Looking for some fast-growing privacy trees to line your fence? Maybe your neighbor’s idea of “outdoor decor” is a dozen lawn gnomes, or worse, they just love chatting over the fence when you’re clearly enjoying your morning coffee in peace.
Yep, I’ve been there. That’s why I went on a little backyard mission: to find the best trees that grow fast, look lush, and make your fence line feel like a secluded garden escape.
So, let me walk you through 12 fantastic options I personally love (and a few I’ve tried myself).
They’re gorgeous, easy to grow, and bring you that sweet, sweet backyard privacy without waiting a decade.
Why Fast-Growing Privacy Trees Are Total Game Changers
I used to think adding privacy meant building taller fences or hiding behind curtains. But trees? Oh, they changed everything.
First of all, privacy trees look way more natural. They soften hard fence lines, add beautiful color year-round, and attract birds, butterflies, and all the good garden vibes.
Plus, many of these trees are:
- Low-maintenance once established
- Noise-buffering (yay for quiet!)
- Climate-resilient, meaning they can take on heat, wind, and even nosy neighbors
Bottom line? Privacy trees give you a living wall that looks good, and works hard.
1. Leyland Cypress – The Privacy Powerhouse
This one grows crazy fast—I’m talking 3–5 feet per year! If you’re impatient like me, it’s basically the express lane to a green wall.
- Height: Up to 60–70 ft
- Width: 15–25 ft
- USDA Zones: 6–10
🌲 Design Tip: Plant them 8–10 feet apart for a thick, screen-like hedge.
Why I Love It:
- Stays green year-round
- Dense and elegant
- Handles heat, drought, and poor soil like a champ
2. Green Giant Arborvitae – The No-Fuss Favorite
These trees are like the reliable friend who always shows up. They grow up to 3 feet per year and don’t ask for much.
- Height: 30–50 ft
- Width: 12–18 ft
- USDA Zones: 5–9
🌿 Design Tip: Give them at least 5–6 feet of spacing for airflow and healthy growth.
Why I Love It:
- Resistant to pests and deer
- Soft, feathery foliage
- Great wind barrier
3. Eastern Red Cedar – Rugged & Handsome
This native beauty adds a bit of rustic flair to your landscape. I’ve seen them thrive even in tough soil, and they smell amazing!
- Height: 40–50 ft
- Width: 10–20 ft
- USDA Zones: 2–9
🌾 Design Tip: Works beautifully mixed with flowering shrubs for color contrast.
Why I Love It:
- Fragrant, berry-producing foliage
- Acts as a wind and sound buffer
- Super hardy in cold climates
4. Bamboo (Clumping Variety) – Tropical Vibes, Fast Growth
Yes, bamboo! But hear me out—clumping bamboo, not the invasive kind. It shoots up fast and looks stunning.
- Height: 10–30 ft depending on type
- Width: Variable
- USDA Zones: 7–10
🎋 Design Tip: Use large pots or barriers to keep roots in check, even with clumping types.
Why I Love It:
- Creates instant tropical ambiance
- Super fast growth
- Surprisingly low maintenance
5. Nellie R. Stevens Holly – Glossy, Green & Gorgeous
This is one of my personal favorites. I planted these along a chain-link fence and, wow, they filled in beautifully.
- Height: 15–25 ft
- Width: 8–15 ft
- USDA Zones: 6–9
🎄 Design Tip: Add string lights during holidays, they look stunning!
Why I Love It:
- Evergreen with beautiful red berries
- Dense and bushy, perfect privacy
- Deer tend to ignore it
6. Italian Cypress – Tall, Slim & Stylish
I adore these trees for their modern, Mediterranean charm. They’re like nature’s skyscrapers.
- Height: 40–60 ft
- Width: 3–5 ft
- USDA Zones: 7–10
🌿 Design Tip: Use them to create dramatic vertical lines around patios or entryways.
Why I Love It:
- Elegant and formal
- Grows up to 3 ft per year
- Takes up very little ground space
7. Wax Myrtle – Fast & Fragrant
If you want a fast-growing privacy shrub with a softer look, Wax Myrtle might be your new best friend.
- Height: 10–20 ft
- Width: 8–10 ft
- USDA Zones: 7–10
🌼 Design Tip: Mix with native grasses for a natural, layered effect.
Why I Love It:
- Grows up to 5 feet per year
- Fragrant leaves with mosquito-repelling oils
- Thrives in sandy or poor soil
8. Photinia (Red Tip) – Red & Green Showstopper
This one’s an absolute visual treat. The young leaves start off bright red and mature to deep green.
- Height: 12–18 ft
- Width: 8–12 ft
- USDA Zones: 7–9
🌺 Design Tip: Prune lightly to keep the red flush coming throughout the year.
Why I Love It:
- Fast grower with color pop
- Glossy leaves and white spring flowers
- Makes fences practically disappear
9. Thuja ‘Emerald Green’ – Compact & Consistent
Don’t have a huge yard? This one’s your go-to. It stays neat and manageable without sacrificing lush looks.
- Height: 10–15 ft
- Width: 3–4 ft
- USDA Zones: 3–8
🌲 Design Tip: Great for tight spaces between houses or patios.
Why I Love It:
- Slow but steady grower
- Super symmetrical shape
- Keeps its rich green color all year
10. Cherry Laurel – Southern Charm, Privacy-Ready
These thick shrubs are all about coverage. I used them once to block a not-so-cute alley view and never looked back.
- Height: 15–20 ft
- Width: 8–10 ft
- USDA Zones: 6–10
🌸 Design Tip: Plant in slightly shaded areas, they don’t love blazing sun all day.
Why I Love It:
- Dense and bushy
- Shiny evergreen leaves
- Small, fragrant white flowers in spring
11. Privet (Ligustrum) – The Old-School Classic
My grandma had these lining her whole yard, and they were always perfectly trimmed. Now I totally get why.
- Height: 10–15 ft
- Width: 4–6 ft
- USDA Zones: 5–9
✂️ Design Tip: Loves being shaped, topiary, anyone?
Why I Love It:
- Fast-growing and easy to shape
- Classic hedge look
- Fragrant spring blooms
12. Texas Ebony Tree – Small Tree, Big Personality
If you’re in a warm zone and want something unique, Texas Ebony is a hidden gem.
- Height: 15–30 ft
- Width: 10–20 ft
- USDA Zones: 9–11
🌵 Design Tip: Use in arid or xeriscape gardens, it thrives in dry conditions.
Why I Love It:
- Drought-tolerant and evergreen
- Cool, twisty branches and small leaves
- Unusual but super effective for privacy
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Privacy Trees
Let me save you from the learning curve I had!
1. Planting too close together.
Yep, it’s tempting for that instant hedge effect, but they’ll choke each other out fast. Check mature width!
2. Picking the wrong species for your zone.
What thrives in Florida might struggle in Minnesota. Always double-check USDA zones before buying.
3. Skipping proper soil prep.
Most of these trees need well-draining soil. Add compost, mulch, and loosen compacted spots before planting.
4. Forgetting about roots and pipes.
Fast growers often have aggressive roots. Don’t plant near foundations, septic systems, or paved areas.
5. Over-pruning too early.
Let them establish before shaping. Give them a year or two to settle in first.
FAQs About Fast-Growing Privacy Trees
How long do privacy trees take to grow?
It really depends on the tree. Some, like Leyland Cypress or Wax Myrtle, can grow 3–5 feet a year. Others may grow slower but still provide dense coverage in 3–5 years.
Can I plant privacy trees close to my fence?
Yes—but leave enough space for root growth and airflow. Usually, a 3–5 foot buffer is ideal so the tree doesn’t damage the fence or struggle to grow properly.
Do I need to water them a lot?
In the first year, yes! Deep watering 2–3 times a week is key. After they establish, many of these trees are drought-tolerant and need far less attention.
What’s the best time to plant?
Fall or early spring is best. This gives roots time to settle before the heat of summer or cold of winter kicks in.
Do any of these trees stay green year-round?
Absolutely! Many on this list are evergreens, meaning they provide year-round privacy and beauty, even in winter.
Final Thoughts – Go Green, Stay Private
There’s nothing like the cozy feel of a backyard shielded by lush greenery. Fast-growing privacy trees don’t just add beauty—they transform your outdoor space into a peaceful, private oasis.
Whether you’re working with a tiny yard or a big ol’ fence line, there’s a tree here that can bring you that just-for-you backyard vibe.
Happy planting—and may your neighbors love your trees more than your fence! 🌳💚