We consider privacy trees that can grow 2 feet or more per year to be fast-growing. These trees can be planted closely together to quickly form fast growing hedges, privacy screens, windbreaks, and sound barriers. A majority of these trees are evergreen, but there are deciduous privacy trees like the Lombardy Poplar.
For the coldest climates in the US, the Lombardy Poplar is your best bet for rapid privacy. This deciduous tree does lose its leaves, but it has close, dense branches that offer coverage throughout winter. This tree grows insanely fast, easily growing at a rate of 5 to 6 feet per year or more! The Blue Douglas Fir is a great option for Zone 4. Plant this tree in spring or summer in this area for best results.
The best Fast Growing Privacy Trees for zone 6 are Lombardy Poplar, Blue Douglas Fir, Green Giant Thuja, Cryptomeria Radicans, and Carolina Sapphire Cypress. These fast growing trees make excellent privacy screens and windbreaks.
Fast Growing Privacy Trees for Zone 7
Most of our fast growing privacy trees can grow in zone 7. If you are zone 7a (the colder part) look to trees that are recommended for zone 6 for the most cold hardy options. This means a harsh winter in your zone won’t affect your tree as much. Carolina Sapphire (Arizona) Cypress, Cryptomeria Radicans, Thuja Green Giant, Lombardy Poplar, Nellie Stevens Holly, and Leyland Cypress are fast growing trees that grow well anywhere within Zone 7. Italian Cypress and Wax Myrtles will perform best in zone 7b.
Fast Growing Privacy Trees for Zone 8
All of our Fast Growing Privacy Trees grow in zone 8. Choose the Italian Cypress to add some drama and narrow height to tight spots in your landscape. Carolina Sapphire Cypress, Cryptomeria Radicans, Thuja Green Giant, and Wax Myrtle offer fast growing deer resistant privacy. The Leyland Cypress, Deodar Cedar, and Nellie Stevens Holly can easily take the heat and drought of zone 8 and zone 9.
Fast Growing Privacy Tree
Growth Rate (ft/yr)
Grow Zones
Mature Height (ft)
Mature Width(ft)
Spacing (ft)
Deer Resistant
Blue Douglas Fir
2-3
4 to 7
70
15-20
8-10
X
Carolina Sapphire Cypress
3-4
5 to 9
20-30
15
6-8
X
Cryptomeria Radicans
3-5
5 to 9
30-40
15-20
8-10
X
Deodar Cedar
2-3
7 to 9
70
20-40
10-15
X
Italian Cypress
2-3
7 to 10
50
3-5
3-4
-
Leyland Cypress
3-5
6-10
40-60
15
5-10
-
Lombardy Poplar
5-6
3-9
40-60
10-12
6-8
-
Nellie Stevens Holly
2-3
6-9
25
8-10
5-6
-
Thuja Green Giant
3-5
5-9
40-60
10-15
5-8
X
Wax Myrtle
3-5
7 to 10
15-20
6-10
5-6
X
FEATURED VIDEO
What You Need To Know Our Privacy Trees
Watch this video for information on our most popular privacy trees including Thuja Green Giant, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Nellie Stevens Holly, Leyland Cypress, Wax Myrtle, and Blue Point Juniper. We share tips on care, spacing, and getting the fastest privacy as well as information on growing zones, growth rate, and more.
What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.
What are the best low-maintenance shrubs for privacy? Once these shrubs are well-established, they are the best low-maintenance selections for a privacy hedge: Boxwoods, Arborvitae, and Schip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis').
Outstanding shrubs for privacy include Viburnums, Buckeye, Weigelas, and the taller Hydrangeas. Good medium to large deciduous screening trees include Carolina Silverbell, Kousa Dogwood, and Maples. Grasses and tall perennials make fun, unique hedges, but must be cut down once a year in spring.
Use a privacy hedge to border your property or strategically place it to block your neighbor's view. Surround just your patio with shrubs as well, including boxwood or dwarf lilac, to add additional screening and interest.
It certainly is not rude if it is on your property. If the neighbors think it's rude then they are too nosy. Update: In fact, if the neighbors are not being truly nosy, If it was me I would be happy my private neighbors were paying the bill for all the large trees to protect my own privacy.
Arborvitae. One of the most popular and effective shrubs for screening or tall hedge use. Perfect for a formal, shaped hedge or a tall screen of naturally narrow trees (above). This narrow, pyramidal evergreen has dense foliage that holds its color throughout winter.
Yew. The tree of immortality, some ancient specimens of yew (Taxus spp.) have lived for thousands of years. In evergreen landscaping, yews are often used as hedges and foundation plantings. The dark green foliage and colorful red berries are a welcome sight in winter, and birds love the shelter of yews, too.
Superior hybrid poplar trees are an excellent choice for anyone trying to grow a shade tree or living privacy screen quickly. These towering trees can grow 5-8 feet per year until reaching a maximum height of around 50 feet.
American Arborvitae or Thuja Occidentalis is a great choice for those in cold regions (it is hardy to zone 2!) who want a fast-growing privacy hedge. It will get tall quickly and form a very dense screen with consistent pruning.
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