Artificial Hedges vs Real Hedges: Which Is Better for Your Space?

04 Aug.,2025

 

Artificial Hedges vs Real Hedges: Which Is Better for Your Space?

Hedges have been a popular choice for beauty and privacy in an outdoor space.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Xinchengzhi.

But with the option to choose between artificial hedges vs real hedges, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. Like all things, each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to determine which you can tackle and which you’d rather avoid.

Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of artificial and real hedges to help you make an informed decision for your outdoor space.

Let’s dig in.

Why Decorate With Hedges?

Hedges, real or fake, aren’t a new decor option. In fact, they’ve been a go-to for many outdoor renovation projects.

Of course, there’s a good reason for this, as there are many benefits to decorating with hedges, including:

Privacy

Hedges, especially dense and thick ones, create an effective, natural barrier and offer more privacy in residential and commercial spaces. A good green hedge can help you get that sense of seclusion many are missing and can protect you from the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby.

For residential spaces, homeowners opt for tall, dense hedges planted along their backyard borders to shield themselves from nearby properties. Or, they may also use hedge panels to increase the height of their existing fence.

In a commercial setting, hotels can use hedges to separate distinct areas, create a path, or make temporary background decor for events. This way, guests and visitors can enjoy a more intimate and tranquil experience.

Windbreak

If you’re using a sturdy, good-quality hedge, it can serve as an excellent windbreak and reduce the wind’s impact on your property. This is especially beneficial in areas prone to strong gusts or winter storms, as is the case for most of the northern US.

Hedges come in handy at farms, with farmers planting them along the perimeter of fields to protect crops from weather damage. Similarly, we’ve also seen homeowners with larger gardens using hedges to create a microclimate that allows for sensitive and vulnerable plants to grow with little wind exposure.

Natural fence

Hedges are a cost-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional metal, colorbond, or wooden fences. Although artificial hedges aren’t “natural” per se, they’re made to imitate a real hedge as closely as possible.

Using real or artificial hedges makes way for fashioning a lush, green backdrop while simultaneously offering the same level of boundary definition and security. A great example of this is using an artificial boxwood hedge to both define a property line and enrich the landscape with lush foliage.

Plus, using a real hedge as a fence can provide a habitat for wildlife, too.

Sound barrier

Lastly, hedges can be a surprisingly effective sound barrier and may help reduce the noise pollution from surrounding areas. Dense, thick hedges, especially those made from evergreen species or artificial materials, can absorb and deflect noise and suit loud urban environments.

So, in areas near busy roads or highways, homeowners or business owners can plant or install a row of (artificial) hedges to lessen the sound of traffic and create a quieter, more peaceful outdoor space.

For commercial areas specifically, the use of hedges will likely be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional sound barriers, which are often uninviting and industrial-looking.

Artificial Hedges vs Real Hedges: Pros and Cons

One of the most important things when choosing whether you need artificial hedges vs real hedges in your space is to create a pros and cons list and weigh them out.

In this blog, we’ve done that for you:

Pros of Artificial Hedges

You don’t have to look hard to uncover the advantages of artificial hedges because they’re obvious. Some of the most impactful ones include:

  • Low maintenance: Artificial hedges don’t need watering, pruning, or fertilizing. Your artificial hedge screening will always be easy to care for, which will save you time and effort to do more important tasks in the home. To maintain the beauty and lushness of your artificial hedge, you’ll only need to occasionally clean it with a feather duster, a sponge, and a little water.

  • Weather and UV-resistant: Good quality artificial plants are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and intense sunlight, without fading or deteriorating. For example, when shopping at respectable artificial plant suppliers and manufacturers, you’ll get built-in UV protection that provides greater durability and color retention.

  • Instant appeal: If you don’t want to wait for your hedge screening to grow to your ideal size, an artificial hedge will be the decor option you need. Since they don’t grow, you won’t have to wait for awkward phases to pass to enjoy the greenery. Instead, the hedge you’ll buy will look exactly the same in a year. This means you’ll have a consistent look for years.

Cons of Artificial Hedges

Of course, every yin has its yang, and even artificial hedges come with some drawbacks, including:

  • No natural benefits: Unlike real hedges, artificial ones don’t contribute to the environment by producing oxygen, absorbing CO2, or supporting local wildlife. While faux hedges contribute similar aesthetic benefits and may even positively impact your mental health, they won’t become a wildlife or insect hub in your yard.

  • No growth: If you want your greenery to grow and evolve over time, artificial hedge panels may not be for you. Although the lack of maintenance is a plus, your artificial hedges will remain the same size and shape, which can feel static if you enjoy watching the natural growth cycle of plants.

Pros of Real Hedges

On the other side of the coin, there are also many aspects to consider before choosing to buy real hedges. This choice comes with many benefits, including:

  • Support wildlife: Real hedges, as part of nature, provide shelter, food, and habitat for wildlife like birds, insects, and small mammals. This helps to increase local biodiversity and positively contributes to the environment. If you want to encourage sustainability, you can even use native plant species to grow your hedge and attract local wildlife.

  • Grow and evolve: Over time, real hedges grow and develop. This means you get a dynamic feature that changes with the seasons. As a result, this creates a more natural and ever-evolving landscape that matures. Of course, you’ll also need to give the hedges proper care and attention to help them grow.

  • Health benefits: Real hedges, like all other plants, improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. This provides a calming effect on the mind and body. Plus, numerous studies have proven the benefits greenery has on a person, so it’s safe to say you’ll be better for having it around you.

Cons of Real Hedges

Lastly, it’s also important to mention the disadvantages of using real hedges in your space, including:

  • Seasonal changes: Many hedges lose their leaves in winter or look less full in the colder months. Depending on the type of fauxliege, this can affect privacy and aesthetics. To prevent this from happening, you need to choose evergreen varieties like boxwood or holly to ensure year-round vibrancy, or mix different species to create visual interest throughout the year.

  • Slow growth: Real hedges take time to grow and mature. It can take upwards of several years for them to reach a height and density you’re happy with. As a result, this requires patience and care. If this is a concern for you, you might opt for fast-growing species, but be prepared to manage frequent pruning.

Which Hedge Is Right for You?

Unfortunately, we’re not the ones who can tell you that because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between real and artificial hedge panels.

In the end, it all depends on your priorities, space, and lifestyle. But there are a few questions you can ask yourself that can guide you in the right direction. Here are a few:

  • How much time and effort am I willing to spend on maintenance?

  • Do I want a hedge that grows over time or one that stays consistent year-round?

  • Is my main goal aesthetics, functionality, or environmental benefits?

  • Do I live in an environment where real hedges will thrive, or are they doomed to die?

  • Am I looking for an instant solution, or am I willing to wait for a hedge to grow?

  • Will my hedge be in a high-traffic area where maintenance could be a challenge?

  • Will my hedge be exposed to harsh sunlight for extended periods?

If you love gardening, enjoy tending to plants, and want to contribute to the biodiversity of your outdoor space, a real hedge is a rewarding choice. It can help you create a rich, wildlife-friendly garden that attracts birds and pollinators.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Artificial Fence.

Finishing Thoughts

While we may not be able to tell you exactly what you should get, we hope our tips and advice can guide you in the right direction.

Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle. Advice from external sources may be helpful, but since you know your space best, your opinion should matter most.

If you want custom advice and suggestions for artificial hedges for any outdoor space, contact our design and customer support team, share your vision with them, and get as much help as possible.

Artificial Boxwood Hedge: Expert Tips for Landscape Architects

Table of Contents

  • What is Landscape Design?
    • Types of Landscape Design
  • What's Most Popular in Landscape Design?
  • Can Artificial Boxwood Hedge Replace Real Ones and for What Benefits?
    • Benefits of Artificial Boxwood Hedge
      • Cost Savings
      • Longevity
  • As a Landscape Architect, How to Choose Artificial Boxwood Hedge
    • Realism
    • Weather Resistance
    • Durability
    • Safety
    • Flexibility
    • Brand
  • How to Landscape with Artificial Boxwood Hedges?
    • Beautify the entrance
    • Add structure to informal gardens
    • Retouch garden edge
    • Soften the corners
    • Create a garden path
    • Area separation
  • Finishing Thoughts

As a landscape architect, want a trouble-free and cost-saving garden layout? Boxwood is very popular in landscape design. Delve into the world of real boxwood hedge vs. artificial boxwood hedge. Explore the pros and cons and find out which option is best for your landscaping.

What is Landscape Design?

Landscape Design is the process of transforming outdoor spaces to improve visual aesthetics and consists of three main areas: plants, topography, and structures.

Landscape spaces of various styles and uses are shaped through the planning and design of the surroundings, such as the placement of plants, trees, and so on, to provide beautiful, comfortable, and functional environments.

Landscape design not only considers aesthetics and artistry, but also focuses on functionality and sustainability. The range of landscape design projects is wide, to include city parks, residence areas, commercial centers, campuses, corporate parks, attraction planning, and many other fields.

Choosing the right plants combined with roads, courtyards and retaining walls, etc., for reasonable layout to increase visualization of the whole space and present a rich and diverse vegetation landscape.

Types of Landscape Design

Landscape design is usually divided into two parts: hardscape design and softscape design.

  • Hardscape design is the layout of buildings, roads, fences, stones, ponds, etc., to the division of space and functions. 
  • For softscape design, it involves the design and arrangement of plants, flowers, lawns, shrubs and other vegetation. Plant growth patterns, seasonal changes and landscape effects all to be considered in soft landscape design.
  • Designers need to think holistically, to achieve harmony in terms of aesthetics, functionality and ecological sustainability.

Once the landscaping is completed, the space needs to be kept beautiful with maintenance work such as regular pruning, watering, weeding, and pest control plant care. This requires specialized gardening skills as well as more time cost.

What's Most Popular in Landscape Design?

Boxwood has a long history of wider use for gardens in landscape design. Landscape designers also use neat boxwood hedges as a major component of the traditional garden. 

Boxwood is used as an evergreen plant and is combined with flower  and grasses to create a rich and varied plant mix. Boxwood can be pruned regularly as it grows, and the neat form and dense foliage can add layers to the garden.

The best way to prune boxwood is twice a year, summer and winter. During the planting process is 5 tips on care needed:

  • Sunlight Conditions. Boxwood is suited to thriving in full sun and partial shade, to ensure that at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. However, it will not vigorous growth in full shade. Too hot areas may be at risk of scorching.
  • Soil Environment. When planting boxwood for a fast-draining, loose soil environment. Wet soil may lead to root rot, fungus and pests, which to affect boxwood growth or even kill.
  • Spacing. When planting, pay attention to control the spacing between plants, generally about 1.5 meters, which is conducive to the growing of plants, overcrowding will hinder air circulation.
  • Watering. Regular watering once or twice a week is key to healthy boxwood growth, but avoid over-wetting or over-drying and keep the soil at the right level of moistness.
  • Fertilizer. Using organic fertilizers or waste plant residues to provide nutrients for boxwood is beneficial to soil fertility and promotes plant growth.

Although boxwood hedges are a popular feature in many gardens. But boxwood blight, which includes leaf spotting, leaf drop and stem discoloration, is caused by a fungus or bacteria and can have an impact on the growth and health of your hedge.

Primarily occurring in humid conditions and lasting for several months a year, fungal spores may attach to clothing, tools, pets, etc., boxwood blight spreads broadcast, and is capable of destroying or killing those evergreen shrubs.

Can Artificial Boxwood Hedge Replace Real Ones and for What Benefits?

And artificial boxwood hedges without boxwood blight and keep evergreen, never need take long to grow with full appearance immediately.

Don't worry about the seasons or weather affecting this plant, it can thrive anywhere. Plus, you won't have to stress about light or soil conditions, or constant upkeep.

Ideal for those seeking privacy or beautification in their landscaping.

Therefore, when choosing an fake box hedge, you need to consider your personal needs and landscaping to choose the right style and size for you.

Benefits of Artificial Box Hedge

The benefits of using artificial box hedge wall go beyond aesthetics. Their durability ensures long-lasting performance in all weather conditions without fading or wilting. It makes them a cost-effective and sustainable option for outdoor décor.

Versatility is another major advantage of faux hedge wall. Need a plant of a certain size or shape for your garden vision? This one can be easily personalized to your needs, giving you the freedom to design your environment exactly how you want.

By creating a visual barrier, artificial privacy hedges help to create a more comfortable and visually appealing outdoor environment.

Cost Savings

  • Installation costs: Compared to natural boxwood hedge, artificial hedge boxwood needs less specialized labor and materials and is easily installed, thus reducing landscaping costs. And without expensive maintenance equipment such as watering systems or specialized gardening tools.
  • Maintenance costs: Real boxwood hedge require remain healthy and vibrant with regular watering, pruning, fertilizing and pest control measures. In contrast, artificial box hedge in planter saves time and money in the long run, removes these ongoing maintenance tasks.

Longevity

Real boxwood hedge needs periodic replacement for growth problems or insect infestation, faux boxwood solves this problem, the best feature of durability and a fresh look for many years. Artificial privacy hedge screen is designed to withstand UV exposure and will not fade whatever the weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold.

As a Landscape Architect, How to Choose Artificial Boxwood Hedge?

As a landscape architect, the right fake hedge wall for your design project is a key. Artificial boxwood hedge wall can add a unique scene for a landscape and reduce maintenance costs and hassles. So how do you choose the right artificial hedge screening?

Realism

When it comes to selecting a faux boxwood hedge in planter, the material is key. Look for ones made of high-quality PVC or PE materials that closely resemble world plants in touch and shine. Opt for leaves with gradient colors and natural distribution for a more realistic look.

Weather Resistance

For outdoor use, consider the weather resistance of the artificial boxwood hedge. Choose products with UV resistance for long-lasting color and shape, and good waterproof performance to prevent deformation or mold. Ensure it can withstand various climatic conditions.

Durability

Check the durability of the fake box hedge wall to ensure it lasts long. Make sure the branches and connecting parts are sturdy and not prone to breakage. Check for internal frame sturdiness and bottom weights for stability in outdoor settings.

Safety

Safety is important, especially for home gardens or areas with children. Choose artificial boxwood hedge made from materials that are not harmful to humans and have flame retardant properties for increased safety.

Flexibility

Match the artificial boxwood type, height, and width to the overall environment design for a cohesive look. Opt for easy installation and operation to save time and costs, increase efficiency, and ensure timely project completion.

Brand

Consider the brand reputation and customer reviews when choosing a supplier. Select one with good after-sales support and a comprehensive warranty policy to address any issues promptly.

How to Landscape with Artificial Boxwood Hedges?

Artificial boxwood hedges are adaptable in landscape design but not timeless, for a wide range of creativity while minimizing upkeep expenses and lasting aesthetics.

Check out 6 creative ways to to use fake hedge privacy wall in your landscape:

Beautify the entrance.

Place faux box hedges on either side of your front door as an entrance display or to accentuate your garden gate. They are virtually zero-maintenance than seasonal annuals, while adding lasting green accents to entrances.

Add structure to informal gardens.

In more randomly lay-out gardens, subtly integrate well-trimmed artificial box hedges, to provide an orderly backdrop for free-growing perennials and ornamental grasses.

It helps ease the transition to the garden when flowers fade, perennials die back, or if beds are left bare in winter.

Retouch garden edge.

Decorate along the edges of your lawn or flower beds with small artificial boxwood hedge to help round out the borders of garden beds, or as a backdrop for fountains and statues.

Soften the corners.

Soften corners with faux outdoor hedges placed in corners, or arrange three artificial boxwood hedge in tight rows at staggered heights. Especially in small gardens or narrow crossings to add flow to the space.

Create a garden path.

Lay out garden wall artificial hedge along the sides of paths or at turning points to help soften extensive cobblestones. Insetting real perennial flowers between hedges to work visual and guide walking routes.

Area separation.

Use rows of artificial privacy hedges as a natural barrier to separate a deck or patio, to define the two areas without blocking the flow of sight. With tall artificial boxwood hedges to a semi-enclosed privacy space and add a garden sitting area.

Finishing Thoughts

Artificial box hedge in planter into your landscaping project that is a cost-effective solution without sacrificing aesthetics in the long run. You can creatively and sustainably enhance your outdoor space by exploring the various types and designs available.

Fake boxwood hedges have long term benefits in maintenance and durability, consider your budget and apply it to your project.

The company is the world’s best Custom Artificial Turf supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.