The desire for rapid privacy or a quick windbreak often drives the search for the fastest-growing evergreen tree. Evergreens retain foliage throughout the year, offering continuous color and screening. While the title of “fastest” is highly contested and depends on local climate and care, certain species consistently demonstrate superior vertical growth under ideal conditions. Achieving the upper range of growth rates requires pairing the correct species with an optimal environment and precise maintenance practices.
The Fastest Growing Evergreen Species
The Thuja ‘Green Giant’ (a hybrid arborvitae) is widely considered a top contender for speed, capable of adding three to five feet of new growth annually once established. This cultivar is popular for creating dense privacy screens due to its uniform pyramidal shape and ultimate height of 40 to 60 feet. It is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
The Leyland Cypress is a common rival to the ‘Green Giant’, matching its growth potential by adding three to five feet per year in favorable environments. It is best suited for warmer regions, performing well in Zones 6 through 10, and can reach a mature height of 50 to 70 feet. Its dense, feathery foliage makes it an excellent choice for windbreaks and tall hedges, but it is susceptible to disease in poorly drained soils.
For gardeners in colder climates, the Eastern White Pine offers remarkable speed for a native species, growing at least two to three feet per year. This conifer is one of the most cold-tolerant fast growers, flourishing in Zones 3 through 8, and can eventually reach heights of 50 to 80 feet. Its soft, blue-green needles lend a fine texture to the landscape, making it a valuable specimen tree and a powerful wind barrier. The Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’, or Japanese Cedar, is another strong option, adding two to four feet annually and maturing to 30 to 60 feet in Zones 5 through 9.
Environmental Conditions That Maximize Growth
Achieving a tree’s maximum growth rate requires meeting its environmental demands. Sunlight is the most important factor, as the photosynthetic process provides the energy for vertical extension. Evergreens aiming for rapid growth must receive a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily; any reduction in light significantly reduces the production of carbohydrates necessary for stem growth.
The soil must offer perfect drainage, as soggy conditions are a major obstacle to maximizing speed. Fast-growing conifers, particularly the Leyland Cypress, are prone to root rot when planted in heavy, compacted clay soils that retain too much moisture. Proper drainage ensures the roots receive the oxygen needed for healthy respiration and nutrient uptake, which directly fuels the growth process. If the planting site naturally retains water, the tree’s growth will slow and its health will decline.
Planting within the correct USDA Hardiness Zone is non-negotiable for maintaining maximum growth potential. Trees planted outside their optimal range are constantly stressed by extreme cold or heat, forcing them to dedicate energy to survival rather than vertical growth. Climate stress slows the metabolic processes required for rapid growth, making the tree vulnerable to pests and disease. Consistent access to water is paramount, especially during the first two to three years of establishment when the tree is focused on developing its root system.
Maintenance Practices to Ensure Rapid Vertical Growth
The initial planting technique directly influences the tree’s future vertical speed. Before placing the tree, locate the root flare, which is the point where the trunk widens as it meets the roots. The planting hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. This ensures the root flare is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Planting too deeply is a common error that leads to trunk rot and the formation of girdling roots, which will eventually strangle the tree and halt growth.
Fertilization, when done correctly, acts as a growth accelerator for young evergreens. Applying a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula) in early spring provides a steady supply of nutrients for the full growing season. Nitrogen is important for leaf and stem development, but over-fertilizing can burn the roots and should be avoided. Trees without supplemental feeding may achieve only half their potential annual growth rate.
Pruning should be minimal and focused on maintaining a strong central leader, which is the single dominant vertical stem. If a secondary leader begins to compete with the main one, it must be removed to concentrate the tree’s energy into a single upward trajectory. Heavy shearing or excessive trimming of the sides is counterproductive for vertical speed, as it forces the tree to expend energy on lateral branching instead of height. Eliminating competition at the base is an effective maintenance practice, as weeds and grass compete fiercely for water and nutrients. A three-inch layer of organic mulch, kept several inches away from the trunk, will suppress competing vegetation and retain soil moisture, maximizing the tree’s access to resources.