12 fast growing evergreen trees that create privacy all year round. Full article 👇 💬

 

12 Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees That Create Privacy All Year Round

Privacy is a treasured commodity, especially in our outdoor spaces. Whether you want to shield your yard from noisy neighbors, block unsightly views, or create a cozy backyard retreat, fast-growing evergreen trees are your best friends. These trees maintain their foliage year-round, giving you consistent privacy, wind protection, and beautiful greenery no matter the season.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 12 of the best fast-growing evergreen trees that are perfect for privacy screens, along with expert tips on planting and care so you can get your green privacy hedge growing quickly and thriving for years to come.

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What to Consider When Choosing Evergreen Privacy Trees

Before diving into the list, here are some essential factors to keep in mind:

• Growth Rate: Fast-growing varieties can provide privacy sooner, but sometimes at the cost of durability or maintenance. Balance speed with longevity.

• Mature Size: Ensure the tree will fit your available space both in height and width without overwhelming your yard or neighbors.

• Climate Zone: Choose trees suited to your USDA hardiness zone to ensure survival and growth.

• Maintenance: Some evergreens require more pruning and care than others.

• Soil & Water Needs: Consider your soil type and watering capability.

• Pest Resistance: Opt for species less prone to local pests or diseases.

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1. Leyland Cypress (× Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Why Choose Leyland Cypress?

Leyland Cypress is a superstar for fast privacy. It can grow up to 3-4 feet per year and easily reach 60-70 feet tall. Its dense, feathery foliage forms an excellent visual barrier, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.

• Water young trees regularly until established.

• Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

• Watch for canker disease and aphids; remove affected branches promptly.

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2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata 'Green Giant')

Why Choose Green Giant Arborvitae?

Green Giant Arborvitae grows rapidly—about 3 feet per year—and can reach 50-60 feet tall with a 12-20 feet spread. It’s remarkably tolerant of different soil types and resistant to deer and most diseases.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun but tolerates some shade.

• Water well during the first couple of years.

• Prune lightly once a year to maintain a neat shape.

• It’s drought tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering.

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3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Why Choose Eastern White Pine?

Eastern White Pine is a fast-growing pine native to eastern North America. It can grow 2-3 feet per year, reaching heights of 50-80 feet. Its soft, blue-green needles create a lovely natural privacy screen.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Thrives in full sun and well-drained, acidic soils.

• Requires minimal pruning; remove lower branches for clean trunks if desired.

• Avoid planting in wet or heavy clay soils.

• Needs moderate watering, especially in dry spells.

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4. Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens')

Why Choose Nellie Stevens Holly?

While not a traditional tall tree, Nellie Stevens Holly grows fast (up to 2 feet per year) and forms a dense, evergreen hedge reaching 15-25 feet tall and about 8-10 feet wide. Its glossy dark green leaves and bright red berries provide winter interest and privacy.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Tolerates various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil.

• Prune annually to encourage bushiness.

• Deer resistant and relatively pest-free.

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5. Thuja ‘Smaragd’ (Emerald Green Arborvitae)

Why Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae?

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a narrow, columnar tree growing about 1-2 feet per year. It reaches 12-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, ideal for smaller spaces where a tall, dense privacy screen is needed.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

• Water regularly during dry periods.

• Prune lightly if you want to control width.

• Resistant to deer and relatively disease-free.

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6. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Why Choose Norway Spruce?

Norway Spruce is a classic evergreen that grows fast—about 2-3 feet per year—and can reach towering heights of 40-60 feet. It has long, dark green needles and drooping branches that provide dense coverage.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Grows best in full sun.

• Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

• Prune minimally; remove dead or crossing branches.

• Can tolerate colder climates well.

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7. Leylandii Cypress ‘Castlewellan Gold’

Why Choose ‘Castlewellan Gold’?

This Leylandii cultivar has golden-green foliage that adds color variety while providing fast-growing dense coverage (3 feet/year). It can reach 30-50 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Full sun preferred.

• Requires regular watering, especially young.

• Prune lightly in early spring.

• Susceptible to drought; keep well watered.

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8. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Why Choose Italian Cypress?

If you want tall, slim privacy trees with Mediterranean flair, Italian Cypress is ideal. Growing about 2 feet per year, it reaches heights of 40-60 feet with a very narrow 3-4 feet spread.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

• Drought tolerant once established.

• Minimal pruning; mainly to remove dead or damaged branches.

• Best in warmer climates (USDA zones 7-10).

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9. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

Why Choose Southern Magnolia?

Southern Magnolia grows fairly fast (1-2 feet per year) and can become a dense evergreen screen with glossy dark green leaves and stunning white flowers. It can reach heights of 60-80 feet.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Needs well-drained, acidic soil.

• Regular watering during establishment.

• Prune lightly to shape.

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10. Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica)

Why Choose Cryptomeria?

This Japanese cedar grows quickly (2-3 feet/year) and can reach 50-70 feet tall. It’s known for its soft, feathery foliage and pyramid shape, making an attractive, dense privacy hedge.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Likes moist, acidic, well-drained soil.

• Prune lightly to shape, but usually low maintenance.

• Can tolerate colder climates.

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11. Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Why Choose Wax Myrtle?

Wax Myrtle is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree (3-5 feet per year) reaching 10-15 feet tall. It’s a fantastic option for a thick hedge and is tolerant of salt spray, perfect for coastal areas.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Full sun to partial shade.

• Adaptable to various soils, including sandy and clay.

• Prune to maintain desired shape.

• Drought tolerant once established.

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12. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Why Choose Eastern Red Cedar?

A native juniper, it grows quickly (1-2 feet/year) and reaches 40-50 feet tall. Its dense, scale-like foliage offers excellent privacy and attracts birds with its berries.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun.

• Adaptable to many soil types, including dry soils.

• Minimal pruning; remove dead branches only.

• Very drought tolerant.

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How to Plant and Establish Your Evergreen Privacy Screen

Step 1: Prepare Your Site

• Clear the planting area of weeds and debris.

• Loosen soil to a depth of 12-18 inches.

• Amend with compost if soil is poor.

Step 2: Spacing Your Trees

• Follow recommended spacing per species to avoid overcrowding but maintain dense coverage.

• For fast-growing evergreens, spacing is typically 3-6 feet apart.

Step 3: Planting

• Dig holes twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.

• Remove container plants carefully.

• Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.

• Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Step 4: Watering and Care

• Water deeply and regularly for the first two years.

• Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer.

• Prune as needed to maintain shape and encourage density.

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Maintenance Tips for a Thriving Evergreen Privacy Hedge

• Prune annually: Keep your hedge tidy and dense by pruning once a year, ideally in late winter or early spring.

• Monitor for pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.

• Water consistently: Especially during dry spells, consistent watering prevents stress.

• Mulch: Retain soil moisture and protect roots with organic mulch.

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Final Thoughts: Creating Your Evergreeen Privacy Oasis

Choosing fast-growing evergreens for privacy is an investment in your outdoor peace and beauty. Each tree on this list has unique characteristics, so think about your space, climate, and design preferences to pick the perfect candidates.

Start planting early in spring or fall, nurture your young trees, and enjoy watching your natural privacy screen flourish. With patience and care, you’ll have a green, leafy shield that protects your sanctuary year-round!

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