Introduction
If you’re looking to create privacy in your yard, you likely want two things:
👉 Fast results
👉 Year-round coverage
The problem? Not all trees give you both.
Some grow quickly but lose their leaves in winter. Others stay green all year—but take too long to fill in.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best fast-growing evergreen trees for privacy, so you can build a natural screen that works quickly—and looks great all year long.
What Makes a Good Evergreen Privacy Tree?
Not all evergreens are ideal for privacy. The best ones combine three key traits:
✔ Fast Growth
Look for trees that grow at least 2–5 feet per year.
✔ Dense Foliage
A good privacy tree should form a thick, full barrier, not a sparse screen.
✔ Year-Round Coverage
Evergreens keep their foliage through all seasons, so you don’t lose privacy in winter.
Best Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees for Privacy
Here are the top options based on growth speed, density, and how well they perform as privacy screens.
Thuja Green Giant (Best Overall Privacy Tree)
The Thuja Green Giant is one of the most popular privacy trees—and for good reason.
- Growth rate: 3–5 feet per year
- Mature height: 30–50 feet
- Dense, evergreen foliage
👉 It’s ideal for homeowners who want a full privacy screen in just a few years.
For most people, this is the fastest and most reliable option for building a long-term privacy hedge.
👉 Learn more: How to plant and space Thuja Green Giant for privacy
Leyland Cypress (Fast-Growing Alternative)
The Leyland Cypress is another excellent fast-growing evergreen.
- Rapid growth
- Soft, feathery foliage
- Works well for large screens
👉 A strong alternative if you want something similar to Thuja with a slightly different look.
Emerald Green Arborvitae (Best for Small Yards)
If you’re working with limited space, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a great option.
- Height: 10–15 feet
- Slower, controlled growth
- Dense and uniform shape
👉 Ideal for smaller yards where you still want year-round privacy.
Taylor Juniper (Narrow Privacy Tree)
The Taylor Juniper is perfect for tight spaces.
- Narrow, upright growth
- Cold-hardy
- Strong vertical structure
👉 Great for creating privacy without taking up too much width.
Blue Arrow Juniper (Slim & Low-Maintenance)
The Blue Arrow Juniper offers a unique look and minimal maintenance.
- Very narrow profile
- Blue-green foliage
- Drought-tolerant
👉 Best for modern landscapes and compact planting areas.
Emerald Colonnade Holly (Broadleaf Evergreen Option)
If you want something different from conifers, the Emerald Colonnade Holly is a great choice.
- Upright growth
- Glossy green leaves
- Dense coverage
👉 Adds a more decorative, refined look while still providing privacy.
Which Evergreen Tree Is Right for You?
Choosing the right tree depends on your space and goals.
👉 Choose Thuja Green Giant if:
- You want the fastest results
- You have space for large trees
- You want a dense, full privacy screen
👉 Choose Leyland Cypress if:
- You want a fast-growing alternative
- You’re planting a large-scale screen
👉 Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae if:
- You have a smaller yard
- You want a compact, controlled hedge
👉 Choose Junipers if:
- You need narrow, vertical privacy
- You’re working with limited width
👉 Choose Emerald Colonnade Holly if:
- You want a more decorative evergreen option
- You prefer a softer, broadleaf look
How Fast Will You Actually Get Privacy?
Even fast-growing trees take some time to fully fill in.
Here’s what to expect:
- 1–2 years: noticeable height and structure
- 3–5 years: full privacy screen
👉 Proper spacing and care make a huge difference in how quickly your hedge fills in.
If you’re planting Thuja, spacing is critical:
👉 Read: Thuja Green Giant spacing and planting guide
Tips for Faster Privacy Results
- Plant trees at the correct spacing
- Water consistently during the first year
- Use a layered approach (add shrubs for faster coverage)
- Avoid overcrowding
👉 Pairing trees with shrubs can significantly speed up your privacy results.
Ready to Build a Privacy Screen That Lasts?
The right evergreen trees can transform your yard into a private, green retreat that works year-round.
Whether you want fast growth, a compact hedge, or a narrow solution for tight spaces, there’s an option that fits your needs.
👉 Browse all evergreen privacy tree options here.
Final Thoughts
If you want privacy that lasts through every season, evergreen trees are the best choice.
For most homeowners:
- Thuja Green Giant offers the best combination of speed and density
- Narrow trees solve space constraints
- Compact options work for smaller yards
👉 The key is choosing the right tree for your space—and planting it correctly from the start.
