If you’re looking to conceal your air conditioning unit effectively, choosing the right plants can make a big difference. The Thuja Green Giant stands out as the best overall option for quick, dense coverage. For a more budget-friendly choice, Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet offers reliable evergreen privacy, though it requires regular pruning. The main tradeoffs involve balancing growth speed, maintenance needs, and the level of coverage desired. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of these top picks and how to choose the best plants for your space.
Key Takeaways
- Fast-growing trees like Thuja Green Giant provide quick privacy but may require more space and maintenance.
- Evergreen shrubs such as Ligustrum Privet offer year-round coverage with moderate growth rates and easier care.
- Container-friendly options like Podocarpus Maki are versatile but may need regular pruning to stay compact.
- Choosing plants with dense foliage ensures better coverage and noise buffer for the AC unit.
- Considering maintenance level and growth size is essential to prevent overgrowth and future pruning challenges.
| Thuja Green Giant | 10 Live Trees | Thuja standishii x plicata | Fast Growing Privacy Screen | Evergreen Landscape Plants for Borders |  | Best Overall for Fast, Dense Privacy Screening | Type: Live Trees | Quantity: 10 | Species: Thuja standishii x plicata | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 1 Gallon, Privacy Trees |  | Best for Established Growth and Low Maintenance | Size: 1 Gallon | Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year | Mature Height: Up to 60 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge |  | Best for Versatile, Low-Maintenance Privacy Hedges | Type: Evergreen shrub | Height: 8-10 feet | Number of Plants: 20 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Waxleaf Privet – 30 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub |  | Best for Fast, Versatile Privacy with Blooming Appeal | Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun | Soil Type: Sandy Soil | Moisture Needs: Regular Watering | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon Live Evergreen Tree for Landscaping & Privacy |  | Best for Large-Scale Privacy and Versatile Landscaping | Growth Rate: 3 feet per year | Mature Size: 40 feet tall, 20 feet wide | Hardiness Zones: 5-9 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Podocarpus Maki in 1 Gallon Pot – Evergreen Hedge Plant for Outdoor and Indoor Use |  | Best for Small to Medium Gardens Looking for Low-Maintenance Privacy Hedges | Size: 8–10 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide | Growth habit: Upright, dense | Foliage: Glossy dark green | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| plants for hiding AC unit | Growth Rate |
|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant | 10 Live Tr | Fast |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | 3-5 feet per year |
| Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet | — |
| Waxleaf Privet | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | 3 feet per year |
| Podocarpus Maki in 1 Gallon Po | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Thuja Green Giant | 10 Live Trees | Thuja standishii x plicata | Fast Growing Privacy Screen | Evergreen Landscape Plants for Borders
The Thuja Green Giant stands out as the best overall choice for creating a quick and effective hiding solution for AC units. Its rapid growth rate ensures you get privacy in just a few seasons, outperforming smaller or slower-growing options like the Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet. While it offers dense, evergreen foliage all year long, it does require space and occasional pruning to maintain its shape, especially in smaller yards. Compared to other large trees, such as the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant, this option is more adaptable to a variety of soil types and less demanding in maintenance. However, its size can be a drawback if you have limited space. This pick makes the most sense for homeowners seeking immediate privacy without frequent upkeep, provided they have room for its mature size.
Pros:- Fast-growing and provides quick privacy
- Maintains dense, evergreen foliage year-round
- Easy to care for and adaptable to various soils
Cons:- May require pruning to retain shape
- Potentially large size may need space considerations
Best for: Homeowners with ample space looking for quick, year-round privacy screens
Not ideal for: Small yards or tight spaces where large trees may overwhelm or require extensive pruning
- Type:Live Trees
- Quantity:10
- Species:Thuja standishii x plicata
- Growth Rate:Fast
- Seasonal Foliage:Evergreen
Our verdict“Best suited for those needing rapid, dense screening in spacious yards.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 1 Gallon, Privacy Trees
Compared with the larger, bulkier trees like the 10-tree option, this Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant is ideal for buyers who want rapid yet manageable growth. Its 3-5 feet per year growth rate means it quickly provides privacy, but at the cost of potentially outgrowing small spaces unless regularly pruned. This version is more suitable for those who prefer a manageable size over the large, mature height of up to 60 feet, which can be overwhelming if space is limited. Its low maintenance profile makes it attractive for busy homeowners, especially once established. However, its vigorous growth can require ongoing pruning to keep it within bounds and prevent it from overshadowing smaller plants nearby. This pick is best for those seeking quick privacy without the need for frequent intervention, provided they can handle its size at maturity.
Pros:- Fast-growing with 3-5 feet per year
- Dense, dark green foliage with a pleasant scent
- Low maintenance once established
Cons:- Can grow very tall, requiring pruning for smaller spaces
- Growth rate may vary depending on conditions
Best for: Buyers wanting a fast-growing, low-maintenance privacy tree for larger properties
Not ideal for: Limited-space yards where full mature size cannot be accommodated or for those preferring slow-growing plants
- Size:1 Gallon
- Growth Rate:3-5 feet per year
- Mature Height:Up to 60 ft
- Mature Width:Up to 20 ft
- Zones:5-9
Our verdict“Ideal for homeowners seeking quick, manageable privacy with minimal ongoing care in spacious yards.”
Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge
The Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet is a versatile shrub that excels in forming dense privacy screens in a variety of settings. Its fast growth and dense foliage make it a strong competitor to larger trees like the Thuja Green Giant, especially for those who prefer a shrub that responds well to pruning. While it can reach 8-10 feet tall, it remains manageable and is suited to smaller yards or as an understorey hedge. Unlike the larger trees, it requires more frequent pruning to maintain a neat shape, especially if you want a formal look. It’s also less imposing, making it ideal for urban or suburban landscapes where space is limited. The primary tradeoff is that it needs regular maintenance and watering until established, which might be a concern for busy homeowners. This shrub is best for those who want a customizable, low-maintenance privacy solution that can be shaped as needed.
Pros:- Low-maintenance and easy to prune
- Dense, attractive foliage for privacy and ornamental use
- Thrives in various climates and soils
Cons:- Requires regular watering until established
- Needs pruning 2-3 times per year for shape
Best for: Urban dwellers or those wanting a dense, manageable hedge that is easy to prune
Not ideal for: Yards with limited space where larger trees are preferable or for those seeking minimal pruning
- Type:Evergreen shrub
- Height:8-10 feet
- Number of Plants:20
- Foliage:Glossy, waxy leaves
- Flowers:Creamy-white, fragrant
Our verdict“Perfect for those wanting a flexible, easy-to-maintain privacy hedge in smaller or urban landscapes.”
Waxleaf Privet – 30 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub
This Waxleaf Privet offers a rapid growth rate and a high number of plants, making it an excellent choice for creating a dense privacy barrier quickly. Its glossy foliage and fragrant white blooms add ornamental value, especially for those who want a hedge that doubles as a flowering feature. Compared to larger trees like the Thuja Green Giant, it’s more manageable in small to medium yards, though it still requires regular watering and pruning to keep its shape. Its versatility extends to container gardening and shaping into topiary or small trees, unlike the larger, less flexible options. The main tradeoff is the ongoing maintenance needed to keep it looking tidy and healthy, which might be a concern for busy homeowners. This makes it suitable for those seeking an attractive, fast-growing hedge that can be shaped and maintained easily.
Pros:- Fast-growing and easy to shape
- Produces attractive white fragrant blooms
- Suitable for containers and topiary
Cons:- Requires regular watering especially during establishment
- Needs pruning 2-3 times annually for shape
Best for: Gardeners wanting a quick, flowering privacy hedge that can be shaped and maintained with ease
Not ideal for: Yards where minimal upkeep is preferred or where large trees are preferred for screening
- Sunlight Exposure:Full Sun
- Soil Type:Sandy Soil
- Moisture Needs:Regular Watering
- Item Weight:5 pounds
- Unit Count:30
- Materials & Care:Water
Our verdict“Ideal for homeowners wanting a flowering, fast-growing hedge with flexible shaping options.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon Live Evergreen Tree for Landscaping & Privacy
Compared to the 1-gallon version, this Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant offers a larger root ball and faster establishment, making it suitable for those who want immediate impact. Its rapid growth—up to 3 feet annually—ensures quick privacy, and its mature size of up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide provides substantial screening, similar to the larger tree options but in a more manageable container size. It’s especially appealing for those in zones 5-9 who want deer-resistant, drought-tolerant plants for long-term landscaping. However, its size limits shipping options in certain states like California and Arizona, and it requires well-drained soil for optimal growth. This pick is perfect for those who want a large, fast-growing privacy tree that can be planted directly in the ground or in larger containers, offering flexibility to landscapers and homeowners alike.
Pros:- Fast growth with up to 3 feet per year
- Provides excellent privacy and landscaping versatility
- Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant
Cons:- Cannot be shipped to CA or AZ due to state law
- Requires well-drained soil for best results
Best for: Buyers seeking large, fast-growing privacy trees with immediate landscape impact
Not ideal for: Small yards or regions where shipping restrictions apply, or for those preferring slow-growing plants
- Growth Rate:3 feet per year
- Mature Size:40 feet tall, 20 feet wide
- Hardiness Zones:5-9
- Container Size:3 gallons
- Planting Time:Spring
Our verdict“Ideal for those wanting quick, large-scale privacy trees with flexible planting options in suitable regions.”
Podocarpus Maki in 1 Gallon Pot – Evergreen Hedge Plant for Outdoor and Indoor Use
The Podocarpus Maki stands out for its dense, upright growth and glossy dark green foliage, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tidy, low-maintenance privacy screen. Compared with the Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet, which can grow faster but often requires more pruning to maintain its shape, Podocarpus offers a more polished look with minimal effort. Its drought tolerance and pest resistance reduce ongoing care, but its mature height of 8–10 feet could be a drawback in smaller gardens where space is limited. Unlike the Thuja Green Giant, which can grow taller and faster, Podocarpus remains more controllable, though it does need full sun to partial shade, limiting its placement options. This pick is ideal for gardeners who prioritize a neat appearance with less routine pruning, especially in moderate climates.
Pros:- Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, reducing watering and pruning needs
- Highly resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring reliable appearance
- Polished, columnar form that requires minimal pruning to keep shape
Cons:- Does not ship to California or Arizona, limiting availability in some regions
- Grows to 8–10 feet, which may be too large for very small gardens or tight spaces
- Requires full sun to partial shade, restricting placement options
Best for: Homeowners with medium-sized gardens seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen privacy hedge that doesn’t require frequent trimming
Not ideal for: Small gardens or shaded locations where full sun to partial shade isn’t available, or for those needing very quick privacy screens
- Size:8–10 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide
- Growth habit:Upright, dense
- Foliage:Glossy dark green
- Zones:7–11
- Sunlight:Full sun to partial shade
- Soil:Well-draining
- Maintenance:Low
Our verdict“This plant makes the most sense for gardeners who want a tidy, evergreen privacy hedge with minimal fuss in moderate climates.”
How We Picked
I evaluated each plant based on growth speed, density of foliage, ease of maintenance, adaptability to different climates, and overall aesthetic compatibility with outdoor spaces. The rankings reflect a balance between rapid coverage, longevity, and low upkeep, ensuring that each option fits a variety of needs and garden sizes. Plants that require frequent pruning or have slow growth were ranked lower, as they might not meet the goal of quick concealment. This approach helps buyers identify plants that deliver both immediate results and lasting privacy with manageable effort.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Plants For Hiding AC Units
When selecting plants to hide an AC unit, it’s important to consider several factors that influence how well they perform over time. Beyond appearance, their growth habits, maintenance needs, and environmental adaptability can significantly impact your satisfaction. Here are key considerations to guide your choice:Growth Rate and Size
Choosing a plant with a suitable growth rate ensures quick coverage without overextending your space. Fast-growing options like Thuja Green Giant provide immediate privacy but can become large, requiring regular pruning to keep them manageable. Conversely, slower growers may need patience but demand less maintenance in the long run. Consider the available space and your willingness to prune when selecting a plant.
Density of Foliage
Dense foliage is essential for effective concealment and noise buffering. Evergreen plants tend to offer consistent coverage year-round, even during winter. Plants like Privet or Podocarpus provide thick leaves that block views and sound, but their density varies. Opt for species known for their lush growth if privacy is your main goal.
Maintenance and Pruning
Some plants require regular trimming to maintain a tidy appearance, especially fast growers like Thuja or Privet. Others, like Podocarpus, are more forgiving but may need occasional shaping. Assess your willingness and ability to prune regularly, as neglected plants can become unruly and less effective at hiding the AC unit.
Climate Compatibility
Ensure the chosen plants are suitable for your local climate. Many of these options, such as Thuja and Privet, thrive in temperate zones but may struggle in extreme heat or cold. Check your region’s USDA hardiness zone and select plants that are proven to perform well there to avoid disappointment and extra care costs.
Aesthetic and Growth Habit
Consider how the plant’s shape and color will complement your landscape. Some plants grow upright and columnar, ideal for narrow spaces, while others spread wider for a more natural look. Matching the plant’s growth habit with your yard’s design ensures the concealment looks intentional and attractive over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do these plants grow to hide an AC unit?
Growth speed varies among the options, with some like the Thuja Green Giant capable of reaching effective privacy height within a few years, making them suitable for immediate concealment. Other plants, such as Privet, grow more steadily, requiring around 2-3 years to fully develop. Your choice should match how fast you need coverage and how much effort you’re willing to invest in pruning or shaping the plants as they grow.
Are evergreen plants better than deciduous for hiding an AC unit?
Evergreen plants generally provide more consistent coverage throughout the year, making them the preferred choice for hiding an AC unit. Deciduous plants lose their leaves in winter, which can temporarily expose the unit, reducing privacy. If year-round concealment is a priority, evergreen options like Thuja or Privet are better suited, though they may require more maintenance to keep dense foliage.
Can I plant these in containers or do they need to be in the ground?
Many of these plants, such as Podocarpus Maki and some varieties of Privet, can thrive in containers, offering flexibility for smaller yards or renters. However, container-grown plants often need more frequent watering and pruning to prevent overgrowth and maintain their shape. Ground planting generally allows for faster growth and less maintenance but requires sufficient space and suitable soil conditions.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when planting for privacy?
A common mistake is selecting plants that are not suited to the local climate, leading to poor growth or plant death. Overplanting or planting too close to the house can cause maintenance issues and impede growth. Additionally, neglecting regular pruning can result in unruly plants that don’t provide effective coverage, so plan for ongoing care to keep the plants healthy and attractive.
How much maintenance is typically needed for these privacy plants?
The maintenance level varies; fast-growing plants like Thuja or Privet require regular pruning, typically once or twice a year, to maintain their shape and size. Podocarpus is somewhat lower maintenance but still benefits from occasional trimming. Understanding the growth habits and your available time will help you choose a plant that fits your maintenance capacity, ensuring the privacy hedge remains effective and attractive.
Conclusion
For those seeking immediate privacy with minimal fuss, the Thuja Green Giant stands out as the best overall choice thanks to its rapid growth and dense foliage. Budget-conscious gardeners will appreciate the Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet for its reliable evergreen coverage at a lower cost. If you prefer a more refined, low-maintenance option, Podocarpus Maki offers versatility for both containers and ground planting. Beginners should lean toward plants with moderate growth and easier care, while more experienced landscapers can opt for faster-growing options with higher pruning needs. Ultimately, your decision should align with your space, climate, and maintenance willingness, ensuring a visually appealing and effective hide from view.
