Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees for Privacy: Best Options That Stay Green Year-Round

Introduction

If you want privacy without waiting years for your landscape to fill in, fast-growing evergreen trees are one of the best solutions. They create a living screen that stays green through every season, helping block neighbors, soften fence lines, reduce road views, and make your yard feel more private.

The best evergreen privacy trees combine steady growth, dense foliage, year-round coverage, and the right mature size for your space. Some are tall and wide for large property lines, while others are narrow enough for side yards, driveways, patios, and smaller suburban landscapes.

This guide covers the best fast-growing evergreen trees for privacy, including Thuja Green Giant, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Skip Laurel, Taylor Juniper, Blue Arrow Juniper, Carolina Cherry Laurel, Southern Wax Myrtle, Italian Cypress, and more.

Fast-Growing Evergreen Privacy Trees at a Glance

What Makes an Evergreen Tree Good for Privacy?

A good evergreen privacy tree should provide year-round coverage, grow densely, and fit the space where it is planted. The fastest-growing tree is not always the best choice if it becomes too wide, needs constant pruning, or is planted in the wrong conditions.

Before choosing a privacy tree, think about the size of your yard, how quickly you want coverage, how much width you can give the plants, and whether you want a formal hedge or a more natural screen.

The best privacy trees usually have:

• Evergreen foliage that stays on the plant year-round
• Dense branching for better screening
• A mature size that fits the planting area
• Good growth rate after establishment
• Adaptability to your sun and soil conditions
• Enough width or height to block the view you want to screen

Best Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees for Privacy

1. Thuja Green Giant

Thuja Green Giant is one of the most popular fast-growing evergreen trees for privacy. It is a strong choice when you want a tall, full screen along a property line, backyard edge, or open area where there is enough room for mature width.

Thuja Green Giant is best for homeowners who want faster coverage and a dense evergreen wall. It works especially well in larger yards where the goal is to block views, soften boundaries, or create a natural green backdrop.

Best uses:

• Large privacy screens
• Backyard borders
• Property lines
• Windbreaks
• Natural evergreen walls

Care notes:

• Plant in full sun to partial sun.
• Use well-draining soil.
• Water deeply while establishing.
• Allow enough space for mature width.

2. Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae is a better fit when you want evergreen privacy in a smaller or narrower space. It has a naturally upright shape and is often used in formal rows, along fences, or around patios where a wider evergreen would take up too much room.

While it is not as broad or fast as Thuja Green Giant, Emerald Green Arborvitae is easier to fit into residential landscapes. It is a strong option when clean, tidy, vertical screening matters more than maximum speed.

Best uses:

• Narrow privacy rows
• Fence-line screening
• Patio privacy
• Formal evergreen hedges
• Smaller yards

Care notes:

• Plant in full sun to partial sun.
• Water consistently during establishment.
• Mulch around the root zone.
• Avoid letting the soil fully dry out while young.

3. Skip Laurel

Skip Laurel is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub that creates a dense, leafy privacy hedge. It has a softer look than many conifers, making it a good choice for homeowners who want privacy without a rigid wall of trees.

Skip Laurel works well along fence lines, backyard borders, and mixed evergreen screens. It can be kept more natural or pruned into a tighter hedge.

Best uses:

• Dense privacy hedges
• Fence-line screens
• Backyard borders
• Leafy evergreen walls
• Mixed shrub plantings

Care notes:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade.
• Use well-draining soil.
• Prune lightly to encourage dense branching.
• Water deeply after planting.

4. Carolina Cherry Laurel

Carolina Cherry Laurel is a glossy evergreen that can work as a large shrub, small tree, or privacy screen. It is useful for warm-climate landscapes where you want a full, leafy evergreen barrier with year-round structure.

Carolina Cherry Laurel has a more substantial presence than narrow columnar trees. It is a good choice when you have room for a broader screen and want a polished, evergreen look.

Best uses:

• Large leafy screens
• Warm-climate privacy hedges
• Property borders
• Evergreen backdrops
• Foundation and perimeter plantings

Care notes:

• Plant in sun to partial shade.
• Water consistently while young.
• Prune to shape as needed.
• Give enough room for mature spread.

5. Southern Wax Myrtle

Southern Wax Myrtle is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree with a softer, more natural look. It is a good choice for informal privacy screens, layered borders, coastal-style landscapes, and areas where you want movement and texture rather than a formal hedge.

Southern Wax Myrtle can be used as a screen on its own or mixed with other evergreens for a layered privacy planting.

Best uses:

• Natural privacy screens
• Informal hedges
• Coastal-style landscapes
• Layered evergreen borders
• Wildlife-friendly screens

Care notes:

• Plant in full sun to partial sun.
• Water well while establishing.
• Prune lightly for shape.
• Use where a softer screen is preferred.

6. Taylor Juniper

Taylor Juniper is a narrow evergreen tree with a slim, upright shape. It is a strong choice for privacy in tight spaces where wider trees would not fit.

Taylor Juniper works well along narrow property lines, driveways, side yards, and formal rows. It gives height and year-round structure without taking up much horizontal space.

Best uses:

• Narrow privacy screens
• Driveway borders
• Side yards
• Vertical accents
• Formal evergreen rows

Care notes:

• Plant in full sun.
• Use well-draining soil.
• Avoid soggy planting areas.
• Prune minimally to preserve the natural shape.

7. Blue Arrow Juniper

Blue Arrow Juniper is one of the best evergreen options for very narrow spaces. It has a tight columnar form and blue-toned foliage, making it useful for small yards, patios, entryways, and slim privacy rows.

Blue Arrow Juniper is especially helpful where you need vertical screening but do not want a wide hedge. It brings color, texture, and structure without requiring much width.

Best uses:

• Tight side yards
• Small-space privacy
• Blue-toned evergreen accents
• Narrow foundation plantings
• Formal vertical rows

Care notes:

• Plant in full sun.
• Use well-draining soil.
• Water deeply during establishment.
• Avoid heavy pruning.

8. Italian Cypress

Italian Cypress is a tall, narrow evergreen known for its formal, Mediterranean look. It is not a broad privacy hedge, but it can create strong vertical screening and architectural structure in the right landscape.

Italian Cypress is best for warm, sunny areas with good drainage. It works well in rows, near driveways, around courtyards, or as a vertical accent where height matters more than width.

Best uses:

• Mediterranean-style landscapes
• Formal driveway rows
• Vertical privacy accents
• Courtyard screening
• Narrow architectural structure

Care notes:

• Plant in full sun.
• Use very well-draining soil.
• Avoid soggy sites.
• Prune lightly, if needed.

Best Evergreen Privacy Trees by Landscape Need

Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees vs Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy

Both evergreen trees and evergreen shrubs can be used for privacy, but they create different effects. Trees are often better when you need height, while shrubs are better when you want dense coverage closer to eye level.

For many yards, the best privacy screen uses both. Tall evergreens can block higher views, while shrubs fill the lower layer and make the planting feel fuller.

How to Choose the Right Evergreen Privacy Tree

The right evergreen privacy tree depends on your space, climate, design style, and how much maintenance you want. Before choosing, measure the planting area and think about both height and width at maturity.

Ask these questions before planting:

• How much space do I have for mature width?
• Do I need privacy at eye level, above a fence, or both?
• Do I want a formal row or a natural screen?
• How much sun does the area receive?
• Does the soil drain well after rain?
• How quickly do I need coverage?
• How much pruning do I want to do long term?

Best Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees for Large Privacy Screens

For large yards and long property lines, choose evergreens that can create a broad, full screen. Thuja Green Giant is one of the strongest options for this role because it combines fast growth with dense evergreen coverage.

Carolina Cherry Laurel and Southern Wax Myrtle can also work well for larger screens, especially when you want a softer, leafy look instead of a conifer-style wall.

Best large-screen options:

• Thuja Green Giant
• Carolina Cherry Laurel
• Southern Wax Myrtle
• Skip Laurel

Best Narrow Evergreen Trees for Privacy

Narrow evergreens are best when you want privacy but do not have room for a wide hedge. They are useful along driveways, side yards, patios, walkways, and smaller suburban lots.

Best narrow options:

• Emerald Green Arborvitae
• Taylor Juniper
• Blue Arrow Juniper
• Italian Cypress

For a deeper look at narrow evergreen privacy options, read our guide to the best privacy trees for your yard.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Evergreen Privacy Trees?

Spacing depends on the plant and the type of privacy screen you want. Closer spacing creates faster coverage, while wider spacing gives each tree more room to mature naturally.

For spacing-specific help, read our Thuja Green Giant privacy screen spacing guide or our Taylor Juniper spacing guide.

How to Plant Evergreen Trees for Privacy

Good planting is the foundation of a healthy privacy screen. Even fast-growing evergreens can struggle if they are planted too deeply, placed in poor drainage, or watered inconsistently during establishment.

1. Measure the full length of the area you want to screen.
2. Choose plants that match the available width and height.
3. Mark spacing before digging.
4. Dig each hole about as deep as the root ball and slightly wider.
5. Place each plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
6. Backfill with native soil and gently firm around the roots.
7. Water deeply after planting.
8. Add mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
9. Water consistently while the plants establish.

For step-by-step planting help, read the Simply Trees Guide to Planting.

Watering Fast-Growing Evergreen Privacy Trees

Newly planted evergreen privacy trees need consistent watering while they establish. The goal is to water deeply enough to reach the root zone, then let the soil begin to dry slightly before watering again.

Deep watering encourages roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil. Light surface watering can keep roots shallow and make the plant more vulnerable during heat, drought, and wind.

Watering tips:

• Water deeply after planting.
• Check soil moisture regularly during the first growing season.
• Water more often during hot, dry, or windy weather.
• Avoid keeping the soil constantly soggy.
• Use mulch to help protect soil moisture.
• Reduce watering frequency once plants are established.

For more watering guidance, read the Simply Trees Guide to Watering.

How to Make an Evergreen Privacy Screen Fill In Faster

The fastest way to create a strong privacy screen is to combine the right plant choice, good spacing, proper planting, and consistent establishment care. Fertilizer alone will not fix poor spacing, low light, or bad drainage.

To encourage faster coverage:

• Choose fast-growing evergreen trees suited to your climate.
• Plant at the right spacing for your privacy goal.
• Use full sun whenever possible.
• Water deeply during the first growing season.
• Mulch around the root zone.
• Prune lightly when needed to encourage density.
• Avoid planting in soggy soil.
• Do not crowd plants beyond their mature size.

Should You Fertilize Evergreen Privacy Trees?

Evergreen privacy trees may benefit from light fertilizing once established, especially if growth is weak or the soil is poor. However, fertilizer should not be used as a quick fix for transplant shock, poor drainage, drought stress, or incorrect planting depth.

Most privacy trees grow better when the basics are right first: full sun, healthy soil, good drainage, deep watering, and proper spacing.

Fertilizer may help when:

• The plant is established but growing slowly.
• The soil is poor or depleted.
• Foliage looks pale and watering is correct.
• You want to support steady spring growth.

Avoid fertilizing when:

• The plant was just planted and looks stressed.
• The soil is soggy.
• The plant is drought-stressed.
• You recently fertilized.
• The problem is likely drainage, watering, or planting depth.

For general feeding tips, read the Simply Trees Guide to Fertilizing.

Pruning Evergreen Trees for Privacy

Pruning depends on the plant. Some evergreen privacy trees, like Blue Arrow Juniper, Taylor Juniper, and Italian Cypress, naturally keep a narrow upright shape and need very little pruning. Others, like Skip Laurel, Southern Wax Myrtle, and Carolina Cherry Laurel, can be pruned more actively to shape a hedge.

Pruning tips:

• Prune lightly and regularly instead of cutting back heavily.
• Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
• Trim broadleaf hedges to encourage dense branching.
• Avoid topping narrow evergreens unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not cut deeply into bare old wood on many conifers.
• Avoid heavy pruning during drought, extreme heat, or freezing weather.

Evergreen Privacy Trees for Small Yards

Small yards need privacy trees that provide height without taking over the entire planting area. Narrow evergreens are usually the best choice because they create a screen while preserving usable space.

Best small-yard options:

• Blue Arrow Juniper
• Taylor Juniper
• Emerald Green Arborvitae
• Dwarf Italian Cypress
• Skip Laurel for a clipped hedge

For more small-yard ideas, read our guide to the best small trees for front yards.

Evergreen Privacy Trees for Backyard Screening

Backyard privacy usually needs coverage at both eye level and above fence height. A single row of evergreens can work well, but a layered planting often looks more natural and provides better coverage over time.

Good backyard privacy combinations include:

• Thuja Green Giant with Skip Laurel
• Emerald Green Arborvitae with flowering shrubs
• Taylor Juniper with low evergreen shrubs
• Southern Wax Myrtle with mixed landscape trees
• Carolina Cherry Laurel with ornamental grasses or smaller shrubs

For more backyard-specific ideas, see our guide to privacy trees for your backyard.

Evergreen Privacy Trees for Fence Lines

Fence-line planting is one of the most common uses for evergreen privacy trees. The goal is usually to soften the fence, add height above it, and make the yard feel more enclosed.

Fence-line planting tips:

• Leave enough room between the plant and the fence for mature growth.
• Use narrow evergreens where space is tight.
• Use broader evergreens where there is more room.
• Plan for airflow behind and between plants.
• Do not plant so close that pruning becomes difficult later.

Fast-Growing Evergreen Privacy Trees for Full Sun

Many of the best fast-growing evergreen privacy trees perform best in full sun. Full sun helps support stronger growth, denser foliage, and better long-term screening.

Strong full-sun options include:

• Thuja Green Giant
• Taylor Juniper
• Blue Arrow Juniper
• Italian Cypress
• Southern Wax Myrtle

Evergreen Privacy Trees for Partial Shade

If your planting area gets partial shade, choose evergreens that can still grow well with less than full-day sun. Keep in mind that deeper shade can slow growth and reduce density.

Better partial-shade options include:

• Skip Laurel
• Carolina Cherry Laurel
• Emerald Green Arborvitae
• Thuja Green Giant in brighter partial sun

Common Mistakes When Planting Evergreen Privacy Trees

Choosing the fastest tree without checking mature size

A fast-growing tree can become a maintenance problem if it gets too wide for the space. Always choose based on mature height and width, not just growth speed.

Planting too close together

Close spacing can create faster coverage, but overcrowding can reduce airflow and make long-term maintenance harder. Give each plant enough room to mature.

Ignoring drainage

Most evergreen privacy trees do not like sitting in soggy soil. Poor drainage can lead to yellowing, browning, root stress, and decline.

Watering too lightly

Light watering only wets the surface. Deep watering helps roots establish and supports stronger growth.

Planting too close to fences or structures

Even narrow evergreens need room around them. Planting too close to a fence, wall, or foundation can create crowding later.

Expecting instant privacy

Fast-growing evergreen trees still need time to establish. The first season is often about root growth, with stronger visible growth following later.

Evergreen Privacy Tree Maintenance Checklist

• Choose the right plant for the width of your space.
• Plant in the right light conditions.
• Use well-draining soil.
• Water deeply during establishment.
• Mulch around the root zone.
• Prune lightly when needed.
• Check for yellowing, browning, or thinning.
• Do not overfertilize stressed plants.
• Adjust watering based on soil moisture and weather.

FAQ: Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees for Privacy

What is the best fast-growing evergreen tree for privacy?

Thuja Green Giant is one of the best fast-growing evergreen trees for large privacy screens. For narrower spaces, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Taylor Juniper, and Blue Arrow Juniper may be better fits.

What evergreen tree grows fastest for privacy?

Thuja Green Giant is often chosen when fast privacy is the main goal. It grows into a large, dense evergreen screen when planted in the right conditions with enough space.

What is the best evergreen privacy tree for a small yard?

For small yards, choose narrow evergreen trees like Blue Arrow Juniper, Taylor Juniper, or Emerald Green Arborvitae. These provide height and year-round screening without taking up too much width.

Are evergreen trees better than fences for privacy?

Evergreen trees can soften views, add height, reduce noise visually, and make a yard feel more natural. A fence gives immediate structure, while evergreens create living privacy that improves as they grow.

How close should I plant evergreen trees for privacy?

Spacing depends on the type of evergreen and the look you want. Closer spacing creates faster coverage, while wider spacing gives plants more room to mature naturally and improves airflow.

Can I plant evergreen privacy trees along a fence?

Yes. Evergreen privacy trees work well along fences, but they should not be planted too close. Leave enough room for mature width, airflow, and maintenance access.

What evergreen trees stay narrow?

Blue Arrow Juniper, Taylor Juniper, Emerald Green Arborvitae, and Italian Cypress are good narrow evergreen options for privacy and vertical structure.

What is the best privacy tree for full sun?

Thuja Green Giant, Taylor Juniper, Blue Arrow Juniper, Italian Cypress, and Southern Wax Myrtle are strong full-sun privacy options.

What is the best evergreen privacy tree for partial shade?

Skip Laurel, Carolina Cherry Laurel, Emerald Green Arborvitae, and Thuja Green Giant in brighter partial sun can work well for partial-shade privacy plantings.

How do I make my privacy trees grow faster?

Plant in the right location, use proper spacing, water deeply during establishment, mulch around the root zone, and avoid poor drainage. Healthy roots are the foundation for faster top growth.

Should I fertilize fast-growing evergreen trees?

Light fertilizing can help established plants in poor soil, but fertilizer should not be used to fix poor drainage, drought stress, transplant shock, or incorrect planting depth.

What is the best low-maintenance privacy tree?

Thuja Green Giant is a strong low-maintenance choice for larger spaces. Emerald Green Arborvitae, Taylor Juniper, and Blue Arrow Juniper are good lower-maintenance options for narrower spaces.

Can I mix different evergreen privacy trees?

Yes. Mixing evergreens can create a more natural, layered screen with better texture and depth. Just make sure each plant has similar light and soil needs.

How long does it take evergreen privacy trees to fill in?

Fill-in time depends on the plant, starting size, spacing, growing conditions, and care. Fast-growing evergreen trees can begin providing useful screening relatively quickly, but most privacy screens improve over several growing seasons.

Final Thoughts

Fast-growing evergreen trees are one of the best ways to create year-round privacy in the landscape. The right choice depends on your space: Thuja Green Giant is excellent for large, full screens; Emerald Green Arborvitae works well in narrower rows; Skip Laurel creates a leafy hedge; and Taylor Juniper, Blue Arrow Juniper, and Italian Cypress bring vertical structure to tight spaces.

For the best results, match the tree to your available space, plant in the right light, use well-draining soil, water deeply during establishment, and give each evergreen enough room to mature. With the right planning, your privacy screen can become a beautiful living backdrop that stays green through every season.