Fast growing privacy can easily grow 2 feet or more per year! Privacy trees are mainly evergreen trees (with the exception of the Lombardy Poplar) that when planted relatively close together form a privacy hedge. Gardeners like to choose fast growing trees to get privacy as quickly as possible. Just remember that most fast growing trees get very large! So if you have a smaller space you may need to be a little more patient.
What are Fast Growing Privacy Trees?
What are Fast Growing Privacy Trees: Your Top Choices
Cupressus Arizonica var. glabra 'Carolina Sapphire'
Growing Zones 6-9
This deer resistant privacy tree can grow about 3 feet per year. It looks and smells good and has a nice blue tint that is unique and lovely in the landscape. This tree creates a beautiful privacy hedge. It is also easy to grow, disease and insect resistant, and drought tolerant!
Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis
Growing Zones 5-9
This dark green evergreen tree is also known as the Japanese Cedar. This graceful tree grows at a rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. Cryptomeria Radicans is adaptable, low maintenance, disease and deer resistant, and drought tolerant.
Cupressus × leylandii
Growing Zone 6-10
The Leyland Cypress is the OG fast growing privacy tree. It fell out of favor because of a bad reputation for disease and was quickly replaced by hardier, newer evergreen trees. It is unfortunate though. This tree is much prettier than most of the other fast growing privacy hedge options. And when planted in well-drained soil it rarely has problems with disease or pests. You can always check with your extension agent to see if the Leyland Cypress has problems in your area. These Fast Growing Privacy Trees grow 3 to 5 feet annually.
Populus nigra 'Italica'
Growing Zones 3-9
The Lombardy Poplar is a deciduous tree, but it is important to mention because its dense branching does make it work well as a privacy hedge even in winter. It also grows incredibly fast at 5 to 6 feet per year or more, making Lombardy Poplars very popular as Fast Growing Privacy Trees!
Thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant'
Growing Zones 5-9
Thuja Green Giant is the number one privacy tree. These Fast Growing Privacy Trees are widely popular for their ease of care and growth rates up to 5 feet per year. This Arborvitae is disease and pest resistant and drought tolerant once established. This tree has a pyramidal shape and soft foliage.
Myrica cerifera
Growing Zones 7-10
The Wax Myrtle is mainly grown here in the south. It makes a great fast growing privacy hedge with its pretty and dense foliage. This broadleaf evergreen is more like a large shrub rather than a tree so you have privacy from top to bottom. This fast growing privacy shrub requires no maintenance once established, unless you like your hedge to have a polished look. If so, just trim it once or twice annually.
Now you know ‘What are Fast Growing Privacy Trees’. Pick your favorite privacy tree or even a mix of two or three and start creating your fast growing privacy hedge! You can find more info on the top plants for privacy on our blog.
Check out our Fast Growing Evergreen Trees and Fast Growing Shade Trees for more fast growing plant options!