14 Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy Landscaping Between Houses

If you’ve ever wished your backyard could magically grow a green wall overnight, trust me,you’re not alone.

I used to feel like I was living in a fishbowl, with neighbors waving while I was trying to enjoy my morning coffee in peace.

That’s when I went all-in on fast-growing trees for privacy. And let me tell you, it was a game changer.

Whether you’re blocking nosy neighbors, reducing road noise, or just creating a cozy, nature-wrapped vibe, fast-growing trees are your secret weapon.

They look beautiful, grow quickly, and,bonus,they add value to your property.

In this article, I’m sharing 14 practical and realistic fast-growing trees you can plant to turn your yard into a private sanctuary.

These are trees I’ve either planted myself or recommended to friends,and they WORK.

Why Fast-Growing Trees Are a Backyard Superpower

If you want instant privacy, a fence might be faster, but it can look harsh or even block airflow and sunlight. Trees, on the other hand?

Grow with character
Soften the landscape naturally
Add curb appeal and increase property value
Provide shade, reduce noise, and act as windbreaks

And let’s be real: there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your trees fill in over a season or two and realizing, *”Wow, I actually did that.”

1. Thuja Green Giant

Thuja Green Giant is a privacy superstar. It’s super low-maintenance and grows like it’s on a mission.

Growth rate: 3 to 5 feet per year
Mature height: Up to 40-60 feet
Spacing: Plant 5 to 6 feet apart for a dense wall

Why I love it: I planted six of these along my back fence, and within two summers, it felt like I had my own secret garden. They’re dense, evergreen, and look gorgeous year-round.

Quick Tips:

Thrives in zones 5-9
Drought-tolerant once established
Minimal pruning needed

2. Leyland Cypress

If you want a super-fast privacy solution, Leyland Cypress delivers big time.

Growth rate: 3 to 4 feet per year
Mature height: 60 to 70 feet
Spacing: 6 to 8 feet apart

Why it’s awesome: This one is all about quick results. It can get you a full green screen in just a few years. I suggested this to a friend who lives next to a busy road, and it totally muffled the traffic noise.

What to keep in mind:

Needs well-drained soil
Can be prone to root rot if overwatered
Best for zones 6-10

3. Eastern Red Cedar

This native evergreen is rugged, beautiful, and perfect for rustic landscapes.

Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year
Mature height: 40 to 50 feet
Spacing: 8 to 10 feet apart

Why it stands out: It’s incredibly drought-resistant and handles poor soils like a champ. Plus, it gives off that lovely piney scent and provides shelter for birds.

Pro Tips:

Ideal for zones 2-9
Good option for windbreaks
Requires little to no maintenance

4. Bamboo (Clumping varieties only)

Yes, bamboo,but hear me out: only go for clumping bamboo unless you want it to take over your entire yard.

Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year
Height: Typically 10 to 20 feet
Spacing: 3 to 5 feet apart

Why I love it: I added clumping bamboo along one side of our patio, and it made an instant tropical retreat. The rustling leaves sound so calming.

Do this, not that:

Pick clumping, NOT running bamboo
Works best in zones 6-10
Great for small yards or containers

5. Hybrid Poplar

Need serious height in a short time? Hybrid Poplar is the Usain Bolt of trees.

Growth rate: 5 to 8 feet per year
Mature height: 40 to 50 feet
Spacing: 10 to 12 feet apart

Why it’s great: This is one of the fastest-growing shade trees around. If you need height more than density, this is your guy.

Things to note:

Best in zones 3-9
Needs full sun
Not evergreen (leaves drop in fall)

6. Willow Hybrid

Willow Hybrids are fast, full, and fantastic for large spaces.

Growth rate: 6 to 10 feet per year
Mature height: 35 to 45 feet
Spacing: 5 feet apart for privacy hedge

Why I recommend them: These filled in fast along a friend’s property line and gave her the exact green wall she wanted within a year.

Keep in mind:

Not drought tolerant (needs consistent watering)
Best for zones 4-9
Not evergreen

7. Nellie R. Stevens Holly

This hybrid holly is perfect for year-round privacy and has beautiful glossy leaves.

Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
Mature height: 15 to 25 feet
Spacing: 5 to 6 feet apart

What I like most: They’re super dense and also look great as standalone shrubs. Plus, you get red berries in winter!

Care tips:

Evergreen and thrives in zones 6-9
Prune for shape in early spring
Great for formal or natural hedges

8. Arizona Cypress

This bluish-green beauty is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and super stylish.

Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
Mature height: 40 to 50 feet
Spacing: 6 to 8 feet apart

Why I dig it: It adds such a cool tone to the garden. I planted a row of these behind my shed, and now it looks like a Pinterest board.

Good to know:

Hardy in zones 7-9
Needs full sun
Tolerates poor soil

9. Sky Pencil Holly

If you’re working with tight spaces but still want some vertical privacy, Sky Pencil Holly is a total gem.

Growth rate: About 1 to 2 feet per year
Mature height: 6 to 10 feet
Spacing: 2 to 3 feet apart for a sleek hedge

Why I’m a fan:
I used these near my front porch to create a stylish privacy screen that doesn’t eat up too much room. Their upright growth habit looks super neat and intentional.

Design Tips:

Perfect for small yards or patios
Thrives in zones 5-9
Needs minimal pruning to keep shape

10. Silver Maple

If you need fast shade and don’t mind a deciduous tree, Silver Maple is an old-school classic.

Growth rate: 3 to 7 feet per year
Mature height: 50 to 70 feet
Spacing: 20 to 25 feet apart

Why it works:
A neighbor of mine planted these along their long driveway. In just a few years, they had towering trees that offered privacy and cooled their home during the summer.

Good to Know:

Best for zones 3-9
Prefers full sun to partial shade
Keep it away from pipes—roots can get aggressive

11. Red Tip Photinia

Looking for a colorful privacy screen? Red Tip Photinia offers vibrant red foliage in spring that matures into glossy green.

Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year
Mature height: 10 to 15 feet
Spacing: 5 to 8 feet apart

Why I like it:
I recommended this to a friend who wanted a hedge with a little flair. The red growth is eye-catching and seasonal, plus it’s evergreen in warmer climates.

Care Tips:

Best in zones 7-9
Prune regularly to encourage dense growth
Watch for leaf spot in humid areas

12. Privet (Fast-Growing Varieties)

If you love a classic hedge look, you can’t go wrong with fast-growing Privet.

Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
Mature height: 10 to 15 feet
Spacing: 3 to 5 feet apart

Why it’s reliable:
Privets are super easy to shape, and they give you that elegant, traditional look. I once saw an entire backyard wrapped in a Privet wall—instant English garden vibes.

Must-Know:

Evergreen in mild climates (zones 5-8)
Prune 2–3 times a year for a formal look
Can be invasive in some areas—check your local guidance

13. Lombardy Poplar

Need a tall, columnar privacy barrier fast? Lombardy Poplar is a top pick for windbreaks and property lines.

Growth rate: 5 to 8 feet per year
Mature height: 40 to 60 feet
Spacing: 5 to 8 feet apart

Why it’s a standout:
These grow like soldiers in a row. A friend of mine planted them along her field fence, and within two seasons, she had a towering screen of green.

Important Notes:

Best for zones 3-9
Needs full sun
Shorter lifespan (15–20 years), but great for quick coverage

14. Western Red Cedar

A lush, long-living option, Western Red Cedar offers both beauty and a natural woodsy aroma.

Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
Mature height: 50 to 70 feet
Spacing: 8 to 12 feet apart

Why I love it:
It’s one of those majestic trees that feels like it belongs in a fairytale. I spotted a mature stand of these on a hike and immediately added them to my landscaping wish list.

Pro Tips:

Excellent for zones 5-9
Great for damp, shady spots
Naturally insect-resistant wood

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Privacy Trees

We’ve all been there,super excited, buying a bunch of trees, only to find out we planted the wrong variety in the wrong spot. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring spacing requirements – Crowded trees can suffer and grow poorly.
Choosing the wrong tree for your zone – Always check your USDA zone first!
Forgetting about growth habits – Some trees get huge, and roots can disrupt foundations.
Neglecting water needs – Especially in the first two years, consistent watering is key.

FAQ

What’s the fastest-growing tree for privacy?

Hybrid Poplar and Willow Hybrid are among the fastest, often growing up to 8-10 feet a year.

Can I plant these trees close to my house?

It depends. For large trees like Hybrid Poplar, keep them at least 20-30 feet away. Smaller trees or shrubs like Nellie Stevens Holly are safer closer to structures.

Are all these trees evergreen?

Not all. Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, and Nellie Stevens Holly are evergreen. Trees like Hybrid Poplar and Willow Hybrid lose their leaves in fall.

How long until I see results?

With fast growers like these, you can start seeing significant privacy coverage in 1 to 2 years.

Can I mix different types of trees?

Absolutely! Mixing textures and heights can create a more natural and visually interesting screen.

Final Thoughts

Creating a green privacy wall doesn’t have to be complicated or take a decade. With the right fast-growing trees, you can enjoy more seclusion, better air quality, and that lush, peaceful vibe we all crave.

I’ve tried several of these trees myself, and I always recommend starting with just a few to see how they adapt to your space. Trust your instincts, observe your yard’s sun patterns, and pick the ones that feel right for your style and climate.

And most importantly,enjoy the journey. There’s something so fulfilling about watching your yard grow into your own little slice of green heaven.

Got a favorite privacy tree I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear about it!