Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: Create a Lush, Private Backyard in Just a Few Years
- Beril Yilmaz
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
There’s something undeniably appealing about a private backyard. Whether you’re trying to block the view of neighbors, cut down on noise, or simply create a lush retreat, trees are one of the most effective—and beautiful—ways to achieve it. But while traditional trees can take decades to mature, the best fast growing trees for privacy offer a shortcut to your dream garden.
These trees aren’t just about practicality. They can transform the overall feel of your outdoor space, making it greener, more inviting, and instantly more established. From evergreens that stay lush all year long to flowering trees that add seasonal charm, there’s a perfect pick for every backyard style.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 of the best fast growing trees for privacy. These choices balance speed, beauty, and durability so you can enjoy a private, serene space in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional landscaping to mature.
1. Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: Thuja Green Giant
When people think of instant privacy, Thuja Green Giant often tops the list. Known for its dense evergreen foliage and impressive growth rate (up to 3 feet per year in the right conditions), this tree creates a natural screen in just a few seasons.
It’s low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and adaptable to different soil types. Plus, because it grows tall and narrow, it works beautifully in both large and medium-sized backyards without taking up too much horizontal space.
Plant them in a row to create a living wall, or add a single specimen as a bold statement piece in your landscape.
2. Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: Hybrid Poplar
For sheer speed, few trees can beat the hybrid poplar. Growing up to 8 feet in a single year, it’s one of the quickest solutions if you’re looking to shield your yard from view.
Beyond its growth rate, this tree offers a soft, elegant look with fluttering leaves that catch the wind. It’s perfect for larger backyards where height and volume are desired, but less ideal for small spaces since it needs plenty of room to thrive.
Just note: hybrid poplars have shorter lifespans compared to other trees. They’re a fantastic quick-fix option while you wait for slower, longer-lived trees to mature.
3. Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: Nellie Stevens Holly
Want privacy with a touch of seasonal beauty? Nellie Stevens Holly is a great choice. This evergreen tree boasts glossy green leaves year-round and produces bright red berries in the winter, making it as decorative as it is functional.
Growing around 2–3 feet annually, it’s faster than most hollies and creates a dense, impenetrable screen once established. Plus, its natural pyramid shape adds an elegant structure to your garden.
If you want a tree that doubles as a habitat for birds and wildlife, this one’s a winner.
4. Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: Silver Maple
The silver maple is a classic shade tree that also works wonders for privacy when planted strategically. Known for its fast growth (up to 5 feet per year), it can quickly provide a towering canopy.
Its large leaves offer excellent coverage, and the silvery undersides shimmer beautifully in the breeze. While it’s not evergreen, its rapid growth makes it an excellent seasonal choice for those looking to block neighboring views during spring, summer, and fall.
Just keep in mind that silver maples have strong root systems, so they’re best planted away from houses, driveways, or underground pipes.
5. Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: Eastern Red Cedar
For a hardy, reliable option that stands up to different climates, consider the Eastern Red Cedar. This evergreen has dense, scale-like foliage and a conical shape that’s ideal for screening.
Growing up to 2 feet per year, it’s not the absolute fastest, but it’s incredibly resilient. It thrives in poor soil, withstands drought, and even tolerates high winds—making it perfect for exposed or challenging sites.
As a bonus, it produces small bluish berries that birds love, turning your privacy screen into a mini sanctuary for wildlife.
6. Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: River Birch
If you want privacy plus unique visual appeal, River Birch is an excellent choice. Known for its beautiful peeling bark and quick growth (up to 3 feet per year), it makes a striking addition to your backyard.
This deciduous tree offers dense foliage in the warmer months, creating a natural shield from prying eyes. In fall, its golden-yellow leaves add seasonal interest, while its textured bark keeps things visually appealing even in winter.
It’s also tolerant of wet soil, making it perfect for yards with drainage issues.
7. Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy: Italian Cypress
For a more formal or Mediterranean-inspired backyard, Italian Cypress is the ultimate pick. These tall, narrow evergreens grow about 2–3 feet per year and are perfect for lining driveways, patios, or property boundaries.
Their columnar shape adds architectural elegance while providing effective screening without overwhelming your space. They’re especially useful in urban gardens where horizontal space is limited but vertical privacy is essential.
Plus, they stay green year-round, ensuring your outdoor retreat remains private in every season.
FAQ: Best Fast Growing Trees for Privacy
Q: What is the fastest growing tree for privacy?A: Hybrid poplar is one of the fastest, growing up to 8 feet per year. For evergreen options, Thuja Green Giant is a top choice.
Q: How close should I plant privacy trees?A: It depends on the species. Narrow trees like Italian Cypress can be planted 3–4 feet apart, while wider trees like Silver Maple need more space (at least 15–20 feet).
Q: Are fast growing trees harder to maintain?A: Not necessarily. Some, like Eastern Red Cedar, are very low maintenance. However, faster-growing species may have shorter lifespans or require more pruning.
Create Your Private Outdoor Retreat with BY Design And Viz
Looking to transform your backyard into a private oasis? At BY Design And Viz, we specialize in creating custom outdoor designs that balance beauty and functionality. Whether you want a lush tree-lined garden or a sleek, modern retreat, our team will help you design a space you’ll love.
