Ever poke your head outside and wish your neighbors weren’t quite so close by? Fast growing privacy trees can make that nosy view just disappear and give you your own slice of backyard peace and quiet. (I’ve got a neighbor who seems to appear in my yard like Bigfoot. Not even kidding. It’s become a running joke.) Anyway, if you want that instant green wall—without waiting ages—choosing the right fast growing privacy trees is absolutely key. You might want to peek at these 10 creative ways to add backyard privacy if you’re looking for more sneaky tricks, or if you’re into hydroponics (why not?), check out these 10 tips for growing healthy hydroponic lettuce too. But for now—let’s talk trees.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tips for Choosing Privacy Trees for Your Yard
Let’s be real… not every fast growing privacy tree will turn your space into a five-star retreat. Picking the right one is a bit like dating. You gotta think about what you really need! Want dense coverage all year? Need a tree that can handle blazing sun? Something easy for “forgetful” waterers (like yours truly)? Also, check how tall these trees get because you don’t want a little privacy tree turning into a backyard skyscraper.
Here’s a thing—always check your plant zone first. Weather, soil, sun, and space all matter. Tall trees sound glamorous but if your yard is tiny, you might end up cursing the day you planted them. Been there. Dug up a monster before. Never again.
Don’t forget neighbors! Planting a massive privacy screen that blocks out everyone’s sunlight is an awkward convo waiting to happen. 
What to Know About Fast-Growing Trees
So this might surprise you… the trees that grow super fast can sometimes be a tiny bit high-maintenance. Not always, but sometimes they need more water or a little more TLC. Why? Because they’re putting energy into growing leaves and limbs instead of building deep roots right away. Oh—some can be weak-limbed too (ugh, storms!). You don’t want one toppling into your fence at the first big wind.
A quick idea: mix fast growers with slow and steady types for a privacy screen that lasts. Fast ones fill in the gap, slow ones stand the test of time. Think teamwork. Also—keep an eye on local pests. Fast growing privacy trees can attract bugs. Gross, I know, but true.
Takeaway? Fast is great. Fast plus sturdy is way better. 
What are the Best Trees for Privacy?
Everyone’s got their favorite, but honestly? Picked wrong, the “best” can quickly become the “oh no, what have I done.” In my yard, I like to see green all year, so I lean “evergreen.” Need to block out sound, too? Go dense-leaved. And always think: what matches your vibe? Rustic, polished, tropical?
Oh! Classic choices include Leyland Cypress (crazy fast), Arborvitae (neat hedges), or even Bamboo if you love that leafy look. You could even mix it up with a Southern Catalpa if you want a tree that lowkey looks like something out of an old southern garden.
Different trees work for different climates and soils. Here’s a table for a speedy peek:
| Tree Name | Growth Rate | Climate Suitability | Evergreen? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leyland Cypress | 3-5 ft/year | Zones 6-10 | Yes |
| Arborvitae | 2-3 ft/year | Zones 3-8 | Yes |
| Southern Catalpa | 2+ ft/year | Zones 5-9 | No |
How and When to Plant Privacy Trees
Let’s be honest—the only thing worse than planting fast growing privacy trees wrong is… well, okay, there’s worse things, but it’s not fun. Good news? You don’t need a green thumb to get it right.
- Pick the right season. Fall or early spring are the easiest for most trees. The dirt’s softer, temps are chill, and your tree isn’t dying for water.
- Plant deep (but not too deep). Roots want to be comfy, but don’t bury the trunk.
- Water, water, water. Especially in those first weeks. Then slow down once you see new growth.
- Mulch for the win. Keeps moisture in, weeds out, and looks tidy to boot.
Done right? You’ll see growth in just a few months—sometimes faster than you’d think!
Leyland Cypress
If I had a penny for every Leyland Cypress planted as a living fence… I’d, um, probably have enough for a fancy coffee. Or at least a donut. This tree is the darling of fast growing privacy trees. Shoots up like a rocket, sometimes three to five feet in a year under ideal conditions. Wow, right?
What’s awesome is the way it creates a solid, green wall. Even my most persistent neighbor couldn’t see through mine—in under two years! The only catch? Leylands like airflow, so don’t plant them right on top of each other. Leave a bit of space for breezes, or you’ll risk diseases.
I highly recommend Leyland if you want instant wow factor, but give them room and you’ll have that homey, private feel—almost before you know it.
Southern Catalpa
This one is a bit of a wild card. Southern Catalpas are those trees with the huge heart-shaped leaves—seriously, they’re almost comical. They aren’t evergreen, but man, are they pretty in the warm months. White, showy flowers appear in spring and those big leaves block a ton of view. It’s like bringing a piece of the old South into your yard.
Their growth is decently quick (about three feet per year if you baby them a bit), and they’re not fussy. Plus, pollinators kind of love them. If you want privacy that’s not the standard hedge and gives you a bit of “look at me” drama, Catalpa’s a fun pick.
“Planted Catalpas after seeing my grandma’s—best decision. Fast growth, gorgeous shade, and honestly, I feel like I have my own mini park!”
– Lila T., Georgia
What fast growing trees block out Neighbours?
Other than Leyland Cypress and Southern Catalpa, there’s a whole crew of trees that turn neighborly peeking into a thing of the past. Thuja Green Giant is a workhorse for dense, tall hedging, and Willow Hybrid can shoot up almost like bamboo.
Sometimes people think bamboo—yeah, it’s a grass, but it does the trick fast if you don’t mind managing it. Interested in container gardening? While you’re here, you should really look at these tips for growing sweet potatoes in containers (it’s way easier than most people think) or, if you love floral privacy, check out these 7 tips for growing passion flowers successfully for a beautiful, bloomy barrier.
Choose wisely for your space and what you want to block—noise, sightlines, even just wind. Impress your friends with your speedy, leafy results. Neighbors? They’ll wonder where you went!
if you are interested in shade trees you can read about these 10 Fast Growing Shade Trees to Transform Your Yard.
Ready to Make Your Yard Your Own Retreat?
So, if you’re dreaming of your own green hideaway, fast growing privacy trees are the way to go. You don’t have to wait an eternity for privacy—these trees give you the green screen you want fast. And hey, if you want neighbor-proofing ideas, check out what folks say on Reddit with suggestions for the best quick-growing privacy trees or see these 11 fast-growing trees to create privacy without a fence for even more inspiration. It’s your yard, after all. Do what feels right and dive in—your backyard oasis is closer than you think. 
Common Questions
Q: How close do I plant fast growing privacy trees?
A: Usually 5-8 feet apart, but check specific kinds. Too close and they’ll fight—give them breathing space!
Q: How long until they actually look full?
A: Depends on the tree, but most start filling in nicely after one or two summers. Leylands in just a year or so—no joke.
Q: Can I prune them to keep them smaller?
A: Oh, totally! Most handle pruning well. Just keep it regular, so you don’t end up trimming a jungle.
Q: Are there low-maintenance fast growing privacy trees?
A: Yep. Arborvitae, for example, pretty much takes care of itself. Just water when it’s dry.
Q: What if my soil’s terrible?
A: Amend it! Add compost or topsoil, and most of these trees tough it out. Some—like Catalpa—aren’t picky at all.