Privacy Hedge Installation in Shoreline, WA
For many homeowners in the Seattle area, creating a private and peaceful backyard is a top priority. Whether you want to block an unattractive view, reduce traffic noise, or simply enjoy more solitude, a privacy hedge is one of the most natural and effective solutions available.
At Greenleaf Landscaping & Construction, we design and install privacy hedges that thrive in Western Washington’s unique climate. With the right mix of evergreen and native plants, your hedge can provide year-round screening, noise reduction, and a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor living space.
Why privacy hedges are popular in the Seattle area
Privacy hedges offer a softer, more natural alternative to fencing. In communities across King and Snohomish Counties, including Shoreline, Edmonds, Bothell, Lynnwood, and Kirkland, homes are often close together. A well-placed hedge provides screening and sound buffering while blending seamlessly into the landscape.
Unlike fencing, which may require permits or feel harsh, hedges grow into the environment, provide habitat for pollinators and birds, and enhance curb appeal. With proper planning and care, a hedge can:
- Block visibility from roads and neighbors
- Absorb traffic noise
- Create natural windbreaks
- Improve curb appeal
- Increase property value
Best privacy hedge plants for Western Washington
Because of our wet winters, mild summers, and varied soils, not all plants thrive here. We recommend hardy evergreens and adaptable native shrubs that offer beauty as well as function.
Evergreen options for year-round privacy
- Emerald Green Arborvitae – Compact, upright evergreens ideal for property lines and narrow spaces.
- Western Red Cedar – A native tree that provides tall, dense screening with Northwest character.
- Holly varieties – Dense foliage and glossy leaves make for excellent medium-height hedges.
- Inkberry Holly – Performs well in wetter soils and part shade, perfect for low areas.
- Junipers – Tough, drought-tolerant evergreens once established.
Deciduous and seasonal options
- Viburnum – Offers white spring blooms, summer fruit, and brilliant fall foliage.
- Ninebark – Known for colorful leaves, peeling bark, and adaptability to poor soils.
- Chokeberry – Great for rain gardens, with vivid fall color and berries that last into winter.
- Dogwoods – Multi-stem shrubs with attractive flowers, fruit, and habitat value.
- Summersweet Clethra – A fragrant summer bloomer that thrives in damp soil and partial shade.
Hedge sizes and installation choices
Hedges can be installed in a variety of sizes depending on your budget and how quickly you want results:
- Smaller container plants (3–5 gallon) – Affordable, easier to handle, but take a few years to fill in.
- Mid-size plants (7-gallon and larger) – Faster coverage with a stronger initial impact.
- Balled and burlapped specimens – Larger trees and shrubs for immediate privacy; more labor-intensive but provide instant results.
Our approach to privacy hedge installation
Every project is tailored to the property. We evaluate your site for soil, drainage, sunlight, and slope to determine the best plants and spacing.
What you can expect:
- Site evaluation – We identify soil type, drainage patterns, and sun exposure.
- Species selection – Plants are chosen based on your goals and site conditions, prioritizing sustainable and native species.
- Spacing and layout – Proper spacing ensures density and long-term health. In some cases, we use staggered double rows for maximum screening.
- Installation – We prepare the soil with compost, plant at the correct depth, and install a drainage-friendly mulch layer.
- Watering system – We recommend drip irrigation or soaker hoses. In Western Washington, consistent watering during summer dry spells is essential.
- Clean finish – We leave your yard tidy and walk you through care instructions.
Caring for your privacy hedge
Privacy hedges require attention in the first year to establish strong roots. After that, most species are low-maintenance.
- Watering – Deep watering 2–3 times per week during the first season, tapering off as plants mature.
- Pruning – Shaping promotes denser growth. Many species benefit from light annual pruning after flowering.
- Fertilization – Most native shrubs don’t need much fertilizer. A light spring application may benefit evergreens.
- Wildlife protection – In areas with deer, we recommend temporary barriers or repellents until hedges are established.
Service areas
Greenleaf Landscaping & Construction installs privacy hedges throughout King and Snohomish Counties, including:
Cities we serve
- Shoreline
- Bellevue
- Bothell
- Edmonds
- Issaquah
- Kenmore
- Kirkland
- Lake Forest Park
- Lynnwood
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Mill Creek
- Monroe
- Mukilteo
- Newcastle
- Sammamish
- Seattle
- Woodinville
- Woodway
- Yarrow Point
- Hunts Point
Seattle neighborhoods
- Alki
- Ballard
- Beacon Hill
- Broadmoor
- Broadview
- Crown Hill
- Fremont
- Genesee
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Madison Park
- Magnolia
- Madrona
- Matthews Beach
- Montlake
- North Admiral
- Queen Anne
- Richmond Beach
- Sand Point
- Seward Park
- Sunset Hill
- Washington Park
- West Seattle
- Windermere
Ready for more privacy in your backyard?
If you’re looking for a natural and lasting way to create privacy, Greenleaf Landscaping & Construction can help. Our custom-designed privacy hedge installations are built with plants that thrive in Western Washington’s climate, giving you a yard that is private, quiet, and beautiful.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a personalized quote for your hedge project.
