Whether you’re a homeowner seeking solitude or a landscaper designing an outdoor retreat, privacy trees are among the most effective and attractive solutions for creating natural barriers. These trees offer year-round screening from neighbors, roadways, and unwanted noise, while enhancing your property’s green appeal. For those prioritizing fast growth, selecting the right species ensures privacy without waiting several years for full maturity.
Below is a curated list of the top fast-growing privacy trees that are popular across climates for their density, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance.
Why Choose Privacy Trees Over Fencing?
Before we explore specific options, it’s worth noting why many choose living hedges instead of traditional fencing:
- Natural aesthetics: Lush greenery integrates seamlessly into the landscape.
- Noise buffering: Trees reduce sound pollution more effectively than plain fences.
- Environmental benefits: Trees improve air quality and support biodiversity.
- Property value: Mature privacy hedges often add curb appeal and resale value.
Fast-growing privacy trees also provide seasonal changes in color and texture, making your outdoor area dynamic and inviting.
1. Thuja Green Giant
Ideal for large spaces, Thuja Green Giant is one of the fastest-growing evergreens, reaching up to 3 feet per year.
- Dense foliage creates a thick, tall hedge
- Tolerates heat, humidity, and light frost
- Low-maintenance once established
Its pyramidal shape makes it perfect for structured hedging.
2. Leyland Cypress
Known for its rapid vertical growth and feathery foliage, the Leyland Cypress quickly forms a wall of greenery.
- Grows up to 4 feet per year
- Withstands a wide range of soil types
- Requires occasional trimming to manage height
This variety thrives in full sun and is ideal for long property borders.
3. Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar offers not only privacy but also drought tolerance and seasonal interest with its berry-like cones.
- Tough and adaptable to poor soil
- Provides shelter and food for wildlife
- Resistant to most pests and diseases
Its bluish-green hue adds depth to privacy rows.
4. Italian Cypress
If you’re seeking vertical elegance, Italian Cypress is a tall, narrow tree that works well in tighter spaces.
- Grows up to 3 feet annually
- Adds a Mediterranean charm to landscapes
- Ideal for lining driveways or creating formal screens
Its upright shape requires little pruning and stands well against wind.
5. Nellie R. Stevens Holly
A dense, glossy-leafed holly that functions excellently as a privacy hedge, Nellie R. Stevens is both ornamental and functional.
- Moderate to fast growth (2–3 feet per year)
- Produces bright red berries in winter
- Tolerates urban conditions and partial shade
Its compact form needs less frequent pruning than some other options.
6. Bamboo (Clumping Varieties Only)
When managed properly, clumping bamboo can form a beautiful living wall with rapid results.
- Grows fast, often several feet per year
- Non-invasive clumping varieties are ideal for hedging
- Provides a tropical look and sound buffering
It’s best suited for modern gardens or as a privacy screen near patios.
7. Wax Myrtle
A fragrant and fast-growing option, Wax Myrtle offers privacy along with aromatic foliage that repels insects.
- Adapts to wet and dry soils
- Grows about 2–3 feet yearly
- Requires minimal upkeep once mature
It’s particularly useful in coastal or humid regions.
Bonus Idea: Combine Privacy and Yield with Fruit Trees
While not traditional privacy trees, select fruit trees like apple, pear, or fig can be trained into espalier or dense forms along fences. This dual-purpose approach allows you to enjoy shade, screening, and seasonal produce—all from one planting solution. With careful planning and proper pruning, fruit trees can offer beauty and functionality in privacy-focused landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Fast-growing privacy trees are more than just a way to hide unwanted views—they’re an investment in your home’s character, ecosystem, and comfort. With so many species offering rapid growth, dense foliage, and year-round appeal, creating a living privacy screen is both achievable and rewarding.
Select trees that align with your climate, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance goals to ensure a thriving, private outdoor space for years to come.
