Hedging for Beauty, Legacy and Privacy

Hedging is one of the most powerful ways to shape a landscape. It creates privacy, protects people and stock, and brings a sense of beauty and legacy to any property. At Easy Big Trees, we specialise in established hedging that delivers impact from day one, giving you structure, shelter and confidence without the long wait.

This month, we’re spotlighting our Top 5 Hedging Trees along with the timeless appeal of buxus for formal, manicured spaces.

Top 5 Hedging – Proven for Boundaries and Beauty

Deciduous performers

CARPINUS betulus – English Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam hedging - Millbrook Arrowtown - (2) April 2019
Hornbeam hedging – Millbrook (Shown in April)

A classic for structured, architectural hedging. Holds its coppery leaves through Winter for added privacy.

FAGUS sylvatica – European or English Beech

Fagus sylvatica - Arrowtown (2) May 2022
Fagus sylvatica hedge – Arrowtown (Shown in May)

Elegant, enduring and deeply rooted in legacy plantings. Ideal for those wanting seasonal beauty with strong form.

Evergreen essentials

GRISELINIA littoralis – NZ Native Broadleaf/Kapuka

Griselinia & Chinocloa - Jacks Point June 2021 (4)
Griselinia & Chionochloa – Jacks Point (Shown in June)

A reliable favourite for coastal and rural sites. Fast, lush and excellent for year round screening.

Alternative:

ELAEAGNUS ebbingei – Paper Bush

For those wanting a tougher, silver green option with strong shelter performance.

Eleagnus hedge – Wanaka (Shown in December)
Elaeagnus hedge Wanaka Dec 2014

PRUNUS lusitanica – Portuguese Laurel

Prunus lusitanica hedge Ayrburn June 2026 (5)
Prunus lusitanica hedge – Ayrburn (Shown in February)

Rich, dark foliage and a refined, formal look. A premium choice for privacy and structure.

Alternative:

OSMANTHUS var. – Sweet Olive

For a compact, glossy hedge with exceptional resilience.

Osmanthus Fragrans – Easy Big Trees (Shown in May)
Osmanthus Fragrans 35lt - May 2021 (4)

VIBURNUM tinus – The Flowering Hedge

Viburnum tinus hedge Jacks Point March 2026 (1)
Viburnum tinus hedge – Jacks Point (Shown in March)

A soft green flowering hedge that is hardy and sculpts well as shown in this beautiful Jacks Point example.

Alternative:

ILEX meserveae Blue Prince – Sterile Blue-green Holly

For a clean, berry free evergreen with crisp form.

Ilex Blue Prince hedge (Shown in January)
Osmanthus Fragrans 35lt - May 2021 (4)

Buxus Hedging – Formal, Manicured, Timeless

Buxus knotts & Fagus purpurea - Trotts - (1) Jan 2018
Buxus knotts & Fagus purpurea – Trotts Garden (shown in January)

Buxus remains the hallmark of classic garden design. Whether framing entrances, defining pathways or shaping outdoor rooms, buxus brings order and elegance to any landscape. Our established buxus hedging offers instant structure, perfect for those who appreciate beauty, symmetry and a polished finish.

Download: Top 10 Reliable Hedging

For those planning ahead or refining their long term landscape, our Top 10 Reliable Hedging guide is a must read. It covers trusted performers for privacy, shelter and formal design across New Zealand conditions.

Download the guide here: easybigtrees.co.nz/tree-guides/
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