Privacy hedges are one of the most requested additions to properties across Bergen County, and for good reason. Done well, a hedge line does more for privacy and curb appeal than almost anything else you can plant. Done poorly, it can look thin, uneven, or struggle for years before finally giving up.
Arborvitae is the default for a reason
Emerald Green and Green Giant arborvitae are common across Bergen County because they handle the local soil and climate well, grow at a manageable pace, and stay green year round. Green Giant grows faster and gets larger, which makes it a better fit for bigger properties that want height quickly. Emerald Green is more compact and better suited to tighter spaces or where a narrower profile is needed.
Sun exposure changes the answer
A hedge line that gets full sun most of the day has more options than one tucked along a shaded property line. Skip Laurel and certain hollies tolerate more shade than arborvitae, which can thin out if it does not get enough light on one side.
Spacing matters more than people expect
Planting too close together to get instant privacy usually backfires. Crowded roots compete for water and nutrients, and the hedge often ends up less healthy in the long run than one planted with proper spacing that fills in over a season or two.
Deer pressure is a real factor here
Certain towns in Bergen County have heavier deer activity than others, and deer will absolutely eat arborvitae if given the chance. In areas with known deer pressure, it is worth discussing more deer-resistant options or a plan to protect young plantings until they are established.
The right hedge for your property depends on the specific conditions, not just what looks good on someone else's. A quick walk of the property before planting saves a lot of disappointment two years later.
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