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PROFESSIONAL PRIVACY HEDGE INSTALLATION & DESIGN
If you’re searching for professional privacy hedge installation across Middle Tennessee,
Mathews Tree Service is your local expert.
We design and install fast-growing, low-maintenance privacy hedges that create natural beauty, shade, and lasting property value.
Whether you need a living fence for your backyard or a double-row hedge for full privacy, we’ll help you choose the perfect plants for Tennessee’s climate.
Best Privacy Hedges for Middle Tennessee
If you’re looking for a natural way to block views, reduce noise, and enhance your landscape, choosing the right hedge for Tennessee’s climate makes all the difference.
At Mathews Tree Service, we only recommend plants that thrive in Middle Tennessee's soil, humidity, and temperature swings — so your privacy hedge grows strong, healthy, and beautiful for decades.
Below are some of the most popular and reliable hedge options for homeowners across our entire Middle Tennessee service region.
1️⃣ Leyland Cypress — The Fastest-Growing Privacy Hedge
If you need quick privacy and coverage, the Leyland Cypress is the
go-to evergreen in Tennessee. It’s tall, full, and grows quickly
— making it one of the most popular living privacy walls in the South.
Mature Height: 40–60 ft
Width: 8–12 ft
Growth Rate: 3–4 ft per year 🌱
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Pros:
✅ Extremely fast growth rate
✅ Dense, year-round coverage
✅ Ideal for long property lines and noise reduction
✅ Affordable and widely available
Cons:
⚠️ Needs space to grow (not for small yards)
⚠️ Can develop canker disease if overwatered or poorly drained
Best For:
Homeowners who want quick privacy on large or open properties
and need a hardy evergreen screen that grows tall fast.
2️⃣ Emerald Green Arborvitae — Perfect for Small Spaces
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a favorite for homeowners who want a compact, uniform hedge that stays beautiful year-round.
Mature Height: 10–15 ft
Width: 3–4 ft
Growth Rate: 1–2 ft per year
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Pros:
✅ Compact size fits small yards and tight property lines
✅ Holds vibrant green color through winter
✅ Minimal maintenance and shaping
Cons:
⚠️ Slower growth than other varieties
⚠️ Sensitive to standing water or poor drainage
Best For:
Yards where space is limited but year-round privacy and a polished look are desired.
Perfect for residential properties and side-yard borders.
3️⃣ Thuja Green Giant — Hardy and Fast-Growing
A cross between the Western Red Cedar and Japanese Arborvitae, the Thuja Green Giant is one of the most popular privacy trees for Tennessee. It’s fast-growing, hardy, and naturally pest-resistant
— perfect for creating a lush, evergreen wall of privacy.
Mature Height: 30–40 ft
Width: 8–12 ft
Growth Rate: Up to 3 ft per year
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Soil Needs: Adapts to most Tennessee soils
Deer Resistant: Yes 🦌
Pros:
✅ Rapid growth and uniform shape
✅ Resistant to most pests and diseases
✅ Handles Tennessee heat and humidity well
✅ Great for staggered double-row planting
Cons:
⚠️ Needs space to reach full width
⚠️ Can grow too large for small residential lots
Best For:
Homeowners wanting a fast-growing, durable hedge
for large yards, driveways, or property borders.
Southern Red Cedar — Native, Durable & Deer-Resistant
The Southern Red Cedar is a Tennessee native that thrives in our clay and limestone soils. It’s tough, low-maintenance, and naturally deer-resistant — making it a perfect choice for long-term privacy and property borders.
Quick Facts:
Height: 30–40 ft
Width: 10–15 ft
Growth Rate: 1–2 ft per year
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil Needs: Adaptable — tolerates dry or rocky soil
Deer Resistant: ✅ Yes
Pros:
✅ Native to Tennessee — extremely hardy and drought-tolerant
✅ Excellent deer resistance
✅ Dense evergreen foliage with a pleasant scent
✅ Provides nesting and shelter for birds and wildlife
Cons:
⚠️ Slower growth than Leyland Cypress or Green Giant
⚠️ Can brown slightly in prolonged drought (recovers easily)
Best For:
Homeowners wanting a natural-looking, long-lasting privacy hedge or windbreak that blends beautifully with the local landscape.
Perfect for rural properties, driveway borders, or large open yards where a natural screen fits better than a formal hedge.
Other Beautiful Hedge Options for Middle Tennessee
Not every property needs a tall evergreen wall — some homeowners prefer unique, colorful, or flowering hedges that offer texture and charm year-round.
These alternatives bring variety to your landscape while still providing partial privacy and structure.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly — Tough, Elegant & Deer Resistant
One of the most dependable evergreens for Tennessee, Nellie R. Stevens Holly forms a dense, glossy green hedge with rich red berries that add color through winter.
Height: 15–25 ft
Width: 10–15 ft
Growth Rate: 2–3 ft per year
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic
Deer Resistant: ✅ Yes
Pros:
✅ Excellent deer resistance
✅ Thick evergreen foliage for privacy
✅ Attractive berries and shape
✅ Great alternative to arborvitae or cypress
Cons:
⚠️ Sharp leaves (not ideal near walkways)
⚠️ Needs some pruning for shape
Best For:
Homeowners wanting a sturdy, low-maintenance hedge with color and wildlife value that deer typically avoid.
Little Gem Magnolia — A Southern Evergreen with Style
The Little Gem Magnolia offers timeless southern charm. This compact variety of the classic magnolia tree features glossy leaves and large white flowers — perfect for decorative privacy hedges.
Height: 15–25 ft
Width: 8–12 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Pros:
✅ Evergreen with fragrant white blooms
✅ Handles Tennessee heat well
✅ Unique, upscale look
Cons:
⚠️ Slower growth
⚠️ More pruning to maintain hedge form
Best For:
Homeowners wanting a decorative, flowering hedge that blends privacy with southern elegance.
Limelight Hydrangea — Show-Stopping Summer Color
If you’re looking for a vibrant and eye-catching hedge that brings life to your yard, the Limelight Hydrangea is a perfect choice. This hardy flowering shrub delivers huge, cone-shaped blooms that start lime-green, turn creamy white, and fade to blush pink as the season goes on — all while thriving in Tennessee’s climate.
Quick Facts:
Height: 6–10 ft
Width: 5–8 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (1–2 ft per year)
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Deer Resistant: Low to moderate
Pros:
✅ Long-lasting blooms from summer into fall
✅ Tolerates heat and humidity well
✅ Great for decorative or mixed hedges
✅ Can be pruned to form a formal or natural hedge
Cons:
⚠️ Not evergreen — loses leaves in winter
⚠️ May need staking in exposed, windy areas
Best For:
Homeowners who want a colorful, seasonal privacy hedge that adds major curb appeal from late spring through fall.
Works beautifully as a front yard border, garden backdrop, or accent hedge mixed with evergreens.
Burning Bush — Vibrant Red Fall Foliage That Turns Heads
If you’re looking for a privacy hedge that brings seasonal color and curb appeal, the Burning Bush is a Tennessee favorite. Known for its brilliant red fall leaves, this deciduous shrub provides dense coverage through spring and summer, then bursts into fiery crimson color each autumn — creating one of the most dramatic displays in any landscape.
Quick Facts:
Height: 6–10 ft
Width: 6–8 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate (1–2 ft per year)
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Pros:
✅ Stunning red fall color — adds instant curb appeal
✅ Dense growth for seasonal privacy
✅ Adapts well to Tennessee soils and climates
✅ Easy to maintain with minimal pruning
Cons:
⚠️ Loses leaves in winter (not evergreen)
⚠️ Needs full sun for the best red color
Best For:
Homeowners wanting a seasonal privacy hedge or accent planting that shines in the fall. Works beautifully when mixed with evergreens (like Southern Red Cedar or Thuja Green Giant) for color contrast and year-round coverage.
Maintenance Tip:
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove old wood
— this encourages stronger growth and better fall color.
For expert shaping and seasonal care,
visit our Tree & Hedge Trimming Services.
Bonus Tip: Create a Multi-Season Hedge Mix
For maximum year-round interest,
mix evergreens (like Red Cedar or Green Giant)
with color-changing shrubs (like Nandina or Burning Bush).
This gives you privacy and a landscape that evolves with the seasons — a feature Tennessee homeowners love.
🌿 Pro Tip: Keep color-changing hedges properly shaped for balance and airflow. Seasonal hedge trimming also promotes new growth and enhances color
— see our Tree & Hedge Trimming Services for expert care.
privacy hedge planting options
straight row
Trees are planted evenly spaced in one straight row.
Creates a clean, uniform wall of greenery.
Ideal for smaller yards or defined property lines.
or when you want a neat, formal look.
Benefits: Clean, uniform appearance and less plant material needed.
Easier maintenance (pruning, mowing)
Good when your boundary is straight
or when you want a flush wall of foliage
double offset rows
Trees are planted in two rows with plants offset between each other.
This fills in gaps faster, creates extra density and a fuller look.
Provides stronger sound and wind protection.
Provides visual depth
Benefits: Maximum coverage, better sound and wind protection.
Useful for large buffers or when trees are farther apart
Natural vs. Shaped Hedges:
FINDING YOUR PERFECT STYLE
Your privacy hedge doesn’t just add coverage
— it defines the look and feel of your entire landscape.
In Middle Tennessee, homeowners typically choose between two main styles: natural hedges and shaped (formal) hedges.
Each has its own benefits, maintenance level, and aesthetic.
NATURAL HEDGES — LOW MAINTENANCE, ORGANIC BEAUTY
A natural hedge is left to grow freely with only light trimming to maintain shape and health. This style offers a relaxed, rustic charm that blends beautifully with Tennessee’s natural scenery.
Benefits of Natural Hedges:
✅ Lower maintenance and fewer trimmings needed
✅ Provides excellent wildlife habitat
✅ Works great for large properties or rural settings
✅ Adapts well to uneven terrain and natural landscapes
Maintenance Tip:
Even natural hedges need occasional pruning to prevent overgrowth and promote healthy branching. For expert seasonal hedge trimming or shaping, check out our Tree Trimming & Pruning Services to keep your hedge looking its best year-round.
Shaped Hedges — Clean Lines and Professional Appeal
A shaped hedge is regularly pruned for crisp, defined edges — creating a clean, formal look ideal for homes, driveways, and business properties.
Benefits of Shaped Hedges:
✅ Sharp, professional appearance
✅ Maintains uniform height and width
✅ Great for small yards, property borders, or accent plantings
✅ Enhances curb appeal and structure
Maintenance Tip:
Shaped hedges require regular trimming — typically 2–3 times a year — to stay dense and healthy. Our team uses professional-grade tools and safe techniques to ensure even growth without stress to your plants. Learn more about our Tree Trimming & Shaping Services.
Which Style Fits Your Property Best?
Choose Natural if you want a soft,
easy-care barrier that blends into the landscape.
Choose Shaped if you prefer a neat,
defined look with high curb appeal.
No matter your choice, our experts can design, plant, and maintain the perfect hedge to complement your property and your privacy goals.
Privacy Hedge Installation Cost & Value in middle tennessee
A living privacy hedge isn’t just landscaping — it’s a long-term investment in your home's value and comfort. Homeowners across the Middle Tennessee region are choosing custom privacy hedges over traditional fencing for superior natural beauty, effective noise reduction, and lasting property value.
What Affects the Price?
- Plant Type: Fast-growing options like Leyland Cypress or Thuja Green Giant are cost effective favorites. Premium varieties like Hollies, Magnolias, or Limelight Hydrangeas offer a refined, high-end look at a higher price point.
- Height at Planting: Larger, more mature plants provide instant privacy but increase the upfront material cost. Smaller plants are a budget friendly way to achieve your goals over time.
- Design Layout: A double-row or staggered layout delivers superior density and sound reduction, though it utilizes more plant material than a single-row design.
- Site Conditions: Unique landscape factors, such as sloped terrain, rocky soil, or limited access may require specialized preparation or equipment to ensure the long-term health of your hedge.
- Maintenance Preferences: Your long-term budget is also shaped by your aesthetic goals. Natural, free-growing hedges require minimal care, while formal, shaped hedges require consistent professional trimming to maintain their crisp, clean look.
PRIVACY HEDGE VS TRADITIONAL FENCE
WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR middle TENNESSEE PROPERTY?
When it comes to privacy,
most homeowners think of putting up a fence.
But across all of Middle Tennessee, more and more people are discovering that a living privacy hedge is the smarter, longer-lasting choice.
Instead of a structure that fades, warps, or breaks down,
a hedge creates a natural green wall that grows fuller every year
— adding lasting beauty and real property value.
Protect Your Investment
Choose Your Hedge Protection Plan:
1️⃣ 1-Year Warranty
Covers transplant issues and nursery-related defects, ensuring your hedge gets off to a healthy start.
2️⃣ 2-Year Warranty
Includes everything in the 1-year plan, plus coverage for moderate weather stress or early growth challenges.
3️⃣ 3-Year Full Replacement Warranty
Our most comprehensive protection — covers loss from pests, disease, or severe weather (with proper maintenance), giving you long-term peace of mind.
Our Professional Hedge Planting Process
1️⃣ Site Consultation & Design
We begin with a thorough on-site evaluation, studying sunlight, soil drainage, and layout to recommend the best hedge species for your property. Each design is tailored to Middle Tennessee's specific soil and climate conditions, ensuring healthy, consistent growth.
2️⃣ Soil Preparation & Installation
Our crew installs each hedge with precision spacing and nutrient-rich soil to support strong root development. We use specialized equipment and techniques designed for Tennessee's unique terrain, guaranteeing a clean, professional finish.
3️⃣ Mulching & Watering
We apply premium mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, followed by deep watering to reduce transplant shock and promote long-term health.
4️⃣ Follow-Up Care & Maintenance
Once your hedge is established, we provide clear care instructions and offer seasonal hedge trimming and fertilization through our professional maintenance program. Keeping your hedge full, uniform and thriving has never been easier.
Pro Tip:
Regular, professional trimming keeps your hedge healthy and picture-perfect — learn more on our Tree & Hedge Trimming Services page.
why choose Mathews Tree Service
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With over 20 years of experience in the tree care and landscaping industry, Mathews Tree Service delivers unmatched expertise for every privacy hedge installation. Our deep understanding of local soil composition, native plant varieties, and Tennessee weather patterns ensures your hedge thrives beautifully for years to come.
- Local Expertise: We have mastered Middle Tennessee's unique growing conditions to give your privacy hedge the best possible start.
- Professional Equipment & Crew: Our team provides clean, efficient installations that respect your property, ensuring no mess is left behind.
- Custom Design Options: From natural, free rowing screens to formal, shaped privacy hedges, we tailor every project to fit your specific landscape vision.
- Trusted Tennessee Nurseries: Every plant is sourced from local, reputable nurseries and selected for superior health, pest resistance, and climate compatibility.
- Licensed, Insured, and Safety-Focused: Your property is in expert hands with trained professionals who strictly follow industry safety standards.
- Guaranteed Workmanship: We stand behind our results with optional privacy hedge warranties and a satisfaction guarantee for your long-term peace of mind.
Our Promise: Whether you are installing a dense privacy screen, a structured property border, or a functional windbreak, we treat your landscape like our own, building a living asset that grows stronger and more beautiful every year.
Ready to Transform Your Property?
Don’t wait for another season! Get your custom privacy hedge designed and installed by the most trusted experts in Middle Tennessee. Schedule a complimentary on-site consultation to see how easy it is to add lasting beauty, privacy, and value to your home.