PSA: Your Privacy Is Shrinking—Here’s How to Take It Back
If you live in South Florida, you’ve probably noticed how close homes are built to one another. Maybe you love your neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you want them watching your every move while you sip coffee on your patio. The reality? New developments often come with little to no privacy landscaping, leaving homeowners exposed.
Good news: You don’t have to settle for fishbowl living. With the right privacy hedges and trees, you can create a natural, green barrier that keeps prying eyes out while adding beauty, shade, and even noise reduction to your property.
At Alpha Zeta Landscaping, we specialize in selecting, sourcing, and installing the best privacy plants for South Florida’s climate. Whether you want fast-growing hedges or lush trees that provide long-term coverage, we’ll help you create the private oasis you deserve.
Best Privacy Hedges & Trees for South Florida
When choosing plants for privacy, consider growth rate, maintenance level, durability against hurricanes, and aesthetics. Here are some of the best options:
1. Clusia (Clusia rosea & Clusia guttifera) – The Low-Maintenance Favorite
• Why It’s Great: Dense, glossy green leaves create an impenetrable screen.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (up to 2 feet per year).
• Height: Can reach 25 feet (rosea) or be kept trimmed at 5-10 feet (guttifera).
• Bonus: Salt-tolerant—perfect for coastal homes!
2. Areca Palm – The Tropical Privacy Wall
• Why It’s Great: Feathery fronds create a soft, lush, and tropical barrier.
• Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3 feet per year).
• Height: Typically 15-20 feet but can be kept shorter with trimming.
• Bonus: Adds shade while allowing some airflow.
3. Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus) – The Elegant Evergreen
• Why It’s Great: Looks like a natural hedge and is easy to shape into a formal or casual screen.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (1-2 feet per year).
• Height: Can reach 30-40 feet but is usually maintained around 10-15 feet.
• Bonus: Non-invasive roots, making it safe near foundations and walkways.
4. Ficus (Ficus benjamina) – The Fastest-Growing Screen (But Needs Maintenance)
• Why It’s Great: Grows into a thick hedge quickly.
• Growth Rate: Extremely fast (up to 6 feet per year).
• Height: Can be trimmed to 6-12 feet or left to grow into a massive privacy wall.
• Bonus: Creates an instant natural fence, but beware of aggressive roots—not ideal near pipes or foundations.
5. Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) – The Native Alternative
• Why It’s Great: Dense growth, fragrant flowers, and bright red berries that attract birds.
• Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year).
• Height: 10-15 feet when mature.
• Bonus: Low maintenance and highly drought-tolerant.
6. Green Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) – The Coastal Champion
• Why It’s Great: Stands up to salty air, strong winds, and heavy rain.
• Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 feet per year).
• Height: Can be kept as a hedge (6-10 feet) or grown into a tree (up to 40 feet).
• Bonus: Silver-leaf variety adds a unique aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Privacy Plants for Your Space
Not all hedges or trees are one-size-fits-all. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right option for your home:
• How fast do you need coverage? (Ficus and Areca Palm grow fast, while Podocarpus is slower but easier to maintain.)
• How much maintenance do you want? (Clusia and Simpson’s Stopper are lower maintenance, while Ficus needs frequent trimming.)
• Do you need hurricane-resistant options? (Buttonwood and Simpson’s Stopper are great choices.)
• What’s your style? (Neatly trimmed hedges like Podocarpus vs. natural, flowing privacy like Areca Palms.)
If you’re unsure, Alpha Zeta Landscaping can assess your property and recommend the best plants to match your needs and aesthetic.
Alpha Zeta Landscaping: Your Privacy Plant Experts
Choosing the right hedge or tree is just the beginning—proper planting and maintenance make all the difference in how well they grow and thrive. At Alpha Zeta Landscaping, we:
✅ Help you select the perfect privacy plants for your space, sunlight, and maintenance preferences.
✅ Source high-quality plants that are healthy and ready to thrive.
✅ Expertly install your hedge or trees for proper spacing, drainage, and growth potential.
✅ Offer trimming and maintenance services to keep your privacy screen lush and beautiful year-round.
You don’t have to wait years for privacy—let us help you create a green, private retreat now!
Get Started Today
Ready to block out nosy neighbors and enhance your home’s beauty? Contact Alpha Zeta Landscaping today for a free consultation.