Amy Draiss
Privacy in your yard or garden is something to treasure. Many homeowners live close to others, yet crave that feeling of a private and secluded space – especially in the back yard. Fast growing privacy fence trees give you a natural, beautiful way of maintaining your own quiet corner – without having to wait too long for it.
Fast growing trees for privacy are some of the most low maintenance and attractive plants you can cultivate, as well as some of the most sturdy. Planted in tandem with a few easy fence landscaping ideas, you can create a private haven in very short order. With the right growing conditions, it won’t take long to grow fast growing fence line privacy trees of the right height and density.
Fast growing trees for privacy fence areas are a simple, attractive way of achieving an enclosed outdoor space that is natural and relatively easy to maintain. Use these ideas for inspiration to find your perfect, natural privacy barrier.
Ultimate Fastest Growing Privacy Fence Trees
When choosing fast growing trees for fence privacy, the most obvious thing to consider is the rate of growth. Some trees grow faster than others, even a few feet per year. Other essential factors for fast growing fence line privacy trees are unique to your area and personal preferences.
For example, should you choose a fast growing evergreen or deciduous tree? The evergreen will give complete year-round privacy. You can even take evergreen cuttings to add to your privacy boundary. Limit your options to trees that are hardy in your growing zone, which will thrive in the light and soil conditions you have. Be sure to do a soil test using a soil meter like the Raintrip 4-in-1 Soil Meter from Amazon.
Also, consider the ultimate size of the tree, and ensure you have space for it. Here, I’ve outlined some of the fastest growing options for a range of hardiness zones and conditions. Finally, before planting your trees, you might also want to add a sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi, like DynoMyco Granular Mycorrhizal Fungi from Amazon. Sprinkle this on tree roots to help your trees hit their stride even quicker.
1. American Arborvitae
You can hardly do better than Thuja occidentalis to meet the main criteria for a natural privacy fence. American arborvitae plants are evergreen, providing year-round privacy. This plant grows between 1-5 feet (30cm-1.5m) per year, depending on variety. So while it may start off feeling like a small privacy tree, it ultimately grows into a tall, dense hedge. Buy a 10-pack of live Thuja Occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ from Amazon.
American arborvitae grows easily in USDA zones 3-7, in most types of soil and either full sun or partial shade. Choose a variety based on the size and shape you prefer. For one of the tallest and fastest growing trees for privacy fence locations, choose ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae.
2. Eastern Red Cedar
If you want a towering privacy fence, up to 60 feet (18m), consider the native evergreen, Juniperus virginiana. Eastern red cedar is appropriate for USDA zones 2-9 and grows 1-2 feet (30-60cm) per year under the right conditions. It also has a narrower profile than many tall trees, so you can plant it closer to the house. You can buy Eastern Red Cedar Trees from Amazon as live quart pot plants.
To maximize your red cedar’s growth, give it a spot with full sun. The soil can be average, but should drain very well. Keep the soil moist as the young trees grow to help them establish strong roots.
3. Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtle is a good option for USDA zones 6-9. Although crepe myrtle is deciduous, but provides good coverage most of the year. It flowers in summer and fall, providing additional color and visual appeal. It grows best in full sun and soil that holds some moisture.
Crepe myrtle includes several types in the genus Lagerstroemia, so you can select one depending on your needs. Some can be small flowering trees, but there are a few capable of filling a space impressively well. Most types grow fast, but some faster than others. ‘Natchez’ is one of the fastest, adding a few feet per year. You can buy ‘Natchez White’ Crepe Myrtle from Amazon as live quart pot plants.
‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Basham’s Party Pink’ are amongst the other fast varieties available. Just bear in mind that full sunlight is important for getting the most growth out of these trees.
4. Southern Wax Myrtle
This diminutive tree (or tall shrub) is a great choice for southern gardeners, as it is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. Myrica cerifera ultimately grows to about 25 feet (7.6m) tall and 10 feet (3m) wide. It creates a dense, semi-evergreen to evergreen hedge, by growing 3-5 feet (90cm-1.5m) per year. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
Southern wax myrtle isn’t too particular about its growing conditions. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, and a range of soil types. Provide plenty of water as it gets established. After that, these are very low maintenance trees. You can buy fast-growing Wax Myrtle Trees from Fast Growing Trees – as a special bonus, the fragrance is a great deterrent for several pests.
5. Carolina Cherry Laurel
Prunus caroliniana is a native evergreen that can be considered a large shrub or small tree. It has a dense, pyramid shape, which makes it a good privacy screen. Under the right conditions, Carolina cherry laurel can grow 1-2 feet (30-60cm) per year and provide sweet-smelling spring flowers and summer berries. Be aware that all parts of this tree are very toxic to humans and pets. You can buy Caroline Cherry Laurel from Walmart as live pot plants.
Carolina cherry laurel can grow in USDA zones 4-9. It tolerates a range of sun conditions, but must have good drainage in the soil. Help it grow even faster with a fertilizer designed for ornamental trees. A good choice is TPS Nutrients Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for Evergreens, available from Amazon.
6. Leyland Cypress
Leyland cypress is a cross between two other cypress tree types. It grows fast, up to 4 feet (1.2m) per year when young, and tops out at 70 feet (21.4m) tall. Cuprocyparis leylandii is best suited to USDA zones 6-10. Because this is a big tree, make sure you have space for its rapid growth.
Leyland cypress is popular because it grows fast, is very attractive, and isn’t too picky about conditions. On the other hand, it can be susceptible to some serious diseases and pests. Be aware of these potential issues before using it for a privacy screen. You can buy packs of 10 live plants of Leyland Cypress from Amazon.
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