17 Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy (By Zone)
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.
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. Unlike slow-growing varieties, fast-growers are more susceptible to storm damage and have shorter lifespans. Routine maintenance through pruning helps mitigate these risks.
Proper spacing is essential for optimal privacy screening. Trees should be positioned away from utility lines to minimize damage from potential branch or trunk failure. With over 73,000 tree species worldwide, selecting the right option for your yard requires careful consideration.
Fast-Growing Trees and Shrubs for Privacy in Different Zones
Zone 1, 2, and 3
These regions experience average low temperatures between -60°F and -30°F, including Alaska and northern sections of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana.
Lombardy Poplar — Although considered invasive in some regions, this deciduous option grows 6 feet annually, reaching 70 feet at maturity. It works well as a windbreaker when spaced 6–8 feet apart.
Zone 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Most U.S. states fall within these zones, experiencing lows between -30°F and +20°F.
Leyland Cypress — One of the best privacy options, this tree reaches 60 feet while growing 3–5 feet yearly. Its deep green, feathery foliage creates a dense screen and effective windbreak. The symmetrical shape makes trimming straightforward.
Green Giant Arborvitae — A crossbreed between two species, this pyramid-structured tree grows 3–5 feet annually to 60 feet. It performs well in zones 5–8 with well-drained, moderately-pH soil, creating partial shade and compact screening at the base.
Green Giant Thuja — These trees feature soft, feathery foliage and require minimal maintenance due to resistance against wildlife, pests, and diseases. Spacing of 5 feet produces a dense hedge. They thrive in zones 5–9 and reach 60 feet.
Nellie Stevens Holly — Beyond privacy, this plant attracts birds and butterflies with red berries and glossy leaves. It reaches 25 feet in maturity and performs well in zones 5–9.
Blue Douglas Fir — This evergreen withstands winter cold and summer drought. Its pyramid structure creates uniform landscapes with blue-green appeal, thriving in zones 4–7.
Cottonwood — Growing 3–4 feet yearly to 70 feet, these trees have weak, brittle wood vulnerable to storm damage. They’re messy and susceptible to pests and diseases, making them less ideal for maintained yards.
Dawn Redwood — Reaching 80 feet, this privacy tree allows bird and deer access. It suits large properties with 25-foot branch spans and thrives in zones 4–8, displaying attractive red and brown autumn foliage.
Silver and Red Maple — Silver maple reaches 100 feet with extensive shade-providing branches but has weak branches and shallow roots unsuitable for storm-prone areas. Red maples are less extensive with stunning fall color. Both perform in zones 3–9.
Bald Cypress — These deciduous conifers grow to 100 feet and adapt to wet areas. They shed leaves in fall to expose attractive reddish-brown bark and thrive in zones 4–10.
Glossy Abelia — A fast-growing shrub reaching 8 feet, it’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Pink and white flowers add soft color and charm. It performs in zones 6–9.
Zone 9 and 10
Southern U.S. regions with winter lows between 20°F and 40°F, including coastal California, south Florida, Texas, and Los Angeles.
Italian Cypress — With a slender, tall structure ideal for uniform hedges, these trees are drought-resistant and maintain green foliage year-round, reaching 115 feet with less than 5 feet width.
Wax Myrtle — Fast-growing plants for privacy that form dense hedges with a pleasant aroma. Growing 3–5 feet yearly, they mature under 25 feet and attract birds with their berries.
Chinese Tallow Tree — Highly adapted to dry climates and drought, this fast-growing screen withstands zones 8–10 but sheds leaves throughout the year, making it better for backyards.
Tulip Tree — An economical option featuring tiny orange and white flowers. These reach maximum heights of 250 feet, growing 2–3 feet yearly. They survive in well-drained soils in zones 4–9.
Deodar Cedar — Drooping branches and pyramid shape make this conifer ideal for hedges. Thriving on the U.S. Pacific Coast (zones 7–9), some species reach 250 feet, though average height is around 50 feet.
Zone 11, 12, and 13
Puerto Rico is the primary state in this zone, experiencing winter lows between 45°F and 70°F.
Areca Palm — Renowned for withstanding extremely hot conditions with minimal water, these perform in zones 10–11. They grow to 8 feet at 2 feet yearly, producing small, yellow, inconspicuous flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do privacy trees grow? Most privacy trees grow 2–6 feet yearly, depending on species and favorable climatic conditions.
When is the best time to plant? Spring and fall offer favorable conditions for planting. Mild temperatures and moist soil allow roots to establish before summer heat or winter frost.
What spacing is recommended? For privacy, fast-growing trees should be spaced 6 to 12 feet apart, depending on the species and desired density. Closer spacing creates faster screens but requires thinning as trees mature. Adequate spacing promotes healthy growth by reducing competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
Need help selecting and planting the right privacy trees for your Bay Area property? Contact Firefighter Tree Services at 650-454-0373.