I need a fast-growing (instant?) privacy hedge that will have a gate or arbor in the middle. It needs to be about 4 feet tall, and dense. I'd prefer it to be prickle or thorn-free since people will be passing through and it's next to a patio. I like the look of boxwoods, but they'll take too long to grow. I'm planning to repeat the hedge with other areas of the property, so prefer a formal look (hence the boxwood thing). The previous owners had completely out-of-control arborvides (spelling?) everywhere, and we just had them all removed (nothing was growing - including grass - because they blocked all the sun). We're in zone 6 and this area gets full to partial sun. I'd like something already tall or super-fast growing because our whole patio and backyard are exposed on a busy street (kids playing out back). Any suggestions are appreciated! Thank you!

I've found that Manhattan Euyonomous can do most anything.... they grow fast, they will take any shaping you give them - (you will have to keep them shaped)- they are evergreen, etc. I've found them to grow well in both sunny and semi-sunny spots.

Also - one of the yews ... can't remember it's particular name since they come in several shapes.... not the globe type, not the tall, pyramid kind, just the regular "bush" kind ---- yews are not real fast growers, and I think they prefer some shade, but I've seen them used as hedges.

That's my input! I expect some of the other, more expert folks here will have some better suggestions.

Miss Mary

"Greenspire" left to itself, tops out at about 10 feet, as does "Manhattan".

Both are reliably evergreen in this area. They do get a little tatty over the winter, but not bad. Both can be easily grown from cuttings taken in June, so you can propagate your future hedges for free.