Question
Other than Arborvities (more along the Giant Thuja or Leyland Cyprus) I am looking for a hearty QUICK growing shrub or hedge that will do well in NJ.  I want to create a privacy fence & block my neighbors from looking over their fence into my yard especially since he built a 4 foot hig heck around his above ground pool right next to the fence line.

Heart, Dense, Evergreen & grows quickly in a couple of years to a height of 10-15 feet but not more than 25 feet.

I am leaning towards the Leyland Cyprus but was curious as to what you would suggest.

Thank you,
Adam

Answer
Leylands area good, but can get large - 80 ft, at up to 10 ft./year!  Good news is that you can sheer it, to keep it compact.  It is a genetic cross between a Monterey Cypress & Alaska/Nootka Cedar - and the branches are succeptible to breakage from heavy, wet snow...NJ gets that sometimes.  Makes a lovely Christmas tree.

Other options may include: the Thuja - there are some varieties that don't get so large/tall like the 'Rheingold', or 'Emerald', Juniper, or Pine.

Junipers-
J. chinensis 'Pfitzerana' (to 8' ht.), J.c. Hetzii (15'), J. sabina (10'), or J. scopulorum 'Green Ice' (15'x10').  The California Juniper (J. california) can be thick & shrubby, but may not be available in New Jersey.

Pines-
Pinus species.  Availability really depends on your area, but here are some we use here in a very dry zone 7, and will stay below the magic 25-30 ft. - Bristlecone, Calabrian (P. brutia), Shore (P. contorta), & Aleppo Pines.

You may also consider the slower but more hearty Yew (Taxus), which can be transplanted even when quite large, so you can have an "instant" screen, even if it grows slower than the Leyland or pines, above.  It also takes formal hedge trimming rather well to keep it below 25 ft.

They Yew's fruit & foliage are toxic to kids & pets if they eat LOTS of it (more than just a nibble). Only females produce berries & only if there is a male nearby.  Lots of varieties to choose from, if you don't raise billygoats or mouthy kids!

Hope it helps. ~Marc