Finding the right plants to conceal an AC unit combines aesthetics with practicality. The Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet stands out as the best overall choice for its dense evergreen coverage, offering year-round privacy. For those seeking quick results, Thuja Green Giant provides fast growth and a solid screen, though it requires space. The main tradeoffs include balancing plant size, maintenance needs, and how natural or formal you want the look. Keep reading for a full breakdown of the top options and what makes each suitable for different needs.
Key Takeaways
- Evergreen plants like Privet and Thuja provide year-round concealment, reducing the need for seasonal updates.
- Fast-growing trees deliver quick privacy but demand ample space and regular pruning to maintain shape.
- Ground covers such as Asiatic Jasmine are ideal for smaller areas or low-maintenance options, but may not provide full coverage initially.
- Larger mature plants offer immediate screening but tend to be more expensive and require more space and care.
- Choosing the right plant depends on your yard size, desired maintenance level, and aesthetic preference for a natural versus formal look.
| Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge |  | Best Overall for Versatile Privacy and Ornamental Use | Type: Evergreen shrub | Height: 8-10 feet | Number of Plants: 20 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thuja Green Giant | 10 Live Trees | Thuja standishii x plicata | Fast Growing Privacy Screen | Evergreen Landscape Plants for Borders |  | Best for Rapid, Tall Privacy Screens | Type: Live Trees | Species: Thuja standishii x plicata | Growth Rate: Fast | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon Live Evergreen Tree for Landscaping & Privacy |  | Best for Large-Scale Landscaping and Privacy | 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 |
| Waxleaf Privet – 30 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub |  | Best for Versatile, Shapable Privacy Hedging | Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun | Soil Type: Sandy Soil | Moisture Needs: Regular Watering | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Podocarpus Maki in 1 Gallon Pot – Evergreen Hedge Plant for Outdoor and Indoor Use |  | Best for Low-Maintenance, Polished Screening | Size: 8-10 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide | Growth habit: Upright, dense | Foliage: Glossy dark green | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 1 Gallon, Privacy Trees |  | Best for Rapid Privacy Screening in Large Spaces | Size: 1 Gallon | Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year | Mature Height: Up to 60 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asiatic Jasmine Live Plants, 3-inch Pots, Evergreen Ground Cover (18 Count) |  | Best for Low-Profile Ground Cover and Border Hiding | Quantity: 18 plants | Pot Size: 3 inches | Plant Type: Asiatic Jasmine | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| plants for hiding AC unit | Growth Rate |
|---|---|
| Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet | Fast |
| Thuja Green Giant | 10 Live Tr | Fast |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | 3 feet per year |
| Waxleaf Privet | — |
| Podocarpus Maki in 1 Gallon Po | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | 3-5 feet per year |
| Asiatic Jasmine Live Plants | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge
This dense, evergreen shrub stands out as the most adaptable option for hiding an AC unit due to its rapid growth and easy pruning, making it ideal for creating a lush, natural barrier. Compared with the Waxleaf Privet with fewer plants, this set offers more immediate coverage, but it requires regular watering until established and can grow quite tall, demanding frequent pruning for shape maintenance. Its glossy, waxy leaves and fragrant white flowers add aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for ornamental landscaping as well as screening. The dense foliage responds well to trimming, allowing customization of height and shape. It is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, attractive hedge that thrives in various soil types and climates, though its tall growth can be a drawback for small spaces or those preferring a more contained screen.
Pros:- Low-maintenance and easy to prune
- Dense, attractive foliage suitable for privacy and ornamental use
- Thrives in various climates and soil types
Cons:- Requires regular watering until established
- Can grow quite tall, needing pruning to maintain shape
Best for: Homeowners wanting a fast, low-maintenance privacy hedge with ornamental value
Not ideal for: Small gardens or patios where height needs to be controlled without frequent pruning
- Type:Evergreen shrub
- Height:8-10 feet
- Number of Plants:20
- Foliage:Glossy, waxy leaves
- Flowers:Creamy-white, fragrant
- Growth Rate:Fast
- Uses:Privacy screen, hedge, windbreak, container, topiary
Our verdict“This pick is best for those seeking a versatile, fast-growing hedge that combines privacy with ornamental appeal, willing to perform regular pruning.”
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 for its rapid growth, making it ideal for quickly shielding an AC unit from view. Its dense, evergreen foliage remains vibrant year-round, providing instant privacy. Unlike the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon Tree, which offers a sizable mature height, this option is well-suited for landscape projects needing fast results. However, its large size means it requires ample space and regular shaping to prevent overgrowth. While easy to care for and adaptable to various soil types, it may need pruning to keep the shape tidy and prevent encroachment. Its speed and density make it perfect for those prioritizing immediate screening, but it requires space and some ongoing maintenance.
Pros:- Fast-growing and provides quick privacy
- Maintains dense, green foliage year-round
- Easy to maintain and adaptable to different soils
Cons:- May require pruning to retain shape
- Potentially large size needing space considerations
Best for: Property owners needing quick, tall privacy barriers for large areas
Not ideal for: Small yards or those with limited space due to its potential size and fast growth
- Type:Live Trees
- Species:Thuja standishii x plicata
- Growth Rate:Fast
- Seasonal Foliage:Evergreen
- Quantity:10
- Uses:Privacy screen, border, windbreak
Our verdict“Ideal for those seeking rapid, tall screening, provided they have space for its growth and maintenance needs.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon Live Evergreen Tree for Landscaping & Privacy
This Thuja Green Giant offers remarkable growth at up to 3 feet per year, making it an excellent choice for quick, tall privacy screens in larger landscapes. It surpasses smaller shrub options like the Waxleaf Privet in height and coverage, reaching up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity. Its deer-resistant and drought-tolerant qualities add resilience for extensive outdoor use. However, its size can be a disadvantage for smaller gardens or confined spaces, and it requires well-drained soil to thrive. While its fast growth is a major advantage for immediate privacy, it demands space and some ongoing shaping to prevent overgrowth. This makes it best suited to buyers with room and a desire for rapid, high coverage.
Pros:- Fast-growing with up to 3 feet per year
- Provides excellent security and privacy
- Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant
Cons:- Cannot ship to CA or AZ due to legal restrictions
- Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth
Best for: Large properties or commercial landscapes needing quick, tall privacy barriers
Not ideal for: Small gardens or urban settings with limited space
- 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“A strong choice for large-scale privacy needs when space and soil conditions align with its growth requirements.”
Waxleaf Privet – 30 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub
The Waxleaf Privet is valued for its fast growth and flexibility, making it well-suited for creating a customized privacy screen around an AC unit. Its glossy, fragrant white blooms add ornamental appeal, and it responds well to pruning, allowing shaping into hedges or small trees. Compared with the Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet, this set offers more plants for immediate coverage, but both require regular watering, especially during establishment. Its need for pruning 2-3 times per year may be a tradeoff for those seeking a neat, tailored barrier. Its adaptability to containers and landscape use makes it a good choice for varied settings, though its watering needs and pruning frequency are considerations for low-maintenance preferences.
Pros:- Fast-growing and highly versatile for shaping
- Produces attractive white fragrant blooms
- Responds well to pruning for customized forms
Cons:- Requires regular watering, especially during establishment
- Needs pruning 2-3 times per year to maintain shape
Best for: Gardeners wanting a flexible, fast-growing hedge that can be shaped easily
Not ideal for: Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding frequent pruning and watering
- Sunlight Exposure:Full Sun
- Soil Type:Sandy Soil
- Moisture Needs:Regular Watering
- Item Weight:5 pounds
- Unit Count:30
- Number of Pieces:30
Our verdict“This shrub is perfect for those who want a fast, shapable privacy hedge and don’t mind regular care.”
Podocarpus Maki in 1 Gallon Pot – Evergreen Hedge Plant for Outdoor and Indoor Use
The Podocarpus Maki offers a neat, upright form with glossy dark green foliage, making it a classy choice for hiding an AC unit in both outdoor and indoor settings. Compared to the Ligustrum Privet or Waxleaf Privet, it grows more slowly but provides a polished, columnar appearance with minimal pruning. Its drought-tolerance and resistance to pests make it a low-maintenance option, but it reaches up to 8-10 feet tall, which may be too large for small spaces. It requires full sun to partial shade, limiting placement options. While not ideal for rapid coverage, its elegant form suits buyers wanting a tidy, long-lasting screen with less frequent trimming, though it cannot be shipped to CA or AZ.
Pros:- Drought-tolerant and low maintenance
- Highly resistant to pests and diseases
- Polished, columnar form requiring minimal pruning
Cons:- Does not ship to California or Arizona
- Grows to a height of 8-10 feet, which may be large for small spaces
Best for: Those seeking a low-maintenance, neat privacy screen with a refined look
Not ideal for: Small gardens or buyers needing quick coverage, due to its slower growth
- 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
- Maintenance:Low
Our verdict“Ideal for those wanting a durable, low-effort privacy plant with a tidy appearance in suitable zones.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 1 Gallon, Privacy Trees
The Thuja Green Giant stands out for its impressive growth rate and dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for quickly hiding large AC units in expansive yards. Compared to the Asiatic Jasmine, which offers a low-growing ground cover, the Green Giant provides vertical screening that’s ideal for taller units or when you need a visual barrier that blocks sightlines effectively. Its fast growth—up to 3-5 feet annually—means you’ll see results sooner, but this also means it will require pruning to keep it manageable in smaller areas. Once established, it’s low-maintenance, but its size can become a con if space is limited or if you prefer a more contained landscape. Overall, this pick excels for homeowners seeking quick, tall privacy screens in zones 5-9, willing to commit to occasional trimming.
Pros:- Rapid growth ensures quick privacy establishment
- Dense, dark green foliage offers excellent coverage
- Low maintenance once mature
Cons:- Can grow very tall, requiring regular pruning for smaller spaces
- Needs ample space to reach full height and width
- Growth rate may vary depending on soil and climate conditions
Best for: Homeowners with large yards or wide spaces needing quick, tall coverage for large AC units
Not ideal for: Gardeners with limited space or those preferring smaller, manageable plants in tight areas
- 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
- Maintenance:Low once established
Our verdict“This is best suited for large properties where quick, tall screening is a priority and space allows for its mature size.”
Asiatic Jasmine Live Plants, 3-inch Pots, Evergreen Ground Cover (18 Count)
Compared with the taller Thuja Green Giant, the Asiatic Jasmine offers a low-growing, dense ground cover that’s perfect for concealing the base of smaller AC units or creating a lush, green backdrop. Its rapid horizontal spreading makes it versatile for covering large ground areas with minimal effort, and its glossy evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want a natural, lush appearance without the height or maintenance of trees. However, because it stays low—around 6-8 inches—it’s less suitable if you need to hide taller units or larger AC installations. Regular watering during establishment is necessary, but once established, it’s quite hardy. This option makes the most sense for owners who prefer a continuous green look at ground level and are okay with limited vertical coverage.
Pros:- Easy to maintain with minimal care
- Fast-growing ground cover with year-round greenery
- Versatile for different landscape designs
Cons:- Requires regular watering during initial establishment
- Limited height makes it unsuitable for hiding tall units
- May need periodic pruning to control spread
Best for: Homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen ground cover to hide the base of AC units or define landscape borders
Not ideal for: Those with large, tall AC units needing height-based concealment or owners wanting vertical privacy screens
- Quantity:18 plants
- Pot Size:3 inches
- Plant Type:Asiatic Jasmine
- Growth Habit:Fast-growing evergreen vine
- Height:6-8 inches
- Coverage:Ground cover
Our verdict“This ground cover works best for low-profile concealment and landscape accents rather than tall or vertical screening needs.”
How We Picked
Our selections are based on a combination of growth speed, density of coverage, ease of maintenance, and overall aesthetic appeal. We prioritized evergreen varieties to ensure privacy year-round, avoiding seasonal gaps. Durability and adaptability to different climates were also key factors, along with cost and size considerations for mature plants. Each option was evaluated for how effectively it can hide an AC unit while fitting into typical yard layouts, with a focus on offering solutions for both novice and experienced gardeners. The ranking reflects a balance between immediate impact and long-term care requirements.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Plants For Hiding AC Units
Choosing the best plants for hiding an AC unit requires considering several factors beyond appearance. It’s important to match the plant’s growth habits, size, and maintenance needs with your yard’s conditions and your personal care capacity. Proper planning can prevent issues like overgrowth or insufficient coverage, which can compromise both aesthetics and functionality. Here are some key considerations to help you select the right plants for your space.Growth Rate and Size
Understanding how quickly a plant grows and its mature size is vital. Fast-growing options like Thuja Green Giant can provide immediate privacy but may require regular pruning to keep in check. Conversely, slower-growing plants may need years to fully conceal an AC unit, so plan accordingly. Measuring your available space and considering future growth helps prevent overcrowding or the need for costly removals later.
Maintenance and Care
Some plants demand frequent pruning, watering, or fertilizing, while others are low-maintenance. For busy homeowners, ground covers like Asiatic Jasmine offer a fuss-free option, yet they might not provide quick coverage. Evergreen bushes generally require less seasonal care but can need trimming to maintain shape. Weigh your willingness and ability to care for your chosen plants to avoid frustration or neglect.
Climate Compatibility
Select plants suited to your local climate for better survival and appearance. Evergreen hedges like Privet and Thuja are adaptable but may struggle in extreme cold or heat. Checking your USDA hardiness zone ensures your plants will thrive without extra effort. Incorrect choices can lead to plant loss or poor coverage, defeating the purpose of hiding the AC unit.
Aesthetic Style
Decide whether you prefer a formal, manicured look or a more natural, wild appearance. Dense hedges like Privet lend a tidy, uniform look, while ground covers provide a softer, more blended effect. Remember that some plants may require shaping or trimming to stay neat, especially if you want a clean visual barrier.
Budget and Longevity
Higher upfront costs for mature plants like large trees can deliver immediate coverage but may strain your budget. Cheaper, smaller plants save money initially but require patience and possibly more frequent care. Investing in quality, durable plants suited to your environment can pay off over time with less replacement and upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flowering plants to hide my AC unit?
While flowering plants can add visual interest, they generally do not provide the dense, year-round coverage needed to effectively hide an AC unit. Most flowering varieties are deciduous and lose leaves in winter, leaving the unit exposed. For consistent concealment, evergreen shrubs and trees are a more reliable choice, though you can incorporate flowering plants as accents or in surrounding beds for aesthetic appeal.
How tall should my plants be to hide an AC unit?
The ideal height depends on your specific AC unit’s size and position. Generally, plants that reach at least 6-8 feet are effective for full concealment, especially if the unit is installed at ground level. Taller plants provide more coverage but may require more space and maintenance. Measure your unit carefully to choose plants that will adequately hide it without overwhelming your yard.
Are evergreen hedges better than trees for hiding AC units?
Evergreen hedges, such as Privet or Thuja, offer a dense, uniform barrier that can be maintained at a specific height, making them ideal for hiding AC units. Trees like the Green Giant grow quickly and provide a larger visual screen but require more space and can be more expensive initially. The choice depends on your yard size, budget, and desired aesthetic; hedges are more controlled, while trees offer a more natural, expansive look.
How much maintenance is needed for hedges versus ground covers?
Hedges typically require regular trimming to keep their shape and size, especially if you want a neat appearance. Ground covers like Asiatic Jasmine need less pruning but may need occasional trimming to prevent overgrowth and to maintain coverage. Consider your available time and gardening skills when choosing between these options; low-maintenance plants are better suited for busy households.
Can I plant these options in containers instead of in-ground?
Some plants, like Podocarpus or small Thuja varieties, can be grown in containers, which offers flexibility in placement and maintenance. However, container-grown plants may have limited growth and require more frequent watering and fertilizing. For immediate screening, larger potted plants might work temporarily, but for long-term concealment, in-ground planting provides more stability and growth potential.
Conclusion
For those seeking a quick, reliable screening solution, the Thuja Green Giant stands out as the best overall for its rapid growth and dense coverage. Homeowners prioritizing budget and low maintenance may prefer Waxleaf Privet or Asiatic Jasmine, which offer good coverage with less effort. Gardeners with ample space and a desire for a natural look might opt for large trees like the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Tree. Beginners should focus on smaller, easy-care plants, while those with more experience might consider larger, more permanent options for a seamless concealment. Each choice balances size, care, and aesthetic to match different needs and yard conditions.
