Want Privacy? Plant One of These Fast-Growing Trees
Sometimes you just want your yard to feel like your own little sanctuary. A fence can help, but it can't do everything. The easier and more natural option that many go for instead, is planting trees for privacy. The right ones grow quickly, block the view of nosy neighbors, and add beauty to your space. They can also bring shade, wildlife, and a ton of other benefits to your yard. But you’ve gotta be careful to pick trees that suit your climate and yard size. Here are eight fast-growing options worth considering if you’d like to enjoy more privacy sooner rather than later.
Green Giant Arborvitae
These evergreens are a classic choice for privacy. They grow up to three feet a year and can reach 30 to 40 feet tall, creating a dense, living wall. They’re low-maintenance, resistant to pests, and keep their rich green color year-round. What more could you want?! Just plant them in a row with about five feet between each tree for a solid screen of greenery. Green giant arborvitae prefer full sun, but can also handle a little shade. Water them regularly during the first year and they’ll settle in quickly and give you privacy just a few seasons later.
Leyland Cypress
If you need fast results, Leyland cypress delivers. These trees can grow up to four feet a year under the right conditions and reach 60 to 70 feet tall. Their feathery, blue-green foliage form a thick barrier that works well as a wind shield for your yard too. Just keep in mind they need space. If you plant them too close, you may have issues with airflow and disease. They like full sun and well-drained soil as well. Trim these trees occasionally to help maintain their shape and keep them from getting too tall to manage.
Hybrid Poplar
Hybrid poplars are one of the fastest-growing shade trees out there, often shooting up an extra eight feet in a year. They’re not evergreen, so they won’t give you the same amount of privacy in winter, but their dense summer leaves are excellent for blocking views. Hybrid poplars can reach 40 to 50 feet tall, so they’re best as privacy solutions for larger yards. They thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, but make sure to plant them away from septic systems and driveways. Their roots can be very aggressive. With their quick growth, you’ll notice a big difference in just a couple of summers.
Willow Hybrid
Willow hybrids are the perfect mix of speed and strength. They can grow six to ten feet a year, and top out around 35 feet. Their long, slender leaves look graceful, while forming a dense, green privacy wall in summer. They can be planted in many soil types and can handle windy areas quite well. Willow hybrids drop their leaves in fall, so you won’t get as much privacy in the winter, but for a summer barrier they’re hard to beat. Plant them in rows for a uniform hedge, and you’ll have a beautiful, lush screen of green in no time.
Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedars are tough evergreens that work well for anyone wanting year-round privacy. They grow about one to two feet per year, eventually capping out at 40 to 50 feet tall. Their dense foliage and straight, vertical shape make them a great fit for narrow spaces. They’re also drought-resistant and can do well in poor soils, making them a great low-maintenance choice. Plus, their blueish berries attract birds that like to nest in their branches. Just make sure to give them room to spread out as they mature. If you want a privacy solution that doesn’t need a lot of pampering, Eastern red cedars are one to consider.
Weeping Willow
Weeping willows aren’t the fastest-growers on this list, but they still grow two to three feet a year and can reach 50 feet tall. Their sweeping, curtain-like branches offer a softer, more romantic kind of privacy that many gardeners prefer. Weeping willows love water, so they’re perfect to plant in low, damp areas of your yard. While their falling branches can get a bit messy, their beauty and shade make them worth a little extra maintenance. Just plant them away from underground pipes and septic systems, as their roots can be invasive.
Thuja Arborvitae
Thuja arborvitae, especially the “Emerald Green” variety, is a popular evergreen option for smaller yards. They grow about two feet a year and reach 12 to 15 feet tall, which is more than enough for blocking sight lines without overwhelming the space. They’re a narrow tree, so you can plant them closer together to form a neat hedge. Plus, they hold their shape without much trimming and keep their color through winter. Give them full sun and consistent watering during the first year, and they’ll grow into a lush, green privacy wall fairly quickly.
River Birch
River birches grow quickly, about one and a half to two feet a year, and bring a unique texture with their peeling bark and airy canopy. They’re not evergreen, so again, winter privacy is limited. But their full summer foliage provides a nice barrier. River birches love moist soil and do great near ponds or in rain gardens. They can grow 40 to 70 feet tall, so plant them somewhere their size won’t be a problem. They’re resistant to many common tree pests and diseases, which is a nice bonus.