Best Fast Growing Evergreen Trees For Privacy

In today’s world, where privacy has become a premium, having the right trees can make all the difference in creating a secluded sanctuary. Evergreen trees, renowned for their year-round foliage, provide a lush and dense screen that can shield your property from prying eyes. If you want to enhance your privacy quickly, selecting the best fast-growing evergreen trees is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best tree for privacy, focusing on fast-growing evergreen options.

Why Choose Evergreen Trees for Privacy?

Evergreen trees are fast growing privacy trees due to their ability to retain their leaves throughout the year. Unlike deciduous trees, which shed their foliage in autumn, evergreens provide continuous cover, ensuring your privacy in all seasons. This consistent greenery not only blocks out unwanted views but also adds year-round aesthetic appeal to your landscape.

Top Fastest Growing Evergreen Privacy Trees 

1. Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Description: Leyland Cypress is popular among homeowners seeking rapid growth and privacy. This tree can grow up to 3 feet per year and reach heights of 30 to 40 feet. Its dense, soft foliage forms a thick screen that provides excellent privacy.

Benefits: Leyland Cypress is known for its fast growth rate and adaptability to various soil types. It’s also relatively low-maintenance compared to other evergreens.

Considerations: Regular pruning is needed to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too wide.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’)
Description: The Green Giant Arborvitae is an exceptional choice for those looking for a robust and tall privacy screen. It grows quickly, with an annual increase of 2 to 3 feet, and can eventually reach up to 50 feet in height.

Benefits: This tree has a narrow, pyramidal shape that makes it ideal for tight spaces. It’s also resistant to many pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option.

Considerations: Ensure that the soil is well-drained, as the Green Giant Arborvitae prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.

3. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Description: For a more formal and slender look, the Italian Cypress is an excellent choice. It features a columnar shape, reaching up to 40 feet tall while only spreading about 3 to 5 feet wide.

Benefits: Italian Cypress is known for its distinctive tall and narrow form, which makes it perfect for creating privacy in smaller spaces. It also adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.

Considerations: It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s also less tolerant of cold climates, so ensure it’s suitable for your local weather conditions.

4. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Description: The Eastern Red Cedar is a hardy, fast-growing evergreen that can grow up to 2 feet per year, reaching heights of 20 to 40 feet. It has a dense, pyramidal shape that is ideal for privacy screens.

Benefits: This tree is highly adaptable to various soil types and environmental conditions. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases and provides excellent cover throughout the year.

Considerations: It has a strong scent, which some people find pleasant while others might find overpowering.

5. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Description: Norway Spruce is another excellent choice for a fast-growing privacy tree. It grows rapidly, reaching up to 2 feet per year, and can attain a height of 40 to 60 feet. Its dense, dark green needles provide a thick barrier for privacy.

Benefits: This tree is robust and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It’s also resilient to wind and snow, making it a durable choice for privacy.

Considerations: Norway Spruce can become quite large, so ensure you have enough space to accommodate its mature size. It also requires ample sunlight and regular watering.

6. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Description: The Douglas Fir is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet and grow up to 3 feet per year. It has a dense canopy of soft, green needles, providing excellent privacy.

Benefits: Douglas Fir is known for its rapid growth and versatility in various soil types. It also offers a robust and attractive appearance, adding a classic touch to your landscape.

Considerations: It prefers well-drained soil and can require more maintenance in terms of pruning to maintain its shape and density.

Planting and Care Tips for Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees

To ensure your chosen evergreen trees for privacy thrive, consider the following tips:

• Site Selection: Choose a location with adequate sunlight and good drainage. Most evergreens prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Testing the soil pH can also help determine the appropriate amendments needed.
• Spacing: Plant trees at the recommended distance to allow for their mature size. Overcrowding can lead to poor growth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during the initial growth phase. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Pruning: Regular tree pruning helps maintain the shape and density of your evergreen trees. Remove any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Mulching also helps regulate soil temperature.

Conclusion

Selecting the best fast growing trees for privacy can transform your outdoor space into a private haven. Whether you opt for Leyland Cypress, Green Giant Arborvitae, Italian Cypress, Eastern Red Cedar, Norway Spruce, or Douglas Fir, each of these trees offers unique benefits that can cater to your specific privacy needs. By following proper planting and care guidelines, you’ll enjoy a lush, green screen that enhances your privacy and adds beauty to your landscape year-round.