Hi - new to posting on this site, although I've used your suggestions as a resource before.
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!