The best way to create a natural privacy screen is by growing fast-growing trees that fill in quickly and provide lush green coverage. These living walls not only block unwanted views but also add beauty, shade, and fresh air to your yard.
Many privacy trees thrive with little maintenance, making them perfect even if you’re not an expert gardener. Once established, they’ll grow tall and wide, transforming your outdoor space into a private retreat.
By choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy rapid growth and long-lasting greenery without waiting decades for results.
Here are six of the fastest-growing trees that can help you create a natural privacy screen in just a few years.
#1 Chinese Privet
Chinese Privet grows about three feet per year and quickly forms a dense hedge. At maturity, it reaches 6–8 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for screening smaller yards.
The plant handles drought and poor soil conditions with ease, so you won’t need to fuss over it. Regular pruning helps keep its shape neat and full.
Plant them close together for a thick hedge that blocks both sound and sight. With minimal effort, you’ll have an attractive green wall in no time.
#2 Weeping Willow
The graceful Weeping Willow can reach 30–50 feet tall and adds 6–8 feet of growth each year. Its cascading branches create instant shade and privacy, especially near ponds or along property lines.
This tree loves moist soil, so it thrives in damp or soggy areas where other trees may struggle. To keep it healthy, water regularly during dry spells. Its sweeping form not only hides views but also brings a peaceful, romantic look to the garden.
#3 Nellie Stevens Holly
Nellie Stevens Holly is a hardy evergreen that grows 15–25 feet tall with glossy, spiky leaves. Its dense foliage forms an almost impenetrable barrier, perfect for creating a tall hedge or natural fence.
The tree adapts well to sun or partial shade and can tolerate short droughts. Plant it in zones 6–9, and it will reward you with steady growth and clusters of bright red berries in winter.
For the best results, prune lightly to shape and encourage fullness.
#4 Hybrid Poplar
Hybrid Poplar is one of the fastest-growing shade trees, adding up to 8 feet each year. It matures at 40–50 feet and thrives in zones 3–8 with plenty of sun. This tree works well along property lines, where it quickly provides tall, leafy cover.
Since it grows so fast, it’s a good short-term solution for privacy while slower trees develop. Water young trees regularly, then allow them to establish deep roots for long-term health.
#5 Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is a favorite for privacy screens because it grows 3–4 feet per year and forms a dense green wall. At maturity, it can reach 40–60 feet tall, filling in with feathery evergreen branches.
This tree adapts to a wide range of soils and even tolerates cold winters. Space them 6–8 feet apart to create a seamless hedge. With regular watering in the first year, it will quickly take off and shield your yard beautifully.
#6 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the easiest and most reliable privacy trees. It grows 3–5 feet per year and reaches 30–50 feet tall with lush, dense foliage. This variety is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in zones 5–8.
Plant it in full sun to partial shade and water consistently until it sets strong roots. With its fast growth and evergreen beauty, it’s one of the top choices for homeowners who want a long-lasting natural screen.