Choosing between these shrubs means balancing growth speed, final height, and maintenance needs. While some varieties focus on rapid coverage for quick privacy, others offer dense, formal shapes that require less frequent attention. These picks vary primarily by their mature size and their specific soil or climate preferences.
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Best overall: Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant, as it grows quickly to provide a lush, private screen. Best for size: Nellie Stevens Holly, which reaches a substantial height to fully cover large pool equipment areas. Best for maintenance: Viburnum Densa, because its compact form stays tidy with very little pruning required by owners.
The rest of this guide is for homeowners looking for reliable greenery to hide pool equipment.
Comparison Table
1. Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae
Best for: Gardeners needing a privacy screen very fast.
These evergreens are known for their rapid growth, which can reach 3-5 feet per year once established. Their uniform, columnar shape creates a classic look for your yard without needing regular pruning.
Because they grow so quickly, they’re a great choice if you want to hide your equipment as soon as possible. However, they aren’t for gardeners in AK, AZ, HI, or OR, as federal restrictions prevent shipping to those states.
Pros
- Very fast vertical growth.
- Creates a uniform look.
- No pruning required.
Cons
- Shipping restricted in some states.
2. Sea Green Juniper
Best for: Landscapes with average, well-drained soil.
This shrub features a unique fountain-like growth habit with arching, fine-textured branches. It’s a hardy evergreen that stays green and can be easily shaped to fit your specific space.
Once the root system is mature, it handles some drought well, making it a lower-maintenance option for many. It isn’t for gardeners who have consistently wet or swampy soil, as this variety is intolerant of those conditions.
Pros
- Distinctive fountain-like shape.
- Drought tolerant when mature.
- Easy to prune.
Cons
- Intolerant of wet soil.
3. Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae
Best for: Tight spots needing a tall, dense hedge.
The Emerald Green Arborvitae is a premier choice for creating a dense, columnar privacy screen. It stays a deep, pristine green color through both winter and summer, ensuring year-round coverage for your pool area.
Its narrow 4-foot width makes it ideal for smaller spaces where you still need significant height. This plant isn’t for those in extreme climates outside of hardiness zones 2-7, as it’s specifically bred to thrive in those ranges.
Pros
- Dense, narrow growth habit.
- Keeps color year-round.
- Low maintenance once established.
Cons
- Limited to specific zones.
4. Viburnum Densa
Best for: Formal landscapes with limited space.
This compact shrub offers dense foliage that’s perfect for low hedges or foundation plantings. It produces white flowers in the spring, which adds a nice seasonal contrast to the dark green leaves.
Its natural, compact shape means you’ll spend less time shearing or pruning to keep it looking tidy. It isn’t for those looking for a towering screen, as its compact nature is better suited for lower-level privacy or borders.
Pros
- Very low maintenance.
- Attractive seasonal flowers.
- Naturally dense form.
Cons
- Doesn’t grow tall.
5. Nellie Stevens Holly
Best for: Creating a very tall, permanent screen.
This holly is a massive grower, capable of reaching 360 inches in height. It provides year-round interest and works well as a substantial, permanent feature in your landscape design.
The large mature size means it can easily hide even the tallest pool equipment setups. It isn’t for gardeners with small spaces, as its 120-inch recommended spacing requirement means you need a wide area for it to flourish.
Pros
- Exceptional mature height.
- Evergreen year-round interest.
- Thrives in many zones.
Cons
- Requires significant space.
How to Choose in Sixty Seconds
Which shrub grows the fastest to cover my equipment?
Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant is a rapid grower, adding 3-5 feet per year. If you need to hide your pool equipment quickly, this is an efficient choice. Always check your local USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to ensure the variety you choose will survive your regional winters.
Do I need to prune these shrubs often?
Most of these selections are low-maintenance, but your choice matters. Viburnum Densa and Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant require the least amount of pruning. Other varieties, like the Sea Green Juniper, may need annual shearing if you want to maintain a very specific, tight shape around your equipment.
How much space should I leave between plants?
Spacing depends on the mature width of the shrub. Nellie Stevens Holly requires the most room at 120 inches apart. Always measure the total length of your equipment area before ordering. Ensure you have enough width for the plant to grow fully without touching the pool pump or pipes.
Closing
For quick coverage, the Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant is the standout performer. If you prefer a massive, tall screen, the Nellie Stevens Holly is a suitable choice. Measure your pool equipment area carefully and confirm your hardiness zone before placing your order to ensure the best results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will these shrubs survive my local winter?
Each shrub has specific hardiness zones where it thrives. Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae is rated for zones 2-7, while the Nellie Stevens Holly is suited for zones 6-9. Always verify your local zone to ensure the plant can withstand your area’s lowest temperatures throughout the year.
Do these plants require a lot of water?
Most of these evergreens need regular watering until their root systems are fully established. The Sea Green Juniper, for example, is drought-tolerant once mature but requires a consistent schedule when first planted. The listing doesn’t mention a one-year timeline for hardiness.
What is the first thing that usually goes wrong?
The listing doesn’t mention common issues or specific causes of harm. If your pool area stays wet, ensure the soil is well-drained before planting. Most of these shrubs require average, well-draining soil to keep the roots healthy and prevent them from struggling after being planted.
Is the simplest one on the list enough?
Yes, if you want minimal work, the Viburnum Densa is an excellent choice. It maintains its compact, dense shape naturally without needing regular pruning. It provides good, year-round greenery and seasonal flowers, making it a very effective and simple solution for hiding equipment in a garden or along a border.
Final Thoughts
Before you head to the nursery, take a quick photo of your equipment area and measure the available sunlight. You’ll want to pick a spot that doesn’t crowd the machinery, as you’ll still need easy access for repairs. Once you’ve planted your favorites, you’re well on your way to a serene backyard.