How to Grow a Backyard Citrus Hedge (Privacy + Fruit!)

Need to block a nosy neighbour’s view without sacrificing your backyard? A citrus hedge might be your answer.

Unlike traditional screening plants like Lilly Pillies or Bottlebrush, citrus hedges deliver privacy and an abundance of fresh fruit — all while thriving in most Australian backyards.

South Australian gardening expert Jon Lamb says citrus trees adapt surprisingly well to hedging, especially when training starts early.

“Hedging is a very effective way to grow citrus in a small garden,” Lamb explains in his Good Gardening email. “It’s all to do with the way citrus trees produce their fruit, which is on branches that have grown during the previous season.”

What is a citrus hedge?

A citrus hedge is a row of citrus trees planted close together (2–3 metres apart) and pruned regularly to create a thick, uniform screen.

You can grow them free-standing like a traditional hedge, or train them flat against a fence or trellis — similar to espalier.

Why choose citrus over other screening plants?

Citrus hedges offer several advantages:

Fruit production — Lemons, limes, oranges and cumquats, all from your privacy screen

Pollinator-friendly — Citrus flowers attract bees and beneficial insects

Fast establishment — Quicker than ornamentals like evergreen magnolias

Compact growth — Perfect for small Australian backyards

Climate versatility — Thrive across most Australian regions

Traditional screening plants like Lilly Pillies establish faster and require less maintenance, but they don’t produce edible fruit.

orange citrus hedge

Best citrus varieties for hedging in Australia

The best citrus plants for hedging in Australia include:

Tahitian lime – fast-growing, dense, productive

Valencia orange – classic foliage and good screening

Cumquats (Nagami, Marumi) – compact and ideal for small gardens

Calamondins – decorative, hardy and tolerant

Lemons – especially Meyer and Eureka, which hedge beautifully

Lemons and limes prefer warm areas. Mandarins and oranges are better suited to cooler regions.

Plant multiple varieties for year-round harvests. Most citrus trees take 2–3 years to establish and begin fruiting.

How to grow a citrus hedge (step-by-step)

How to grow a citrus hedge: Step-by-step

Choose your spot
Select a location with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid areas with plants that compete for moisture and nutrients.

Space correctly
Plant trees 2–3 metres apart for dense screening.

Prepare the soil
Citrus have shallow, non-invasive roots. Dig holes 2–3 times the root ball size. Backfill with quality soil and compost.

Plant strategically
If using a trellis, face branches away from the wall initially — you’ll train them back later.

Mulch and water
Water thoroughly after planting. Add mulch, keeping it 10cm away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Train early
Tie flexible branches horizontally along wires or trellis. Lightly trim tops and sides to encourage bushy growth.

Espaliered citrus vs free-standing hedge

Espalier: Trees trained flat against a fence — saves space, looks formal

Free-standing: Row of trees pruned into a hedge shape — traditional screening appearance

Both work well. Choose based on your space and aesthetic preference.

Citrus hedge blocking neighbour's view with oranges growing

How to care for a citrus hedge

Citrus trees are heavy feeders that prefer consistently moist (not wet) soil.

Pruning: Trim individual branches to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning all at once — it affects next year’s crop.

Fertilising: Use nitrogen-based fertiliser in year one for leafy growth. Fertilise every 2–3 months from September to April using citrus-specific fertiliser.

Watering: Keep soil moist, especially during hot weather.

Cold protection: In cooler climates, grow against north-facing walls or move potted trees indoors during winter.

Common citrus hedge problems (and solutions)

Despite being relatively easy to grow, citrus plants can be affected by pests and diseases.

The best defence? Keep trees healthy by regularly watering and applying citrus-specific fertiliser during the growing season.

Common issues include:

Each requires specific treatment — from preventative oil sprays and organic solutions to pruning infected growth or using copper-based fungicides.

The bottom line

A citrus hedge takes 2–3 years to establish fully, but the payoff is worth it: natural privacy screening, fresh fruit, and a beautiful backyard feature that works hard year-round.

Writer

Livia Gamble

Senior Digital Content Producer

With a Bachelor’s degree in communications and over a decade of industry experience, Livia is a seasoned content producer and editor who has a knack for crafting articles brimming with helpful information you never knew you needed (but you do). She has covered various topics, from home decor and gardening to health and wellness, showcasing her versatility and expertise. Livia’s writing has been featured in publications such as the lifestyle section of the Sydney Morning Herald. Additionally, she has worked as a content editor for various parenting and lifestyle brands, including Babyology and Essential Kids. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found crocheting ponchos and attempting to master the perfect homemade pizza dough.

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