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While being neighborly has its perks, we all need a little privacy to relax or entertain in our own outdoor space. Fences can sometimes be too short or expensive for upkeep – they also don’t come with a lush, eye-catching nature-vibe that trees offer. When trying to choose fast-growing trees for privacy in your backyard, you’ll also want trees that are easy to maintain and can easily be planted close together. This article has you covered with a list of 8 trees you can start planting and reaping the benefits from in no time.
8 fast growing trees for privacy in your backyard
Look no further for these 8 privacy tree options that grow fast, are readily available on the market, and are easy to maintain.
1. Leyland cypress
Botanical name: x Cuprocyparis leylandii
One of the most popular privacy trees is the Leyland cypress that’s soft and feathery for an attractive privacy feature. This hybrid tree grows well in full sunlight but can also stay strong with temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are well-draining trees that can adapt to a variety of soils, from heavy in clay to sandy. Plant them around 6 feet apart and watch them grow 3 to 5 feet a year to heights of 40 to 60 feet. While they don’t require pruning and grow in a symmetrical, uniform shape you can a;sp choose to trim them into hedges.
2. Wax myrtle
Botanical name: Myrica cerifera
Wax myrtles are an amazing solution if you have a smaller landscape. It’s a dense foliage that’s ideal for hedging and can be planted and shaped in groups. These fast growing trees can be used to define your property line or add some more privacy to your patio or pool space.
They require full-partial sunlight and can grow to a height of 15 feet. They can also withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. During the fall and winter, these trees grow berries that can add a pleasant fragrance to your outdoor space.
Another benefit? They repel insects and return nitrogen to your soil for other plants to grow healthier.
3. Austree Willow hybrid
Botanical name: Salix mutsudana x Salix alba
Another hybrid tree that’s very fast growing is the austree willow hybrid. These thick trees grow 6 to 10 feet a year, reaching up to 35 to 45 feet, and are an effective sound barrier. They also help block winds, control soil erosion, and are resistant to pests and diseases, making them easy to maintain.
You’ll want to plant them around 3 feet apart for a privacy screen. As a windbreak, plant them 5 feet apart in double staggered rows using a zig-zag pattern. Not only are they practical, but they also look graceful as the leaves sway in the wind.
4. Arborvitae
Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis
Arborvitae are extremely hardy trees that can grow healthily in a wide range of soil conditions. They can also survive conditions down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Another amazing feature is they have almost zero maintenance requirements.
These trees will grow around 10 feet wide and 20 to 30 feet tall. Two of the most popular arborvitae species, depending on whether you have a large or small yard are the green giant thuja (Standishii x plicata) and emerald green thuja (Thuja occidentalis ‘smaragd’).
5. Yoshino Japanese cedar
Botanical name: Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’
Yoshino Japanese cedars have a symmetrical, columnar growth that makes them ideal for privacy screening. They grow to a mature height of 30 to 40 feet and can act as a great wind break.
Their bluish-green foliage is also an eye-catching addition to your outdoor space. In cold weather you may also see a purplish-bronze cast to its coloring. These trees can survive in full sun conditions as well as tolerate poor soil conditions or cold temperatures.
6. Spartan juniper
Botanical name: Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’
Spartan juniper trees are low-maintenance and durable evergreens that work really well as privacy trees. They are super resistant to extreme weather conditions, including drought and de-icing salt. They grow to a mature height around 15 to 20 feet and a width of 4 to 5 feet.
Since they have branches that stay close to the trunk, they are ideal for smaller landscapes or limited spaces. The density of their branches also makes them a great wind barrier.
7. North privet
Botanical name: Ligustrum vulgare
For one of the fasted growing hedge in America, you’ll want the north privet. It grows up to 3 feet per year and has a mature height of 8 to 12 feet tall. It’s dense with glossy, dark green foliage and can withstand extremely cold weather.
While they naturally grow in a pyramidal shape, these trees tolerate shearing very well if you want to shape it into a formal-looking hedge or any other design. They grow best in areas with full sun to partial shade.
8. Nellie Stevens holly
Botanical name: Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’
Holly trees are popular privacy trees that grow dense, tight foliage that’s almost impossible to see through. Of all holly tree species, the Nellie Stevens holly is one of the most popular for both privacy screening and hedging. These trees grow up to 3 feet per year for heights around 15 to 25 feet and stay deep green year-round.
They are also easy to maintain being able to thrive despite being neglected as long as you plant them in partial sun or shade. You won’t have to worry about them browning out in drought or extreme heat conditions either!
