What makes a good privacy tree
A good screening tree is dense from the ground up, grows at a steady pace, and stays a manageable size for the space. Evergreens are the usual choice because they hide views all year. Narrow, upright forms use less room than wide ones, which matters along a property line.
Fast growth helps you get a screen sooner, but it should be weighed against mature size. Many of the fastest screening trees become very large, so planning for the final size avoids a costly removal later.
Fast-growing evergreens for screening
Growth figures below are approximate and based on commonly cited ranges. Results vary with climate, soil, water, and sun.
| Tree | Approx. growth per year | Approx. mature height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja ‘Green Giant’ | Roughly 3 feet or more once established | 30 to 40 feet or more | Pyramidal; generally regarded as deer resistant |
| Leyland cypress | Roughly 3 feet or more | 40 feet or more | Soft, feathery foliage; prone to disease in some climates |
| American pillar arborvitae | Roughly 2 to 3 feet | Often 12 to 20 feet | Narrow form for tighter spaces |
| Emerald Green arborvitae | About 1 to 2 feet | About 8 to 12 feet | Tidy and narrow; suits smaller yards |
| Eastern red cedar | Moderate | Often 30 to 40 feet or more | Native to much of eastern North America; tough on poor soils |
Green Giant arborvitae
A very popular fast screen. It is often planted too close to a house or fence, so allow for a mature width of well over 10 feet. Deer resistance is relative, since hungry deer may still browse young plants.
Leyland cypress
Grows fast and looks soft and full, but it can suffer from canker and root diseases, particularly in hot, humid regions, and it can become top-heavy. Some growers avoid planting it as a single species for this reason.
Narrower arborvitaes
For a small yard, narrower cultivars such as Emerald Green or American pillar give privacy with less spread. They are slower than Green Giant but easier to fit. More slim options are in columnar trees for small gardens.
Deciduous and mixed options
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, so they screen less in the cold months. Mixing several species spreads the risk of disease or pests wiping out the whole screen. A layered planting, with an evergreen backbone and a few flowering trees or shrubs in front, can look more natural than a single row. Some medium-sized choices are covered in our guide to fast-growing medium-sized trees.
Fast-growing pines for screens
Pines can also screen larger or more open properties. White pine is often described as a fast grower, but it can become a very large tree and may not suit tight spaces. Our article on how fast pine trees grow compares typical rates by species.
Spacing and layout
- Follow the spacing on the plant tag or from your nursery, and think about mature width, not the width at purchase.
- Planting closer gives a faster solid screen but more competition and a higher chance of thinning later.
- A staggered double row can give fuller coverage than a single line.
- Keep trees far enough from fences, walls, driveways, and buried or overhead utilities.
Problems to plan for
- Deer browsing, especially on young arborvitae.
- Disease, notably canker on Leyland cypress.
- Overgrowth when a large species is placed in a small space.
- Winter damage from snow or ice on multi-stemmed evergreens.
- Dry spells, since screens planted close together compete for water.
Before you plant
Check local rules about hedge or tree height, setbacks from property lines, and easements. Call your local utility locating service before digging. If the screen will sit on or near a boundary, talking with your neighbor first can prevent disputes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tree to block neighbors?
For speed, Green Giant arborvitae is a common choice, with narrower arborvitaes for smaller spaces. The best option depends on your climate and how much room you have.
What tree makes a good privacy screen?
Dense evergreens that branch low, such as arborvitae, spruce, cypress, or holly, are common. Pick one that fits your hardiness zone and site.
What plants can you use for privacy?
Besides trees, tall shrubs, ornamental grasses, bamboo (with care, since some types spread aggressively), and trellised climbers can all provide screening.
What is a fast-growing pine tree?
Eastern white pine and loblolly pine are often cited as faster pines. See how fast pine trees grow for details.