What are some fast-growing evergreen trees suitable for creating privacy screens?

Several evergreen trees are known for their rapid growth and dense foliage, making them ideal for privacy screens. Some popular choices include Green Giant Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, Norway Spruce, Italian Cypress and Eastern White Pine. These trees can establish a visual barrier relatively quickly.

How quickly will these evergreen trees grow to provide effective privacy?

The growth rate varies by species, but some fast-growing evergreens can grow up to 3-5 feet per year. With such rapid growth, a decent privacy screen can be established within a few years, depending on the initial size of the trees at planting.

What are the ideal planting conditions for fast-growing evergreen privacy trees?

Most evergreen trees thrive in full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and well-drained soil. It is important to research the specific needs of the chosen species, including soil pH and moisture requirements, to ensure optimal growth and health.

What kind of maintenance do these evergreen trees require?

Generally, evergreen trees need regular watering, especially during the first two years after planting. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Pruning may be needed to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches and fertilization is recommended in early spring.

Are there any evergreen trees that are deer-resistant and fast-growing?

Yes, several fast-growing evergreen trees offer good deer resistance. Some options include the Thuja Green Giant, Carolina Sapphire Cypress, and Norway Spruce. While no tree is entirely deer-proof, these varieties are less likely to be heavily damaged by deer browsing.

Fast Privacy Trees

By Home Sidekick Team June 13, 2025 8 min read 1584 words

evergreentreesprivacyfast-growinggardenlandscape design

Creating a private backyard oasis is a dream for many homeowners. Whether you're trying to block out noisy neighbors, shield yourself from prying eyes, or simply want to create a more secluded and peaceful outdoor space, the right trees can make all the difference. Choosing fast-growing evergreen trees offers a quicker solution compared to slower-growing options, allowing you to enjoy your privacy sooner. This article will explore some of the best fast privacy trees, offering practical advice and tips for planting and maintaining them.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Privacy Trees?

Patience is a virtue, but when it comes to privacy, many of us prefer a quicker fix. Fast-growing privacy trees offer several advantages:

Rapid Screening: They establish a privacy screen much faster than slow-growing varieties, often within a few years.
Increased Property Value: A well-landscaped yard with mature trees can significantly increase property value.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond privacy, trees add beauty and character to your landscape.
Environmental Benefits: Trees help to clean the air, provide shade, and support local wildlife.

However, it's important to note that fast growth often comes with trade-offs. These trees may require more frequent pruning and maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best. Additionally, some fast-growing species can be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Choosing the right tree for your specific climate and soil conditions is crucial.

Top Fast-Growing Privacy Trees

Here are some of the best fast-growing evergreen trees for creating a privacy screen:

Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

The Leyland Cypress is perhaps the most popular choice for fast privacy. It can grow 3-5 feet per year, quickly forming a dense, tall screen. They typically reach heights of 60-70 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet.

Pros: Extremely fast growth, dense foliage, adaptable to various soil types.
Cons: Susceptible to certain diseases (like Cypress Canker) in humid climates. Requires regular pruning to maintain shape and density.
Growing Zones: 6-10
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil. Provide adequate spacing to allow for air circulation. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Prune annually to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Monitor for signs of disease and treat promptly.

Actionable Advice: Be mindful of spacing when planting Leyland Cypress. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and increase the risk of disease. Consider planting a disease-resistant cultivar if you live in a humid area. Always research the best location for the tree, ensuring they will not interfere with power lines or neighboring properties as they mature.

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant')

The Green Giant Arborvitae is another excellent option, known for its vigorous growth and disease resistance. It grows 3-5 feet per year, reaching a mature height of 50-60 feet with a spread of 12-18 feet. It's less prone to disease than the Leyland Cypress.

Pros: Fast growth, excellent disease resistance, deer resistant, maintains its green color year-round.
Cons: Can be expensive.
Growing Zones: 5-9
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during establishment. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Minimal pruning is needed.

Actionable Advice: Green Giant Arborvitae is a relatively low-maintenance tree. However, it's important to provide adequate water during the first few years to help it establish a strong root system. Amend the soil with compost at the time of planting.

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green')

For a narrower privacy screen, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a great choice. It grows 1-2 feet per year, reaching a mature height of 10-15 feet with a spread of 3-4 feet. It forms a dense, compact column of foliage.

Pros: Narrow growth habit, excellent for tight spaces, maintains its green color year-round.
Cons: Slower growth rate compared to Leyland Cypress and Green Giant. Can be susceptible to spider mites in hot, dry conditions.
Growing Zones: 3-7
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Protect from strong winds. Monitor for spider mites and treat as needed.

Actionable Advice: Emerald Green Arborvitae is ideal for creating a formal privacy hedge. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to create a continuous screen. Prune minimally to maintain its shape.

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

The Italian Cypress is a classic choice for adding a touch of Mediterranean elegance to your landscape. It has a very narrow, upright growth habit, reaching a mature height of 40-60 feet with a spread of only 3-5 feet. It grows about 3-5 feet a year, depending on the conditions.

Pros: Very narrow growth habit, drought tolerant, elegant appearance.
Cons: Not as cold-hardy as other options. Can be susceptible to spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Requires well-drained soil.
Growing Zones: 7-10
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil. Provide full sun. Water sparingly once established. Protect from strong winds. Monitor for spider mites and treat as needed.

Actionable Advice: Italian Cypress is best suited for warmer climates. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Stake young trees to provide support and protect them from wind damage.

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

While not as dense as some other evergreens, the Eastern White Pine offers a softer, more natural look. It's a fast-growing tree, growing 2-3 feet per year, reaching a mature height of 50-80 feet with a spread of 20-40 feet.

Pros: Fast growth, attractive needles, provides habitat for wildlife, relatively low maintenance.
Cons: Can be susceptible to white pine blister rust. Requires ample space. Not as dense as other evergreens.
Growing Zones: 3-8
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil. Provide full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, especially during establishment. Prune to remove dead or diseased branches.

Actionable Advice: Eastern White Pine is a good choice for larger properties where you have ample space. Choose a disease-resistant variety if you live in an area where white pine blister rust is common. Also consider planting a mix of trees as advised by extension services such as PennState Extension.

Planting and Care Tips for Fast Privacy Trees

Proper planting and care are essential for ensuring the health and longevity of your fast privacy trees. Here are some key tips:

Choose the Right Location: Consider the tree's mature size and ensure it has enough space to grow without interfering with power lines, buildings, or neighboring properties. Check sunlight requirements.
Prepare the Soil: Most privacy trees prefer well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Plant Properly: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any circling roots. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping gently. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water Regularly: Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first few years, to help the tree establish a strong root system.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilize: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
Prune Regularly: Prune annually to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote dense growth.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of pests or diseases. Treat promptly to prevent serious damage. Contact your local extension office for assistance with identifying and treating pests and diseases.

Designing Your Privacy Screen

Consider these design tips to create an effective and attractive privacy screen:

Mix and Match: Combine different types of trees and shrubs to create a more diverse and visually appealing screen.
Stagger Planting: Staggering the planting of your trees will provide a denser screen more quickly.
Consider Height: Choose trees that will reach the desired height for your privacy screen.
Add Understory Plants: Plant shrubs and groundcovers at the base of your trees to fill in any gaps and create a more complete screen.
Use Evergreens and Deciduous Trees: Combine evergreens for year-round privacy with deciduous trees for seasonal interest.

Addressing Common Problems

Even with proper care, fast privacy trees can sometimes encounter problems. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Disease: Many fast-growing evergreens are susceptible to fungal diseases, especially in humid climates. Choose disease-resistant varieties and provide good air circulation to prevent disease. Treat infected trees with a fungicide.
Pests: Spider mites, aphids, and other pests can infest privacy trees. Monitor regularly and treat with an insecticide or horticultural oil.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Yellowing or stunted growth can indicate a nutrient deficiency. Perform a soil test to determine which nutrients are lacking and amend the soil accordingly.
Water Stress: Wilting or browning foliage can indicate water stress. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
Winter Damage: Evergreen trees can be susceptible to winter burn, especially in cold, windy climates. Protect trees with burlap or anti-desiccant sprays.

Conclusion: Create Your Private Oasis Today

Fast privacy trees offer a quick and effective way to create a secluded and enjoyable backyard space. By choosing the right trees for your climate and soil conditions, and by providing proper planting and care, you can establish a beautiful and functional privacy screen that will enhance your property for years to come. Evaluate your goals, select your trees, and get planting.

Next Steps:

Research local nurseries and garden centers to find the best selection of fast privacy trees.
Contact your local extension office for advice on choosing the right trees for your area.
Create a planting plan and gather the necessary tools and materials.
Get planting and start enjoying your private oasis!