Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs: Expert Tips and California Design Insights

Introduction

Fast growing privacy shrubs transform California properties by creating natural screens that block unwanted views, reduce noise, and define outdoor spaces—all while growing quickly enough to provide privacy within 1-3 years rather than the 5-10 years slower-growing options require. These versatile plants offer the perfect balance between rapid results and long-term beauty, making them ideal for homeowners who need privacy solutions now but want living, natural screens rather than walls or fences.

California's Mediterranean climate supports numerous fast-growing privacy shrub options that thrive in heat, tolerate drought once established, and provide year-round screening with evergreen foliage. From compact 4-6 foot hedges for small yards to towering 15-20 foot screens for complete property line coverage, fast growing privacy shrubs offer solutions for every privacy need, budget, and aesthetic preference.

At BuildCal, we've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale, CA and surrounding neighborhoods. Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)—every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos. We use trusted local materials—like California-native stone and drought-resistant plants—so your yard lasts longer and needs less maintenance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best fast growing privacy shrubs for California including growth rates, mature sizes, care requirements, design integration, costs, and real BuildCal project examples demonstrating successful privacy transformations.

Why Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs Excel for California Properties

Fast growing privacy shrubs offer unique advantages that make them particularly valuable for California landscaping.

Rapid Privacy Results

The defining advantage of fast growing privacy shrubs is speed. While slow-growing privacy plants may take 5-10 years to reach effective screening height, fast-growing options provide substantial privacy within 1-3 years. Shrubs growing 2-4 feet annually transform from small 3-gallon plants into 6-8 foot screens in just 2-3 years. For homeowners who need privacy now—whether from new construction next door, second-story windows overlooking yards, or street noise—fast growing shrubs deliver results quickly.

This rapid growth means you can enjoy your outdoor spaces sooner rather than waiting years for privacy. The difference between 2 years and 8 years is significant when you want to use your backyard for family gatherings, relaxation, or entertaining without feeling exposed to neighbors or passersby.

Natural Living Screens

Unlike fences or walls that create hard, static barriers, privacy shrubs provide living screens that move gently in breezes, support wildlife, produce oxygen, and integrate naturally into landscapes. These living screens soften property lines, create habitat for beneficial insects and birds, and contribute to environmental health rather than simply blocking views with manufactured materials.

Privacy shrubs also offer seasonal interest through flowering, berry production, or subtle foliage color changes that fences cannot provide. The natural appearance integrates beautifully with California's outdoor living aesthetic, creating privacy that feels organic rather than imposed.

Cost-Effective Privacy Solutions

Fast growing privacy shrubs typically cost significantly less than fences, walls, or mature slow-growing plants. A 15-gallon fast-growing shrub costs $40-$80 compared to $25-$55 per linear foot for fencing or $200-$500 for large specimen trees. For a 50-foot property line, shrubs planted 3-4 feet apart (12-15 shrubs) cost $480-$1,200 for plants compared to $1,250-$2,750 for fencing—and the shrubs increase in value over time while fences depreciate and require replacement.

The installation costs for shrubs are also typically lower than fence construction, particularly when dealing with slopes, irregular terrain, or areas with underground utilities where fence installation becomes complex and expensive.

Flexibility and Customization

Privacy shrubs offer flexibility that rigid fences cannot match. You can create curved screens that follow property contours, vary heights for visual interest, leave gaps for views you want to preserve, or adjust spacing to control density. This customization allows privacy solutions tailored precisely to your property's unique conditions and your specific privacy needs.

Shrubs can also be pruned and shaped to maintain desired heights and widths, providing ongoing control over the privacy screen's dimensions. If your needs change—you want more or less privacy, different heights, or modified coverage—living shrubs can be adjusted, while fences require reconstruction.

Environmental Benefits

Privacy shrubs provide environmental benefits including oxygen production, carbon sequestration, air quality improvement, and habitat creation. They filter dust and pollutants from air, reduce urban heat island effects, and support beneficial insects and birds. These environmental contributions align with California's sustainability priorities and create healthier outdoor environments.

For more privacy solutions, explore our privacy trees guide.

Best Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs for California

California's Mediterranean climate supports numerous fast-growing privacy shrub options with varied characteristics, sizes, and aesthetics.

Texas Privet (Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum')

Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per yearMature Size: 8-12 feet tall, 4-6 feet wideSpacing: 3-4 feet apart for hedge, 5-6 feet for informal screen

Texas Privet ranks among the fastest-growing and most reliable privacy shrubs for California. This evergreen shrub features glossy dark green leaves, dense branching habit, and exceptional heat and drought tolerance once established. Small white flowers appear in spring, followed by blue-black berries that attract birds.

Advantages: Extremely fast growth, dense foliage, heat tolerant, drought tolerant once established, responds well to pruning, thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to various soil types.

Care: Water regularly during establishment (1-2 years), then deeply every 2-3 weeks. Fertilize in spring. Prune 2-3 times annually to maintain desired size and shape. Generally pest and disease resistant.

Best For: Full property line screening, formal hedges, quick privacy solutions, hot sunny exposures.

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja 'Green Giant')

Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per yearMature Size: 20-40 feet tall, 12-20 feet wide (can be maintained smaller with pruning)Spacing: 5-8 feet apart for screen, 3-4 feet for dense hedge

Green Giant Arborvitae provides the fastest growth among reliable privacy shrubs, capable of reaching 15-20 feet in just 5-6 years. This evergreen conifer features rich green foliage year-round, pyramidal shape, and exceptional vigor. The dense branching creates solid screens that block views completely.

Advantages: Fastest growth rate, very dense screening, evergreen year-round, naturally pyramidal shape, disease resistant, tolerates various conditions, minimal pruning needed.

Care: Water regularly during establishment, then weekly to bi-weekly. Fertilize annually in spring. Minimal pruning required unless maintaining specific height. Generally problem-free.

Best For: Tall screens (15-30 feet), windbreaks, very fast privacy, large properties, blocking multi-story views.

Photinia (Photinia × fraseri)

Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per yearMature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 8-10 feet wideSpacing: 4-5 feet apart for hedge

Photinia offers fast growth combined with stunning seasonal color. New growth emerges bright red in spring, creating dramatic color contrast against mature dark green foliage. White flower clusters appear in spring, adding ornamental interest. This evergreen shrub creates dense, attractive privacy screens.

Advantages: Fast growth, colorful new growth, spring flowers, dense screening, heat tolerant, responds well to pruning, attractive year-round.

Care: Water regularly during establishment, then deeply every 1-2 weeks. Fertilize in spring. Prune after flowering to shape and control size. Monitor for fungal issues in humid conditions; ensure good air circulation.

Best For: Decorative privacy screens, spring color interest, medium-height hedges (8-12 feet), properties where aesthetics matter as much as privacy.

Wax Leaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)

Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per yearMature Size: 8-12 feet tall, 6-8 feet wideSpacing: 3-4 feet apart for hedge

Wax Leaf Privet features thick, glossy evergreen leaves with waxy coating that gives the plant its name. This extremely adaptable shrub tolerates heat, drought, poor soil, and various light conditions. Fragrant white flowers bloom in spring, followed by blue-black berries.

Advantages: Very fast growth, extremely adaptable, glossy attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, drought tolerant, heat tolerant, thrives in difficult conditions.

Care: Water regularly during establishment, then every 2-3 weeks once established. Fertilize annually. Prune 2-3 times per year to maintain shape. Very low maintenance and problem-free.

Best For: Difficult sites (poor soil, hot sun, limited water), reliable fast privacy, low-maintenance hedges, adaptable to various conditions.

Bamboo (Clumping Varieties - Bambusa multiplex)

Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per yearMature Size: 10-25 feet tall (varies by variety), 3-5 feet wide per clumpSpacing: 3-5 feet apart for screen

Clumping bamboo provides the fastest privacy screening available, with some varieties growing 3-5 feet annually. Unlike running bamboo that spreads aggressively, clumping varieties stay contained and manageable. The tall, slender canes with delicate foliage create elegant, tropical-looking screens that move gracefully in breezes.

Advantages: Extremely fast growth, unique aesthetic, evergreen, creates dense screens, tropical appearance, contained growth (clumping types), wind and noise filtering.

Care: Water regularly—bamboo needs consistent moisture. Fertilize monthly during growing season. Remove old canes annually. Thin clumps every 2-3 years for best appearance.

Best For: Tropical aesthetics, very fast screening, narrow spaces, modern landscapes, sound barriers, wind screening.

Important: Only use clumping varieties (Bambusa multiplex, Bambusa oldhamii). Avoid running bamboo which spreads aggressively and can become invasive.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per yearMature Size: 8-12 feet tall, 6-10 feet wideSpacing: 4-6 feet apart

Oleander combines fast growth with spectacular flowering. Available in white, pink, red, and salmon varieties, oleanders bloom heavily from spring through fall. This extremely drought-tolerant evergreen shrub thrives in California's heat and requires minimal care once established.

Advantages: Fast growth, prolific flowering, extreme drought tolerance, heat tolerance, salt tolerance, deer resistant, low maintenance, colorful options.

Care: Water during establishment, then very infrequently once established (every 3-4 weeks or less). Fertilize lightly in spring. Prune after flowering to shape. Extremely low maintenance.

Important: All parts of oleander are toxic if ingested. Not suitable for properties with young children or pets that might chew plants.

Best For: Drought-prone areas, low-water landscapes, hot sunny exposures, flowering privacy screens, Mediterranean aesthetics, low-maintenance properties.

For complete landscape design including privacy shrubs, explore BuildCal's landscape design services.

I Need Privacy from My Neighbors… Will Fast Growing Shrubs Work?

Yes. We specialize in creating natural privacy screens using fast-growing shrubs that provide effective screening within 1-3 years while looking beautiful and requiring minimal maintenance.

We design compact, low-maintenance yards with easy pathways, drought-tolerant plants, and soft lighting that creates a calm, welcoming feel. You won't need to mow every week.

Assessing Your Privacy Needs

What are you blocking?Identify specific views you want to screen—neighbor windows, street traffic, adjacent properties, commercial buildings. Different privacy challenges require different solutions. Ground-level screening needs 6-8 foot shrubs, while blocking second-story windows requires 12-15 foot screens.

How much privacy do you need?Complete visual blocking requires dense evergreen shrubs planted closely (3-4 feet apart). Partial screening or filtered views allow wider spacing (5-6 feet) or deciduous shrubs. Define your privacy goals clearly before selecting plants.

How quickly do you need results?If you need privacy within 1-2 years, select the fastest-growing options (Green Giant Arborvitae, bamboo, Texas Privet) and install larger starter plants (15-gallon or larger). For 2-3 year timelines, moderate growers in 5-gallon sizes work well and cost less.

What's your maintenance tolerance?Some fast-growing shrubs require regular pruning (2-3 times annually) to maintain size and shape, while others need minimal care. Match plant selection to your maintenance willingness and budget.

Comparing Shrubs to Other Privacy Options

Fast Growing Shrubs vs. Fences:

•Cost: Shrubs typically cost 30-50% less initially

•Lifespan: Shrubs increase in value; fences depreciate and need replacement (15-25 years)

•Aesthetics: Living screens look natural; fences look manufactured

•Maintenance: Shrubs need pruning; fences need painting/staining/repair

•Flexibility: Shrubs can be shaped and adjusted; fences are fixed

•Environmental impact: Shrubs provide oxygen and habitat; fences don't

•Timeline: Fences provide immediate privacy; shrubs take 1-3 years

Fast Growing Shrubs vs. Slow Growing Trees:

•Speed: Fast shrubs provide privacy in 1-3 years; slow trees take 5-10 years

•Cost: Fast shrubs cost less for comparable coverage

•Maintenance: Shrubs easier to maintain at desired heights

•Density: Shrubs create denser screens at lower heights

•Flexibility: Shrubs offer more spacing and height options

Design Considerations

Single Species vs. Mixed Planting:Single-species hedges create uniform, formal appearance and simplify maintenance. Mixed plantings with 2-3 complementary species create more natural appearance, provide seasonal interest, and reduce disease risk (if one species has problems, others remain healthy).

Height Variation:Uniform heights create formal hedges. Varied heights (taller in some areas, shorter in others) create natural, informal screens and can preserve desirable views while blocking unwanted ones.

Integration with Hardscaping:Privacy shrubs work beautifully with hardscaping elements including low walls, raised beds, or paver patios. Combining shrubs with hardscaping creates layered privacy solutions and adds visual interest.

Lighting Integration:Outdoor lighting transforms privacy shrubs into stunning nighttime features. Uplighting creates dramatic silhouettes, while path lighting along hedges provides safety and ambiance.

Planting and Care for Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs

Proper planting and care ensure fast growth and healthy, attractive privacy screens.

Site Preparation

Sun Exposure:Most fast-growing privacy shrubs need full sun (6+ hours daily) for optimal growth and density. Evaluate sun exposure throughout the day and select species appropriate for your site's light conditions.

Soil Assessment:Test drainage by digging a 12-inch hole, filling with water, and observing drainage time. Water should drain within 2-4 hours. Poor drainage requires soil amendment or raised planting beds. Most privacy shrubs tolerate various soil types but perform best in well-draining soil.

Spacing Layout:Mark planting locations precisely. Measure from property lines, structures, and utilities. Consistent spacing creates uniform hedges. Stagger spacing slightly (alternating pattern) for denser screens.

Irrigation Planning:Plan irrigation systems before planting. Drip irrigation provides efficient water delivery directly to root zones. Proper irrigation is critical during establishment and for ongoing health.

Planting Process

Timing:Fall (October-November) and spring (March-May) provide ideal planting times in California. Fall planting allows root establishment during cool, moist winter months before summer heat. Spring planting provides full growing season ahead.

Hole Preparation:Dig holes 2-3 times wider than root balls but same depth. Wider holes encourage lateral root growth. Planting too deep causes root rot and poor growth.

Root Preparation:Gently loosen root-bound roots by scoring sides of root ball or teasing roots outward. This encourages roots to grow into surrounding soil rather than continuing to circle.

Planting:Position shrub with root flare at or slightly above soil level. Backfill with native soil (amendments usually unnecessary). Firm soil gently to eliminate air pockets. Create watering basin around each plant.

Initial Watering:Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply 3-5 gallons per plant depending on size.

Mulching:Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch (wood chips, bark) around plants, keeping mulch 2-3 inches away from stems. Mulch conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.

Establishment Care (First 1-2 Years)

Watering:Water 2-3 times weekly during first growing season, adjusting for weather and soil type. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root development. Reduce frequency in second year as roots establish.

Fertilizing:Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring of first and second years. Follow product instructions for rates. Avoid over-fertilizing which promotes excessive soft growth.

Pruning:Light pruning during first year encourages branching and density. Tip-prune new growth to promote bushier habit. Avoid heavy pruning during establishment.

Monitoring:Check plants weekly for water stress, pest issues, or disease. Address problems promptly. Adjust watering based on plant response and weather.

Ongoing Care (After Establishment)

Watering:Once established (1-2 years), most fast-growing privacy shrubs need deep watering every 1-2 weeks during growing season, less in winter. Drought-tolerant species (oleander, Texas Privet) need even less.

Fertilizing:Annual spring fertilization with balanced slow-release fertilizer maintains healthy growth. Adjust based on plant performance—excessive growth may indicate over-fertilization.

Pruning:Prune 2-3 times annually to maintain desired size and shape. Prune after major growth flushes (typically late spring and late summer). Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Shape hedges with slight taper (wider at bottom) for better light penetration and lower branch health.

Pest and Disease Management:Monitor for common issues including aphids, scale, or fungal problems. Most fast-growing privacy shrubs are relatively pest-resistant. Address problems promptly with appropriate treatments—often simply hosing off pests or improving air circulation.

BuildCal provides complete maintenance services including pruning, fertilizing, and ongoing care for privacy shrubs.

Fast Growing Privacy Shrub Costs and Timeline

Understanding costs and realistic timelines helps homeowners plan privacy projects effectively.

Plant Costs

By Container Size:

•1-gallon: $8-$15 per plant (12-18 inches tall, 3-4 year timeline to privacy)

•5-gallon: $25-$45 per plant (2-3 feet tall, 2-3 year timeline to privacy)

•15-gallon: $60-$100 per plant (4-6 feet tall, 1-2 year timeline to privacy)

•24-inch box: $150-$250 per plant (6-8 feet tall, immediate to 1-year timeline)

Project Cost Examples (50 linear feet, 3-4 foot spacing, 12-15 plants):

•5-gallon plants: $300-$675 (plants only)

•15-gallon plants: $720-$1,500 (plants only)

•24-inch box plants: $1,800-$3,750 (plants only)

Installation Costs

Professional Installation (includes site prep, planting, mulch, initial watering):

•5-gallon plants: $50-$80 per plant installed

•15-gallon plants: $80-$120 per plant installed

•24-inch box plants: $150-$250 per plant installed

Complete Project Costs (50 linear feet, 12-15 plants):

•5-gallon installation: $600-$1,200 total

•15-gallon installation: $960-$1,800 total

•24-inch box installation: $1,800-$3,750 total

Additional Costs

Irrigation System: $300-$800 for drip system serving 50-foot hedgeSoil Amendment: $100-$300 if needed for poor drainageFertilizer: $30-$60 annuallyOngoing Maintenance: $200-$500 annually for professional pruning (2-3 times yearly)

Timeline to Effective Privacy

Fast Growing Shrubs (2-4 feet annual growth):

•5-gallon starts (2-3 feet tall): 2-3 years to 6-8 foot privacy

•15-gallon starts (4-6 feet tall): 1-2 years to 8-10 foot privacy

•24-inch box starts (6-8 feet tall): Immediate to 1 year for 10-12 foot privacy

Comparison to Alternatives:

•Fences: Immediate privacy, $1,250-$2,750 for 50 feet, 15-25 year lifespan

•Slow-growing trees: 5-10 years to privacy, $100-$300 per tree

•Fast-growing shrubs: 1-3 years to privacy, $600-$3,750 for 50 feet, increases in value

Return on Investment

Cost Comparison (50 linear feet, 10-year period):

Privacy Shrubs (15-gallon):

•Initial: $960-$1,800

•10-year maintenance: $2,000-$5,000

•Total: $2,960-$6,800

•Value: Increases over time, living asset

Wood Fence:

•Initial: $1,250-$2,750

•Staining (every 3-5 years): $500-$1,000 (2-3 times = $1,000-$3,000)

•Total: $2,250-$5,750

•Value: Depreciates, needs replacement after 15-25 years

Over 10-20 years, privacy shrubs provide comparable or better value than fences while offering environmental benefits, natural aesthetics, and increasing value.

What Makes BuildCal Different for Privacy Shrub Installation?

We don't just plant shrubs. We design a space where you can sit with your family, drink coffee, and relax. Every project starts with a personal meeting—we listen to you, see your space, and understand how you want to live in it.

What NO ONE ELSE in Glendale Offers

Free, No-Pressure Personal Meeting:We visit your property, assess your privacy needs, evaluate sun exposure and soil conditions, and discuss your timeline and budget. We provide honest recommendations about which shrubs work best for your specific situation. No pressure to proceed—we provide expert guidance whether you hire us or not.

Custom Privacy Design:No standard hedge installations. We design complete privacy solutions that integrate shrubs with hardscaping, outdoor lighting, and existing landscape features. We consider your home's style, your privacy goals, and your maintenance preferences. Your privacy screen is unique because your property and needs are unique.

ASLA-Certified Designers with 14 Years Local Experience:Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). We've installed hundreds of privacy screens throughout Glendale, CA, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas since 2010. This experience means we understand California-specific considerations including drought tolerance, heat resistance, and optimal species selection.

Quality Plant Selection:We source healthy, vigorous plants from reputable local nurseries. We inspect every plant before installation to ensure quality. We select appropriate sizes based on your timeline and budget—helping you balance initial cost with speed to privacy.

Professional Installation Standards:Proper installation is critical for fast growth and long-term health. We follow best practices for site preparation, soil amendment (if needed), proper planting depth, and initial care. Our installation techniques ensure your shrubs thrive and grow vigorously.

Integrated Irrigation Systems:We design and install irrigation systems specifically for privacy shrubs, using drip systems and smart controllers for maximum water efficiency. Proper irrigation is essential for establishment and ongoing health.

Hardscaping Integration:BuildCal's expertise in hardscaping means we seamlessly integrate privacy shrubs with low walls, raised beds, paver patios, and walkways. The integration creates cohesive, professional appearance.

Lighting Design:We integrate outdoor lighting with privacy shrubs to create stunning nighttime features, provide safety illumination, and enhance ambiance.

Guarantee on All Work:Our installations are backed by workmanship guarantees. If something isn't right, we fix it. We're invested in your long-term satisfaction.

Ongoing Maintenance Support:We provide care instructions, pruning services, and ongoing support. We're here for your privacy screen's entire life, not just installation.

Real BuildCal Fast Growing Privacy Shrub Transformations

At BuildCal, we document every project with before-and-after photos. Here are two examples of successful privacy shrub installations.

Glendale Backyard Privacy Screen

Challenge:Homeowners had zero privacy from neighbors on both sides. Second-story windows from adjacent properties overlooked entire backyard, making outdoor use uncomfortable. Desired natural privacy solution that looked better than fence and provided screening within 2 years. Wanted low-maintenance, drought-tolerant solution.

Solution:

•Designed privacy screen using Texas Privet along both property lines (80 linear feet total)

•Installed twenty-four 15-gallon Texas Privet shrubs (4-5 feet tall at planting)

•Spaced 3.5 feet apart for dense coverage

•Installed drip irrigation system for efficient watering

•Added 3 inches of mulch around all plants

•Integrated uplighting on select shrubs for nighttime ambiance

•Coordinated with existing paver patio

Results:

•Achieved 8-10 foot privacy screening within 18 months

•Current height: 11-12 feet (3 years later)

•Complete privacy from both neighbors

•Lush, green appearance year-round

•Minimal maintenance (pruning twice annually)

•Water-efficient with drip irrigation

•Homeowner quote: "The Texas Privet transformed our backyard completely. Within less than two years, we had total privacy and could actually use our yard without feeling like we were on display. BuildCal designed the perfect solution—the shrubs look beautiful, they're easy to maintain, and the uplighting makes them stunning at night. We should have done this years ago. Best investment in our home."

Project Details:

•Timeline: 1 day installation, 18 months to effective privacy

•Cost: $3,200 (24 plants, installation, irrigation, lighting, mulch)

•Plants: Texas Privet, 15-gallon ($75 per plant installed)

•Annual maintenance: $400 (professional pruning twice yearly)

•Current status: Thriving, 11-12 feet tall, complete privacy

Pasadena Side Yard Privacy Hedge

Challenge:Homeowners had narrow side yard (8 feet wide) with neighbor's driveway immediately adjacent. Constant noise and visual intrusion from neighbor activity. Desired privacy solution that fit narrow space, grew quickly, and looked attractive. Needed year-round screening.

Solution:

•Designed privacy hedge using Wax Leaf Privet for narrow space tolerance

•Installed twelve 5-gallon Wax Leaf Privet shrubs (2-3 feet tall at planting)

•Spaced 4 feet apart along 50-foot side yard

•Installed drip irrigation integrated with existing system

•Added decomposed granite pathway through side yard

•Planted drought-tolerant groundcover beneath shrubs

•Integrated low-voltage path lighting for safety

Results:

•Achieved 6-7 foot privacy within 2 years

•Current height: 9-10 feet (4 years later)

•Effective noise reduction from neighbor activity

•Transformed unusable side yard into pleasant walkway

•Low water use with drought-tolerant design

•Minimal maintenance requirements

•Homeowner quote: "Our side yard went from a neglected, exposed strip to a beautiful, private pathway. The Wax Leaf Privet grew faster than we expected and now completely blocks the view and noise from our neighbor's driveway. BuildCal designed it perfectly for the narrow space, and the pathway with lighting makes it actually usable now. The whole project cost less than a fence would have and looks so much better."

Project Details:

•Timeline: 1 day installation, 2 years to effective privacy

•Cost: $1,800 (12 plants, installation, pathway, lighting, groundcover, irrigation integration)

•Plants: Wax Leaf Privet, 5-gallon ($50 per plant installed)

•Annual maintenance: $250 (professional pruning twice yearly)

•Current status: Thriving, 9-10 feet tall, complete privacy and noise reduction

View more transformations in our portfolio.

Take the Next Step: Create Your Privacy Screen

Fast growing privacy shrubs provide natural, cost-effective privacy solutions that enhance California properties with living screens that grow quickly, look beautiful, and require minimal maintenance.

At BuildCal, we've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale, CA and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods including Pasadena, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, and throughout Los Angeles County. Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). We use trusted local materials and select the best fast-growing privacy shrubs proven to thrive in California's Mediterranean climate.

Ready to create your privacy screen?

???? Call us today at +1 (818) 303-1570 for a free, no-pressure consultation

We'll visit your property, assess your privacy needs, evaluate your site conditions, discuss your timeline and budget, and create a custom privacy solution perfectly suited to your property. Whether you need complete property line screening, targeted privacy for specific areas, or integrated designs combining shrubs with hardscaping and lighting, we'll provide expert guidance based on 14 years of California privacy screen installation experience.

We don't just plant shrubs—we design complete outdoor spaces that provide the privacy you need while looking beautiful for decades.

Let's create your perfect privacy screen together.

About BuildCal Landscape

BuildCal Landscape is Glendale's premier landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor living company, serving Pasadena, Los Angeles County, and surrounding areas since 2010. Our ASLA-certified designers specialize in creating beautiful, functional, water-wise outdoor spaces that thrive in Southern California's Mediterranean climate. From landscape design to hardscaping, privacy shrub installation, irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, and ongoing maintenance, we provide comprehensive outdoor solutions.

Contact Information:

•Phone: +1 (818) 303-1570

•Website: https://buildcal.com

•Location: Serving Glendale, CA, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas