Top 5 Fast Growing Privacy Trees: Quick Screening Guide

Do you dream of a backyard oasis, hidden from nosy neighbors and the hustle of the street? Many of us crave that private sanctuary. But waiting years for hedges to grow tall enough feels like an eternity! Choosing the right fast-growing privacy tree solves this problem quickly. The challenge is knowing which trees actually grow fast and look great doing it.

Picking the wrong tree means wasted time and money. Some trees look good but barely grow at all! Others shoot up fast but need constant, fussy care. We understand that frustration. You want quick results without becoming a full-time gardener.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you the absolute best, fastest-growing privacy trees that thrive in your area. You will learn about their care needs, their growth rates, and which ones offer the densest coverage. Get ready to discover your perfect green screen!

Top Fast Growing Privacy Trees Recommendations

No. 1
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack | Privacy Evergreen Arborvitae | Adaptable Lush Green Foliage
  • the thuja green giant is known as the premier. fast growing privacy tree for much of the united states
  • This large privacy evergreen has dense, dark green foliage that smells like christmas trees when the leaves are broken
  • The Thuja grows in a wide bottomed pyramidal shape, and can reach up to 60ft tall and 20ft wide at full maturity. This tree can be pruned to keep it at your desired size.
  • The green giant thrives in zones 5-9, which mean you can grow this almost anywhere in the united states
  • Once established, just watch them grow with little to no maintenance required
No. 2
Willow Hybrid Trees for Privacy - Fast Growing Austree Willow Cuttings (10 Cuttings)
  • Hybrid Willow also known as Aussie Willow are the fastest growing tree on the planet. They can grow 6 feet the first year and 10 feet a year after that. Great for a visual or sound barrier, block nosey neighbors or just grow some fast growing trees.
  • The cuttings arrive 9 inches long and they root easily in just water.
  • Space 2 feet apart in rows. For faster results, grow a second row that is staggered.
  • When the trees arrive place them in a bucket of water 5 inches deep. Prepare a bed with mulch. Plant or push the trees in the ground 6 iches deep. Water them alot, they love water and will grow according to how much water you give them. We water newly planted trees every other day, or use a drip line irrigation.
No. 3
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon | Live Evergreen Tree for Landscaping & Privacy | Grows 3-5 Feet Per Year
  • Cannot Ship TO CA or AZ due to state law. If the delivery address is to CA or AZ, you will receive a request for your order to be cancelled.
  • Achieve rapid privacy with the Thuja Green Giant, growing up to 3 feet per year and reaching a mature size of 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
  • Ideal for various landscaping needs, this evergreen can serve as a single ornamental specimen, a dense screen, or a living frame for your garden.
  • Deer-resistant and adaptable to USDA hardiness zones 5-9, this tree thrives in well-drained soil conditions and maintains its rich, dark green color year-round.
  • Plant in the spring to allow roots to establish before winter, ensuring a strong start with regular watering and mulching during the first year.
No. 4
20 Leyland Cypress Trees - 6-12'' Tall Live Plants - Fast Growing Privacy Screen Seedlings - Evergreen Hedges - Cupressus x leylandii - (20 Pack)
  • For sale are 20 Leyland Cypress trees that are approximately 6-12" tall and shipped in pots
  • LIGHTNING-FAST GROWTH - Watch your privacy appear before your eyes with an impressive 3-4 feet of growth annually, giving you mature-looking results in just a few seasons
  • YEAR-ROUND BEAUTY - Gorgeous green evergreen foliage maintains its rich color through all seasons, providing constant visual appeal and privacy when you need it most
  • INCREDIBLY LOW-MAINTENANCE - Thrives with minimal care once established, requiring only occasional watering and virtually no pruning to maintain its naturally perfect shape
  • VERSATILE LANDSCAPE STAR - Perfect as privacy screens, windbreaks, specimen trees, or dramatic focal points that work beautifully in both formal and casual garden settings
No. 5
10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 inches Tall Trees
  • Shipped as a potted plant in its soil & Container
  • Fast Growing 3 ft per year
  • Very hardy Zones 5 - 9 Evergreen
  • Space 6' - 7' apart for a quick screen
  • Mature Height to 40 Feet Tall 15 Feet wide
No. 6
Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings to Grow – Ultra Fast Growing Privacy Screen – Hedge Willow Living Fences, Windbreaks & Natural Borders (10 Cuttings)
  • 🌿 ULTRA FAST GROWING PRIVACY SCREEN: Green Wall Willow is one of the fastest growing trees available, quickly forming a dense, living wall for privacy, wind protection, and noise reduction.
  • ✂️ EASY TO PLANT FROM CUTTINGS: Place the cutting 2-3 feet apart. Simply plant directly in soil. Willow cuttings root quickly and establish fast, making this an excellent choice for beginners and experienced growers alike.
  • 🌳 DENSE, FULL FOLIAGE FOR MAXIMUM COVERAGE: Thick branching and abundant leaves create a lush green barrier when planted in rows, making it ideal for natural fencing and property borders.
  • 🏡 PERFECT FOR BORDERS, ACREAGE & BACKYARDS:: Ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, farm edges, driveways, and large landscapes. Great alternative to traditional fencing.
  • ❄️ HARDY, LOW MAINTENANCE & RELIABLE: Adaptable to many soil types and climates. Requires minimal care once established and returns year after year.
No. 7
Giant Bamboo Seeds for Planting - 500+ Giant Green Bamboo Seeds Exotic and Fast Growing, Privacy Screen
  • FUN AND SIMPLE: Giant Bamboo is a favorite in the garden or outdoors because of its unique appearance and fast-growing properties!
  • Fast Growing: The fastest growing bamboo for quick privacy or wind protection!
  • Germination tips: Giant Bamboo likes to grow in high temperature, above 80 degrees is the best. Let your sink water be as warm as possible, then fill the cup halfway. Put the seeds in this water and let them soak for up to 24 hours. Then plant in soil.
  • Giant Green Bamboo likes heat to germinate. Above 80 degrees is best for germination.
  • Easy, quick grower in full sun to full shade. No supplemental watering is required after one year.
No. 8
Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings – Fast Growing Privacy & Shade Trees – Easy to Root Live Cuttings – Cold Hardy, High Yield Trees for Screens & Windbreak (5 Cuttings)
  • FAST-GROWING PRIVACY & SHADE TREES: Hybrid willow is one of the fastest growing trees available, capable of growing 8–12 feet per year under ideal conditions. Perfect for privacy screens, windbreaks, shade, and property borders.
  • LIVE, EASY-TO-ROOT CUTTINGS: Freshly cut, dormant hybrid willow cuttings selected for strong rooting and rapid establishment. Simply plant, water, and watch them grow. No greenhouse or special equipment required.
  • PROVEN “PROOF OF LIFE” PERFORMANCE: Visible buds and healthy cambium show active growth potential. Many buyers see rooting and leaf-out within weeks when planted properly.
  • COLD HARDY & ADAPTABLE: Thrives in a wide range of climates and soil types. Cold hardy, drought tolerant once established, and well suited for rural, suburban, and homestead plantings.
  • CLEAR PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED: Space 2 Feet Apart for Privacy Hedge. Simple step-by-step planting guidance included to ensure best success and reduce guesswork for first-time growers.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Fast Growing Privacy Trees

Need a quick green wall for your yard? Fast-growing privacy trees are the answer! They shoot up fast, giving you shade and seclusion sooner. This guide helps you pick the best ones for your space.

1. Key Features to Look For

When shopping for privacy trees, focus on these important traits:

  • Growth Rate: This is crucial! Look for trees that grow at least 2 to 3 feet per year. Faster is better if you want privacy fast.
  • Density and Foliage: You want thick leaves that block the view all year. Evergreen trees usually offer better year-round screening than deciduous ones.
  • Mature Size: Know how tall and wide the tree gets. A tree that grows fast but ends up too big for your yard causes problems later.
  • Hardiness Zone: Make sure the tree can handle the winters and summers where you live. Check the USDA Hardiness Zone map.

2. Important Materials (What Makes Up the Tree)

When you buy a tree, you are buying living material. Its starting quality matters a lot.

Source of the Tree
  • Bare Root: These are cheaper. They have no soil around the roots. They need careful planting but establish well if done right.
  • Balled and Burlapped (B&B): These are larger trees with soil wrapped in burlap. They transplant better but cost more.
  • Container Grown: These are potted trees. They are easy to plant any time of year, but you must check if the roots are spiraling inside the pot (root-bound).

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of your privacy screen depends on how the tree was grown and how you treat it.

Quality Boosters:
  • Healthy, green leaves show good nutrition.
  • A straight central trunk means good structure.
  • A strong, fibrous root ball (if B&B or container) shows it can handle transplanting.
Quality Reducers:
  • If roots are circling tightly in the pot, the tree might struggle later.
  • Damage to the main leader (top) can cause uneven growth.
  • Foliage that looks yellow or spotted suggests disease or nutrient deficiency.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about why you need the tree. This shapes your final decision.

Common Use Cases:
  • Lot Line Screening: If you need to block neighbors, choose tall, narrow varieties.
  • Noise Reduction: Dense foliage helps dampen sound. Thicker trees work better for this.
  • Windbreaks: Trees planted in staggered rows offer the best wind protection.

A great user experience means the tree survives easily and reaches privacy height quickly. Choosing the right tree for your soil type (clay, sand, loam) makes maintenance much easier. Nobody wants to fight their trees every year!


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fast Growing Privacy Trees

Q: How fast is “fast growing”?

A: Generally, fast-growing means the tree puts on 2 feet or more of height each year under good conditions.

Q: What is the best fast growing privacy tree for full sun?

A: Many popular choices like the Leyland Cypress or certain types of Arborvitae thrive in full sun locations.

Q: Do I need to prune fast growing trees right away?

A: Light pruning when first planted helps direct energy to root growth. Heavy pruning should wait until the tree is established.

Q: Can these trees handle heavy shade?

A: Some varieties, like certain Hemlocks, handle shade better, but most fast privacy screens prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Q: Are fast growing trees more expensive?

A: Often, yes. Because they reach a larger size quicker, the initial cost for larger specimens is higher than for slower growing varieties.

Q: What is the ideal spacing between trees for privacy?

A: Spacing depends on the mature width of the species. A good rule is to plant them half the mature width apart to ensure they touch and blend their foliage.

Q: Can I use fast growing trees near a septic system or foundation?

A: Read the mature root spread! Trees with aggressive root systems should be planted far away from pipes and buildings.

Q: What does “evergreen” mean for privacy?

A: Evergreen means the tree keeps its leaves all year, providing continuous visual screening through winter.

Q: How much water do these trees need after planting?

A: They need consistent, deep watering, especially during the first one or two growing seasons, to help those fast roots settle in.

Q: Are there any fast growing privacy trees that stay small?

A: Most trees that grow very fast tend to get very tall. You must look for specific dwarf or columnar cultivars if you need height without extreme width.