25 Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy Landscaping Between Houses

When we first moved into a suburban neighborhood, our backyard felt a bit too open for comfort. Lovely neighbors, sure—but sometimes you just want to enjoy your coffee in peace without feeling like you’re on display.

That’s when I discovered the magic of fast-growing privacy trees. In just a couple of seasons, our yard transformed into a private, leafy haven.

If you’re after the same, here are 15 trees that grow quickly and give you the kind of natural screen that fences can only dream of.

1. Leyland Cypress

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Why It Works: This is the go-to for fast privacy. It’s an evergreen that grows tall, dense, and quick—perfect for large spaces where you want full coverage fast. Once established, it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant too.

2. Thuja Green Giant

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Why It Works: Think of this as the low-maintenance cousin of the Leyland Cypress. It’s tall, lush, and holds its green color year-round. A great option if you’re after a living wall with minimal fuss.

3. Eastern Red Cedar

Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
Why It Works: It’s a bit slower than some, but still reliable. The thick, evergreen foliage provides great year-round coverage, and it handles drought like a champ.

4. Arborvitae ‘Emerald Green’

Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
Why It Works: Got a smaller yard? These stay tidy and upright without taking up much space. You’ll often see them lined up like little soldiers between houses—they’re great for tight spots.

5. Clumping Bamboo

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Why It Works: Fast, tall, and dramatic. Clumping varieties stay put (unlike the spreading kind), making them a smart choice for privacy with a modern, tropical vibe.

6. Hybrid Poplar

Growth Rate: 5–8 feet per year
Why It Works: If you’re in a hurry, this one’s lightning fast. It won’t live forever (20–30 years is typical), but it’ll give you quick coverage while slower trees catch up.

7. Silver Maple

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: Big, beautiful leaves and fast growth make this a lovely shade tree. Great for privacy at height—but watch where you plant it, as roots can spread.

8. Tulip Tree

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: Elegant and upright, with showy tulip-shaped blooms in spring. It’s ideal if you want a privacy tree that also turns heads.

9. Willow Hybrid

Growth Rate: 6–10 feet per year
Why It Works: Hands down, one of the fastest growers around. Perfect for large properties or as a windbreak. Just make sure it gets plenty of water early on.

10. Dawn Redwood

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Why It Works: A deciduous conifer (yep, it loses its needles in winter) that’s soft to the touch and looks almost feathery. It’s fast, tall, and striking.

11. River Birch

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: Ideal for wetter areas or near drainage spots. The peeling bark adds texture and interest, and the growth is quick enough to offer shade and privacy within a few years.

12. Cold-Hardy Eucalyptus

Growth Rate: 6+ feet per year
Why It Works: If you’re after something fragrant and fast, this one’s a winner. Choose a variety suited to your zone, and you’ll be rewarded with sky-high, aromatic coverage.

13. Italian Cypress

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: Narrow and tall, these are perfect for planting in tight rows. They bring a bit of European flair to the garden while screening out neighboring windows.

14. Red Maple

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: You’ll love the fiery fall color just as much as the privacy. These trees grow quickly and bring a real seasonal show to your yard.

15. Cryptomeria ‘Radicans’

Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Why It Works: Soft, feathery, and evergreen—it gives you lush coverage without looking too heavy. Lovely texture and great performance in various climates.

16. Spartan Juniper

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: Tough, compact, and evergreen, Spartan Juniper grows into a dense column that’s perfect for narrow side yards or between driveways. It’s drought-tolerant and rarely needs trimming—ideal for a low-maintenance green wall.

17. Nellie R. Stevens Holly

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: This holly variety grows thick and bushy with shiny green leaves and bright red berries in winter. It makes a beautiful year-round privacy screen, and birds love it too.

18. Murray Cypress

Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Why It Works: A hardier alternative to Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress has better disease resistance and a similar fast, upright growth. It’s excellent for tall hedges and windy sites.

19. Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
Why It Works: A graceful evergreen with soft, whorled needles and a conical shape. It’s ideal if you want something less formal than a hedge but still thick enough to block views.

20. Chitalpa

Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Why It Works: A hybrid between Catalpa and Desert Willow, Chitalpa gives you beautiful trumpet-shaped blooms and fast growth. It’s deciduous but leafy enough in summer for good screening.

21. American Sycamore

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Why It Works: Huge leaves, quick growth, and striking white bark make this a standout. It’s better suited for larger properties since it needs space to spread, but the shade and privacy it provides are unbeatable.

22. Arizona Cypress

Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Why It Works: This silvery-blue evergreen thrives in hot, dry areas where other trees might struggle. It’s fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and makes a unique, eye-catching screen.

23. Black Locust

Growth Rate: 3–4 feet per year
Why It Works: Known for its rapid growth and fragrant spring flowers, Black Locust also improves poor soil with its nitrogen-fixing roots. It’s a great utility tree where speed and privacy matter most.

24. Autumn Blaze Maple

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Why It Works: A hybrid between red and silver maple, this tree combines beauty and speed. It’s widely planted for its brilliant fall color and symmetrical shape—great for privacy and aesthetics.

25. Carolina Sapphire Cypress

Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
Why It Works: If you’re after something with a silvery-blue tone and spicy scent, this fast-growing evergreen fits the bill. It’s especially good for privacy in warm climates.

Clive’s Tips for Choosing Fast-Growing Privacy Trees

• Start with your space. Some of these trees get tall and wide—make sure you’ve got enough room, especially near fences and houses.

• Water well during the first year. Even drought-tolerant trees need help establishing roots early on.

• Mix it up. Combine a fast-grower like Hybrid Poplar with a slower but long-lasting option like Red Maple for layered coverage.

• Think about maintenance. Taller trees might need trimming to keep them from getting unruly.

• Check with your local nursery. Some varieties perform better in certain zones—local advice can save you time and hassle.

Privacy doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag or a long wait. Planting a few of these fast-growing trees is an easy, natural way to create a peaceful retreat between you and the neighbors. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll soon find that a little green barrier goes a long way.