20 Best Privacy Trees: Fast Growing, Year Round, Growing Zones, Care Tips

While you can opt for eco-friendly fencing and other conventional barrier methods, a living fence can do the same job and looks way better.

The best part? There are countless options, from evergreen, variegated, tall, short, and even trees that provide fruits and berries.

You can beautify your home by creating a privacy screen for your porch and backyard based on your needs and preferences.

This guide outlines the 20 best privacy trees that are fast-growing and provide year-round cover, along with their best growing locations and care tips for ensuring your privacy thrives.

Best Trees for Privacy and How To Choose Them

Your home is your safe place. You want to feel protected, which is impossible if your house is too exposed to your neighbors and everyone walking or driving by.

Thanks to screening plants, homeowners can enjoy a personalized living fence that they can trim and shape. Many use privacy for various reasons besides fencing.

For one, they improve a home’s curb appeal and overall value. Buyers are willing to pay more for houses with beautiful landscaping trees.

The cover also helps keep away things you don’t want people seeing in your yard.

It may be overwhelming for you if you are planting for the first time; the following tips may help.

Growth Rate

Ask any homeowner about the desirable features of their dream hedge trees. They will immediately say that they want a fast-growing tree.

Nobody wants to wait for decades, leaving their home bare, waiting for trees to grow.

Picking and caring for privacy trees is a huge investment and takes a lot of time and effort. You will notice that high-quality shrubs for privacy grow rapidly, which is the main reason for planting them.

You should also consider your ideal height, or how tall you want your trees to get. The best species should cover your home in less than five years.

To be certain, you can look up your preferred tree’s growth rate or ask your local nursery for more details.

Care and Maintenance

Another factor to consider when choosing a tree is how much care it needs. Most homeowners opt for resilient species that withstand the elements, including snow and storms.

A low-maintenance version helps when you are busy and have little time for plant care.

While evergreen trees are easy to care for, deciduous trees require leaf racking during seasonal changes. Besides, remember that the leaves fall off in autumn, leaving the screen merely bare branches.⁴

Space

Space is another vital consideration when picking a tree for your home.¹² Massive properties don’t have restrictions since they can accommodate the giant species that grow tens of feet wide.

You also want to check for nearby power lines; otherwise, the trees will be dangerous.

If you need a privacy hedge that also doubles as an actual barrier to prevent pets from getting out, privacy trees can be used in addition to traditional fencing to provide a lovely, natural appearance.

How Long It Takes To Grow Privacy Trees

Every tree grows at a certain rate according to various factors. The most important determinant is the species, its genetics, location, and how much care it receives.

While some species usually grow fast, reaching over 5 feet yearly, others take their time to establish themselves first.

The only downside when dealing with extremely fast growers is that they tend to develop brittle wood and have short lifespans. However, slow growers grow stronger, high-quality wood and live longer.

Another factor influencing your tree’s growth is your region’s climate. Those living in warmer states in the south usually grow faster than the species in the northern regions.

Another obvious determinant is the tree’s living conditions. Those with proper care and maintenance typically grow healthier and stronger than neglected trees.

5 Fast Growing Privacy Trees

As a homeowner, you want a tree that can grow to your desired height in the shortest time possible. It is the first feature you go for, and five beautiful trees fit the description.¹

The Leyland cypress reaches 50 feet in only 15 years, creating an excellent cover when growing next to other trees. It thrives best in zones 6-10; the best part is that it is easy to maintain.

It can grow further under proper care to reach 70 feet, creating a striking bluish-green cover.

This makes it perfect if you are often busy and have little gardening time. For the best results, consider growing some if you live in zones 5-9 and watch as it reaches more than five feet annually.

Many prefer planting it in driveways. Its fast growth rate means it can reach its maximum 60 feet height and 20 feet width quickly.

You can plant it in hardiness zones 3-9, and it is perfect for rustic garden setups.

Others may argue that the flowers appear for a short while in a year, but the tree is generally stunning all year round.³ Zones 5-8 are perfect for the tree, and under proper care, your trees will grow faster, showcasing glossy green leaves and colorful berries in fall.

Another impressive feature is its relatively fast yearly 2-3 feet growth rate. They take a short time to reach their mature height (8-10 ft), forming elegant rounded multicolored privacy screens.

5 Tall Trees for Privacy

Finding tall tree fences for tall buildings can be tricky because you may end up with a short or medium-sized fence. It is crucial to carefully consider the tree’s maximum height before planting.

You want it to serve your needs and cover the entire house effectively.

The following are some of the tallest privacy trees that reach at least 50 feet.

It is perfect if you are looking for a majestic tree that will stay beautiful all year. For the best results, you can plant it in hardiness zones 5-10 and patiently wait for it to reach its potential height of 100 feet high and 40 feet wide.

It naturally grows in hardiness zones 3-7 and can reach 75 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Besides the unique blue shade, the tree also has a long lifespan, able to live for 60 years under your care and 100 years in the wild.

Additionally, it can grow to 80 feet tall when mature, which is impressive if you want a majestic tree. It comfortably grows in zones 5-8 and resembles an evergreen with needle leaves.

However, its leaves turn red or brown and fall off in autumn. It works if you love the color changes, but remember that it means that it will be bare in winter.

Thanks to its slim look, you can grow it even when you have little space, and many homeowners love how it adds height to the landscape.

Its maximum height is 50 feet, but it doesn’t grow extremely wide. It lives best in hardiness zones 7-11, and the best part is that it is hardy, gracefully surviving various environmental conditions.

The perfect growing zones are between 3-8, and many farmers grow them for their wind-breaking properties.²

5 Evergreen Trees for Privacy

Do you want trees surrounding your home to stay lush and green all year round? You must be looking for an evergreen tree.

Forget about racking up leaves in autumn and staring at bare twigs and branches in winter.

The trees below brave the harshest conditions to stay beautiful through all the seasons.

It has unique bluish-green needles that stand out in any landscaping style. It naturally grows in hardiness zones 7-8 but can thrive as long as it receives proper care and maintenance.

Under suitable conditions, it can reach an impressive 50 feet, which works if you are looking for a giant barrier.

The tree is fun to experiment with since there are multiple subspecies, coming in various shades, sizes, and needle types. Its best feature is its towering height because it can reach 80 feet tall under ideal conditions, such as regions in USDA zones 5-7.

It adds character to your home and has a stunning pyramidal shape with needle leaves. When growing in suitable conditions and in zones 2-7, the tree can easily reach its potential 60 feet height.

Like other Junipers, it is a famous landscaping tree you can grow for various needs. It can be at the front or back of your house, growing among other trees to create a fence or you can grow it as a standalone as an accent tree.

For your safety, it helps to know the Red Berry Tree identification and poisonous bush with Red Berries identification. Otherwise, you may grow a toxic species that is fatal to pets and children.

5 Best Backyard Privacy Trees

Some homeowners pay more attention to the front yard, forgetting that the back also needs beautification. Fortunately, several tree species make excellent backyard trees.

Below are a handful of them.

Many plant them for shade and privacy screens in their backyards. However, they are unsuitable for planting near decks or house entrances because they drop many flowers, leaves, and fruits all year long.⁷

You can help it reach its maximum height of 70 feet when growing it in your home by providing moist conditions and growing them if you live in Zones 6-8.

It is also a top choice for those looking for a shading tree. When the conditions are perfect, and the region is in zones 3-9, the red maple can reach 100 feet high.

Consider growing it in zones 5-9 under full sunlight for the best results. The Cherry Blossom loves the sun and water; it can reach 20 feet tall under perfect care and maintenance and serve as a privacy and landscaping tree.

This saves you a lot of space. It loves growing in zones 5-9 and easily and readily adapts to climatic changes; some owners even plant it in containers.

What Makes the Best Hedge for Privacy?

A good privacy hedge does more than fence around your home. The following is what you get by opting for a natural fence.

1. Personalized landscaping: You can style your hedge however you want with trees. You can create any landscaping style, from Mediterranean, to rustic, based on your preference or understanding of tree symbolism.
2. Windbreaking: If you want to protect yourself from the strong winds outside, the trees do the job perfectly. They also shade your home and create a cool environment which is vital during scorching summers.
3. Noise reduction and cancellation: You can grow privacy trees if you live in a busy and noisy neighborhood. They will shelter you from the loud sounds of other activities, especially if they grow tall.³
4. Soil erosion control: One of the trees’ best features is preventing soil erosion. Planting them around your home or farm will help hold the soil together, particularly if your area has problems with soil erosion.
5. Improvement of curb appeal: One of the best ways to improve how your home looks is by growing trees around. Prospective home buyers will also offer more money.

When To Plant Privacy Trees for the Best Yield

There is no specific time to plant privacy trees because there are several factors to consider. Proper timing depends on where you live and the prevailing weather and climatic conditions.

For instance, the fall is ideal for those living in regions with short winters.

Spring and fall are the most-preferred planting times because the conditions and generally more conducive. You want to avoid the extreme heat in summer and the freezing cold in winter.

Fall works for most homeowners; the chill helps the plants focus its attention to developing roots and creating a steady growth pattern.

When the air gets warmer, the tree can then divert its attention to growing taller. The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t plant in winter.

The trees find it challenging to grow when the soil is frozen.

Growth and germination stops during that time, and in most cases, nothing happens even when the air warms up. No matter where you plant the trees, you have a higher success chance if the conditions are favorable.

What Are the Growing Zones for Privacy Trees? (Where To Grow Them)

One of the best ways to tell whether your tree will thrive is by checking its growing zone and whether it aligns with your region. The USDA zone mapping indicates the temperature needs of various tree species, allowing you to choose what works for your home.

The 13 zones can help you narrow down to the trees that will grow comfortably. Each tree has its suitable hardiness zone range and you, can pick one that matches your location.

(Image: Gustavo Zambelli³³)

Fortunately, most species have a massive growth range and it is easy to find a species that will thrive.

You can check online for your tree’s hardiness zones while counter-checking with your region to ensure that it will be comfortable. If not, your preferred tree may struggle to grow in an extremely cold or hot region.

How To Care for Privacy Trees: What Are the Best Growing Conditions for Privacy Trees?

You may be lucky to land a low maintenance and hardy tree that can survive various harsh conditions. However, all trees are living things that need the best care to grow healthy and sturdy, particularly in their first years of life.

Below are the best growing conditions.

Light

Full sunlight is the key ingredient to growing green and healthy trees. The sun helps you keep your privacy trees lush and appealing all year round.

You can check your specific tree’s sunlight needs before planting it.

Ask whether it requires full or partial sunlight because some discolor under extreme heat. Landscaping trees can grow discolored and vulnerable to diseases without the right lighting.

Water

All plants, including desert species, need regular watering. It is necessary for their survival, particularly at the sapling stage, where they perform more physiological processes.⁶

Most homeowners follow a simple rule that the tree needs watering when the soil dries up. However, this depends on your species because some are more water hungry, while others are vulnerable to root rot.

Soil

The best bet is to plant privacy trees in well-draining soil. You want to avoid root rot and other pests and diseases that attack stressed trees.

It also helps to know your soil’s acidic level and add fertilizer if necessary to assist growth.

Generally, you should know the requirements of the particular species you are planting. Each tree has special needs and will thrive more if receiving specialized treatment.

Companion Plants for Growing Privacy Trees

If you have a green thumb and love experimenting with various companion trees, you will love that you can do the same with your privacy trees. Instead of planting a single species in a line, you can also grow complimentary trees that offer ornamental value.

You can grow vivid flowering species alongside plain evergreen trees for additional color or contrast. Other plants of different shades accentuate the trees to create beautiful patterns around your fence.

They also help each other by creating a sustainable micro-ecosystem.

Therefore, companion trees help improve the hedge’s aesthetic appeal while improving the development of the privacy trees. For instance, daylilies are a go-to for homeowners because they are easy to plant and care for and come in various colors to serve as accents to otherwise plain green trees.

Hydrangeas are also commonly grown in fences thanks to their climbing nature and how their striking flowers effortlessly pair with green. Lastly, you can go for roses to add color and fragrance to the fence.

They come in reddish and pinkish shades and have thorns, making them perfect for barricading your home.

What Are the Common Pests of the Privacy Trees?

Pests attack trees as they feed on their juicy sap, destroying the foliage and causing extreme fatalities. Some pests need particular treatment, and it is best to know what you are dealing with first to protect your plants.

It helps to look out for worms and caterpillars that love feeding on evergreen trees like firs and pines. They bore holes into the leaves and needles, defoliating the tree and if the attack is excessive, the plant gets weak and dies.

(Image: Lucy Mui³⁴)

There are also boring insects that dig several holes into the tree. They also lay eggs, and their population keeps growing, making it more challenging to stop them.

These insects include aphids, beetles, lace bugs, spider mites, and many more.

Natural Pest Control for Privacy Trees

Insecticides are the best remedy for protecting trees from pests. However, if you are eco-conscious are avoid using chemicals on your trees, you can go for friendlier alternatives.

Natural options are kinder to people and the environment. Some farmers and homeowners use neem or vegetable oil mixed with water and soap.

They spray this mixture as a pesticide on the affected tree parts. Their working principle is to suffocate the insects, restrict egg development and starve off the adult insects.

You can also introduce predators of the pests attacking your trees. The insects will be eaten or flee for their lives.

It starts with identifying the infestation and checking the perfect natural predator to handle it.

How To Stop Privacy Trees Disease

Privacy trees are also vulnerable to plant diseases. Fungi, bacteria, and rotting ruin their aesthetics and endanger their lives.

In severe cases, you may have to cut down a tree to protect others which ruins your beautiful privacy hedge.

The following are some of the most common diseases and how to remedy them.

Canker Disease

The canker is one of the most infamous fungal diseases farmers and homeowners deal with. It infects willows, pines, firs, spruces, and any other tree you plant for landscaping.

It passes through the tree’s wounds, causing the systems to block, which can be fatal.⁵

• How To Stop Canker

One way to protect your privacy trees from this disease is to avoid mechanical injuries that expose them more. If you notice any signs, removing the infected parts immediately is best.

Blight

Blight is a common disease that usually affects evergreen trees. You will first detect it when the leaves discolor and the tree stops growing.

It is typical in stressed, wounded, or neglected trees.

• How To Stop Blight

You can protect your trees from this disease by caring better for them and providing water and sunlight. Additionally, you can remove the affected trees or plant parts to prevent spreading to other plants.

Applying fungicides regularly also helps control the spread.

Powdery Mildew

This fungal disease is quite common, and you can easily spot it. It leaves a white coating on the leaves, and the infected parts later discolor, dry, and drop.

You can expect it in shaded plants that are deprived of sunlight.

• How To Stop Mildew

The best way to prevent the attack is to grow your privacy plants under full sunlight, away from shading trees and buildings. You can also opt for blight-resistant trees that are easy to cure with fungicides.

Root Rot

It is one of the deadliest diseases to affect plants. Trees growing in poor-draining soils and those overwatered are usually more vulnerable.

The infected trees usually appear drought-stressed, shown by discolored leaves and defoliation.

• How To Stop Root Rot

First, when planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and doesn’t stay water-logged for long. It also helps to avoid watering the plants, irrigating only when necessary.

What Are Privacy Trees?

Privacy trees grow tall fast, forming a fence around a property. They have densely growing leaves that grow close together, forming an impenetrable cover or living fence.

You can plant tall, short, deciduous, or evergreen trees based on your preference.

What Are the Qualities To Look For in Privacy Trees?

As a homeowner, you look for certain qualities in your privacy trees. The first on the checklist for many is that the species should be fast-growing, taking the shortest time possible to reach the height you desire.

(Image: Jaggery³⁵)

For others, it means having a stunning evergreen tree cover throughout the year. Some also go for trees with striking flowers or those with edible fruits.

Are Privacy Trees Worth It?

If you are wondering whether growing privacy trees are worth the investment, time, and effort, know that it may be the best decision you make for your home. Many people opt for living fences because they are multipurpose, serving as protective covers and for landscaping.

They also help improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s value. However, privacy trees are only worthwhile if you pick a fast-growing species that is easy to care for and reaches the desired height.

While there are several fencing designs to choose from, none matches the trees’ beauty and elegance. If landscaping is important to you, you will have fun picking the perfect trees for your home, and there are countless species to choose from.

All homeowners prefer the fastest-growing species. However, others go for giant or dwarf versions based on the fence height they require.

You can also pick evergreen or deciduous trees. Living fences are the best options, especially since you can trim and shape them as you wish.

All the trees need is proper care and maintenance to help them grow strong and healthy. They will improve your curb appeal and increase your home value.

Out of the various privacy trees available, there are countless options to choose from based on your needs and preferences.