedge that blends well into any garden.

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Leyland Cypress

3. Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)

Why Choose Leyland Cypress?

Super Fast Growth – Quickly forms a lush, tall screen.

Resilient & Hardy – Adapts well to different soils and weather conditions.

Low Maintenance – Requires little care once established.

Perfect For: Homeowners who need a quick privacy solution.

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Emerald Green Arborvitae

4. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)

Why Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Tall & Slim – Ideal for small yards, adding height without taking up much space.

Bright Green Color – Stays vibrant all year.

Great for Privacy – Forms a thick, natural screen.

Perfect For: Smaller yards where space is limited but privacy is a priority.

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Yew

5. Yew (Taxus spp.)

Why Choose Yew?

Flexible Size – Can be kept small or allowed to grow tall.

Grows in Shade or Sun – Adaptable to different Seattle yard conditions.

Easy to Shape – Responds well to pruning, perfect for a neat hedge.

Perfect For: Those who want a versatile, long-lasting hedge with a classic look.

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Boxwood

6. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

Why Choose Boxwood?

Timeless & Elegant – Great for formal gardens and clean hedge lines.

Highly Versatile – Can be shaped into topiaries or low hedges.

Extremely Durable – With proper care, it can last for decades.

Perfect For: Homeowners who love a polished, manicured look in their garden.

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Hedge Comparison Chart

Shrub | Pros | Cons | Best For

Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

– Formal aesthetic with clean, manicured lines
– Versatile; can be pruned into various shapes
– Long lifespan, can live for decades

– Susceptible to pests like boxwood blight
– Requires regular pruning to maintain shape

Formal gardens, topiaries, or low hedges

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

– Thrives in partial shade, great for overcast weather
– Dense growth for privacy without taking up much space
– Wildlife-friendly, providing cover and food

– Slower growth compared to other hedges
– Less resilient to extreme cold

Shade gardens or compact privacy hedges

Leyland Cypress

– Fast growth for quick privacy
– Tolerant of various soil types and conditions
– Low maintenance once established

– Can grow too large for small yards
– Requires trimming to control height

Windbreaks or large privacy screens

Emerald Green Arborvitae

– Narrow profile, ideal for small yards
– Bright green, year-round foliage
– Effective for creating natural privacy screens

– Can suffer browning in harsh winters
– Needs occasional pruning for shape

Vertical privacy in limited spaces

Yew (Taxus spp.)

– Versatile size, adaptable to different landscaping needs
– Thrives in both sun and shade
– Easy to maintain and shape through pruning

– Slow growth rate delays full coverage
– All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested

Borders, hedges, and garden accents

Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

– Rapid growth for quick coverage
– Dense foliage for noise reduction and privacy
– Low maintenance once established

– Can become invasive if not regularly trimmed
– Requires periodic pruning to control spread

Fast privacy screening and noise barriers