Top 10 Easiest Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy: A Complete Guide

Creating a private sanctuary in your yard or garden is a priority for many homeowners. Fast-growing trees are an excellent solution, quickly establishing natural barriers against noise, wind, and unwanted views. Unlike fences or walls, trees improve air quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance the beauty and value of your property.

This comprehensive guide introduces the top 10 easiest fast-growing trees for privacy, highlighting growth rates, ideal growing zones, and care tips. Whether you’re in a cold northern climate or a warmer southern zone, this list covers a broad spectrum of options suited for your privacy needs.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy?

• Speed: Rapid height and foliage increase provide quicker screening.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Trees add natural colors, textures, and seasonal changes.

• Environmental Benefits: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, clean the air, reduce noise, and support biodiversity.

• Cost-Effective: Mature trees can be expensive or difficult to transplant; planting fast growers at seedling size saves money.

• Versatile Uses: Ideal for blocking neighbors, creating windbreaks, or shading patios.

Consider your local climate, soil type, space constraints, and maintenance willingness before selecting trees. Some fast growers have invasive roots or require regular pruning.

1. Thuja ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae

Zones: 5–9
Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Mature Height: 30–40 feet
Description: A hybrid evergreen that forms a lush, dense, pyramid-shaped screen with rich green foliage. It’s drought-resistant, pest-proof, and requires minimal pruning.

• Excellent for creating tall, thick privacy hedges quickly.

• Tolerates a wide range of soil types and urban conditions.

• Very low maintenance and deer-resistant.gardenia+2

2. Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)

Zones: 6–10
Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Mature Height: 40-70 feet
Description: Known for fast vertical growth and feathery blue-green foliage. Ideal for large spaces due to its size, it creates an imposing privacy wall or shade screen.

• Thrives in full sun or partial shade.

• Adaptable to many soil conditions as long as drainage is good.

• Prune in early spring to maintain shape and density.extension.oregonstate+2

3. Hybrid Poplar (Populus spp.)

Zones: 3–9
Growth Rate: Up to 8 feet per year
Mature Height: 50-70 feet
Description: This deciduous tree grows extremely quickly, known for its tall, columnar form and silvery-green leaves.

• Requires full sun and ample water.

• Good for fast, tall privacy where space allows.

• Requires pruning and can be short-lived compared to evergreens.davey+1

4. Green Giant Arborvitae ‘Baby Giant’

Zones: 5–9
Growth Rate: 2.5–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 14 feet
Description: A smaller, more compact relative of the Green Giant, perfect for limited space or medium-height screening.

• Dense foliage forms an attractive barrier.

• Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.

• Ideal for smaller yards or container planting.fast-growing-trees+1

5. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Zones: 3–7
Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Mature Height: 50-80 feet
Description: A tall, fast-growing pine with soft blue-green needle clusters that provide year-round privacy and wind protection.

• Prefers full sun with well-drained acidic soil.

• Requires space to spread and grow tall.

• Soft needles and pleasant pine scent.davey+1

6. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

Zones: 3–9
Growth Rate: 2 feet per year
Mature Height: 50-70 feet
Description: A large deciduous shade tree with striking silver undersides of leaves. Rapid grower ideal for summer shade and winter privacy.

• Tolerates wet soils and various urban conditions.

• Broadly spreading canopy can provide dense shade.

• Needs ample root space to prevent invasive root problems.gardenia+1

7. Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra)

Zones: 4–7
Growth Rate: 1.5–2 feet per year
Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Description: A sturdy, drought-tolerant evergreen with dark green needles and upright branching, excellent for windbreaks and privacy screens.

• Tolerant of poor soils and urban pollution.

• Dense growth provides sound blocking and year-round privacy.

• Low maintenance once established.gardenia

8. Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’)

Zones: 3–9
Growth Rate: 2–4 feet per year
Mature Height: 40-50 feet
Description: Versatile fast-growing maple with stunning red fall foliage, excellent for deciduous screening with seasonal color.

• Prefers moist but well-drained soil.

• Grows quickly with upright habit and dense foliage.

• Moderately tolerant to urban conditions.gardenia

9. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Zones: 7–9
Growth Rate: 1.5–2 feet per year
Mature Height: 20-30 feet
Description: Popular for vibrant summer blooms and smooth bark, crape myrtle is a medium-sized ornamental tree or large shrub.

• Effective privacy due to dense branching and foliage.

• Drought tolerant and heat-loving—excellent for warm climates.

• Many varieties with different flower colors and sizes.arboroperations

10. Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

Zones: 4–9
Growth Rate: 4–8 feet per year
Mature Height: 30-50 feet
Description: Distinctive with cascading branches, weeping willow grows rapidly and provides effective privacy near water features or damp soils.

• Prefers moist soils and full sun.

• Roots can be invasive—plant with care.

• Dramatic focal point combined with screeningdavey+1

Additional Tips for Planting Fast-Growing Privacy Trees

• Plant in groups or staggered rows to maximize screening effects.

• Prepare soil properly by tilling and adding organic matter before planting.

• Water young trees consistently during the first 2-3 years to ensure rapid establishment.

• Prune selectively to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

• Research local restrictions—some trees may be invasive or restricted in your area.

Conclusion

Fast-growing trees are the fastest and most natural way to build privacy around your home and garden. Trees like Thuja ‘Green Giant’, Leyland Cypress, and Hybrid Poplar can create beautiful, dense screens in just a few years, while choices like Eastern White Pine and Silver Maple contribute year-round coverage and shade.

Remember to choose trees suited to your climate and site conditions, care for them with water and mulch, and prune to encourage fullness. By integrating these hardy, fast-growing species into your landscape, you’ll enjoy immediate improvements in privacy coupled with environmental benefits for many years to come.