Trees offer countless benefits to the environment, property value, and energy bills. Planting fast-growing trees for privacy not only creates a natural screen but also reduces noise pollution and enhances air quality.
Fast-growing trees can achieve significant height and density in less than 15 years, making them ideal for quick privacy solutions. However, a plant that thrives in Alaska might not do well in California. That’s why we’ve provided a list based on hardiness zones.
Let’s jump right in!
What You Need to Know About Fast-Growing Privacy Trees
Fast-growing trees or shrubs grow over 2 feet per year, creating a dense fence around your property in less than 5 years. While evergreens are the most common choice for privacy screens, some deciduous plants like bald cypress and Lombardy poplar are suitable for dry areas.
Unlike slow-growing trees, fast-growers are more prone to breakage from storms and have a limited lifespan. So, routine maintenance through pruning is essential to reduce the risk of storm damage.
For optimum privacy, you need to give fast-growing trees the right spacing. Also, you should keep the trees away from utility lines to minimize damage if the branches or trunks break.
With over 73,000 tree species worldwide, choosing the right one for your yard is an uphill. Our team has taken the time to understand different fast-growing trees and shrubs for each zone.
Fast-growing Trees and Shrubs for Privacy in Different Zones
| Tree | Hardiness Zone | Mature Height (ft) | Annual Growth (ft/yr) |
| Lombardy Poplar | 3-9 | 70 | 5-6 |
| Leyland Cypress | 6-10 | 60 | 3-5 |
| Giant Green Arborvitae | 5-8 | 60 | 3-5 |
| Green Giant Thuja | 5-9 | 60 | 3-5 |
| Nellie Stevens Holly | 5-9 | 25 | 2-3 |
| Blue Douglas Fir | 4-7 | 70 | 2-3 |
| Cottonwood | 3-9 | 70 | 3-4 |
| Dawn Redwood | 4-8 | 80 | 2-3 |
| Maple | 3-9 | 100 | 2 |
| Bald Cypress | 4-10 | 100 | 2-3 |
| Glossy Abelia | 6-9 | 8 | 2 |
| Italian Cypress | 7-10 | 115 | 2-3 |
| Wax Myrtle | 7-10 | 25 | 3-5 |
| Chinese Tallow | 8-10 | 35 | 2 |
| Tulip Tree | 4-9 | 115 | 2-3 |
| Deodar Cedar | 7-9 | 150 | 3-4 |
| Areca Palm | 10-11 | 8 | 2 |
Although there are 13 plant hardiness zones, the United States falls within Zone 2 through 10. This means that the regions in the country experience between -50℉ and +40℉.
According to the USDA plant hardiness map, most regions are within Zones 5, 6, 7, and 8. Fortunately, most fast-growing trees for privacy do well within these temperatures.
Zone 1, 2, and 3
These regions have average low temperatures ranging between -60℉ and -30℉. Alaska is the primary state within this zone and a few sections of northern states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana. Plants that grow in these zones must be exceptionally hardy to withstand extreme cold and often harsh winds.
1. Lombardy Poplar
Although considered invasive in some regions, this deciduous privacy screen tree is ideal for cold areas. Lombardy poplar can grow at a rate of 6 feet per year to as high as 70 feet when mature. The tree is also ideal as a windbreaker at a spacing of 6-8 feet.
Zone 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Most states in the US fall within these zones. The lowest temperature average is between -30℉ and +20℉. Most fast-growing plants do well in these areas because the temperatures are favorable. Here are some of the best fast-growing privacy trees for zones 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
2. Leyland Cypress
This is one of the best options when looking for a fast-growing plant for privacy from neighbors. The deep green and feathery foliage creates a dense screen and formidable windbreaker. They grow up to 60 feet at a rate of 3-5 feet annually. Leylands symmetrical shape creates a harmonious hedge that is easy to trim and train.
3. Green Giant Arborvitae
This crossbreed between Thuja standishii and plicata is renowned for its pyramid-like structure and needle-like leaves. The tree grows at a rate of 3-5 feet per year to around 60 feet when mature. Green giant arborvitae creates a partial shade but a compact screen at the base. It does well in zones 5 to 8, where the soil is well-drained and has moderate pH.
4. Green Giant Thuja
Thujas are excellent privacy screen trees, thanks to their soft and feathery foliage. The trees require minimum maintenance because they are resistant to wild animals, pests, and diseases. They need 5 feet spacing for a dense hedge that can block wind and sound. Thujas do well in zone 5 to 9 and achieve a height of 60 feet when mature.
5. Nellie Stevens Holly
This plant is not only good for your privacy but also an attraction to birds and butterflies. The red berries and glossy leaves radiate in the sunlight, creating a beautiful blend of color and vibrance in your garden. Nellie Stevens Holly reach 25 feet in maturity and do well in zones 5 to 9.
6. Blue Douglas Fir
This evergreen and fast-growing tree for privacy can withstand winter cold and summer drought. Its pyramid structure creates a uniform landscape that has a blue-green appeal. It does well in zones 4 to 7.
7. Cottonwood
Cottonwoods grow along rivers and other moist places. They are renowned for their weak and brittle wood, which exposes them to damage in heavy storms. The trees grow at a rate of 3-4 feet per year to 70 feet when mature. Cottonwoods are not the best option if you want to keep a clean yard because they are messy and prone to pests and diseases.
8. Dawn Redwood
This is one of the privacy trees that grow fast to a mature height of up to 80 feet. Dawn redwood provides a natural privacy screen, allowing birds and deer access to your yard. So, it is ideal for huge residential properties with enough space for the 25-foot branch span. The trees thrive in most soils in zone 4 to 8. Not to mention that they are also luxurious due to the red and brown shades in autumn.
9. Silver and Red Maple
Silver maple is a giant tree that can reach up to 100 feet in height. They are renowned for their shade from the extensive branches. Unfortunately, these trees have weak branches and shallow roots, making them less suitable for storm-prone areas. Red maples are less extensive and have stunning foliage in fall. The two species do well in zones 3 to 9.
10. Bald Cypress
These deciduous conifers can grow up to 100 feet tall and are adapted to wet areas. They shed their leaves in fall to expose the attractive reddish-brown bark. Bald cypress is used to restore wetlands because they can survive standing water. The needle-like foliage turns russet red in late fall and has an attractive scent.
11. Glossy Abelia
Abelia is one of the best options for a fast-growing shrub for privacy. Apart from being drought tolerant, this plant is also deer resistant. The pink and white flowers add a soft touch of color and charm, enhancing the appeal of any landscape. Abelia can grow up to 8 feet and does well in zones 6 to 9.
Zone 9 and 10
These are mostly the southern regions of the US, which experience the lowest temperatures between 20℉ and 40℉ during winter. Some states within this range are coastal California, south Florida, Texas, and Los Angeles.
12. Italian Cypress
These trees have a slender and tall structure, making them ideal for a uniform hedge when closely spaced. Italian cypress is drought-resistant and maintains green foliage throughout the year. Mature trees can reach up to 115 feet with a width of less than 5 feet.
13. Wax Myrtle
These fast-growing plants for privacy are not only a sight to behold but also a pleasant aroma to your nose. Wax myrtles form a dense hedge when planted in groups to make your space feel secure. Its berries are food to birds, and the foliage is attractive to them. With a growth rate of 3-5 feet per year, the plant takes around 5 years to reach its maturity height of less than 25 feet.
14. Chinese Tallow Tree
Chinese tallow is highly adapted to dry climates and drought seasons. The fast-growing privacy screen tree withstands the conditions of zones 8 to 10. However, you need to plant it in your backyard and away from patios and pools because it sheds leaves throughout the year.
15. Tulip Tree
If you are looking for cheap, fast-growing privacy trees, you can’t go wrong with the tulip tree. The plant has tiny orange and white flowers, contributing to your yard’s aesthetics. Tulip trees can reach a maximum height of 250 feet, growing at a rate of 2-3 feet per year. Tulips can survive in areas with well-drained soils in Zone 4-9.
16. Deodar Cedar
The drooping branches and pyramid shape make this fast-growing conifer ideal for your hedge. Deodar cedar thrives in the US Pacific Coast, which falls under Zone 7-9. Some species grow as tall as 250 feet, although the average height is around 50 feet.
Zone 11, 12, and 13
Puerto Rico is the main state under this zone. The lowest temperature during winter for Zone 11, 12, and 13 is between 45℉ and 70℉.
17. Areca Palm
Palms are renowned for their ability to withstand extremely hot conditions requiring minimal water. Areca Palm does well in Zone 10 and 11. They grow for up to 8 feet at a rate of 2 feet per year. The plants produce small, yellow, inconspicuous flowers below the fronds.
Conclusion
Finding fast-growing trees for your privacy is overwhelming when you don’t have a reliable supplier. Our arborists will help you to choose a suitable shrub or tree for your yard for maximum privacy screening. You can also consider the trees we have provided on this list.
FAQs
How fast do privacy trees grow?
Most privacy trees grow at a rate of 2 to 6 feet per year, depending on the species. The favorable climatic conditions also affect the speed of growth.
When is the best time to plant a fast-growing tree?
Spring and fall are the best seasons to plant trees because the weather is favorable. During these seasons, the temperatures are mild, and the soil is moist, allowing roots to establish before summer heat or winter frost.
What spacing is recommended when planting fast-growing trees for privacy?
For privacy, fast-growing trees should be spaced 6 to 12 feet apart, depending on the species and desired density. Closer spacing creates a faster screen but requires thinning as trees mature. Adequate spacing promotes healthy growth by reducing competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, ensuring a robust, lasting barrier.
