The quest for a fast-growing evergreen for a privacy screen is driven by the immediate need for a visual barrier that remains effective year-round. Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens maintain their foliage through all seasons, providing consistent seclusion and serving as a windbreak. The speed at which a tree establishes a dense wall of green is often the deciding factor for homeowners seeking to quickly reclaim their personal space. Choosing the right species requires balancing rapid growth with long-term adaptability and maintenance needs.
Identifying the Top Contenders
The Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) can add between three and four feet of height annually. It establishes a dense, columnar screen quickly, reaching a mature height of 60 to 70 feet and a width of 15 to 20 feet. This species thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10 and is often the preferred choice for those who require a tall, mature screen quickly.
The Thuja ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’) is a hybrid that often adds three to five feet per year under optimal conditions, matching the Leyland Cypress’s growth rate. It is favored for its adaptability and superior pest and disease resistance. This tree maintains a dense, pyramidal shape, reaching 40 to 60 feet tall with a narrower spread of 12 to 18 feet.
The ‘Yoshino’ Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’) offers a slightly slower, yet fast, growth rate, typically adding two to four feet annually when young. It provides an elegant, softer texture than the other contenders and has a manageable mature height of 30 to 40 feet with a 15 to 25-foot spread. While its foliage may turn bronze in colder winters, it is a disease-resistant alternative well-suited for many suburban landscapes.
Essential Planting and Care for Rapid Growth
Achieving maximum growth requires attention to the planting environment and initial care, as a stressed tree prioritizes survival over height. The planting hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the ball itself. Ensure the root flare sits slightly above or level with the surrounding soil line to prevent the trunk from becoming buried and rotting.
Amending heavy or compacted native soil with organic material like compost or aged manure improves drainage and aeration, which aids root expansion and rapid growth. For the first one to two years after planting, consistent and deep watering is the most important factor for establishment. For Leyland Cypress, a good rule is to provide approximately one gallon of water per foot of tree height weekly during the active growing season.
Applying a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula, in early spring can boost the tree’s growth rate. This supplemental nutrition helps the tree devote more energy to vertical growth rather than solely focusing on root establishment. However, avoid fertilizing in the late fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth that is vulnerable to winter damage.
Long-Term Considerations for Privacy Screens
The speed that makes these trees desirable also necessitates proactive long-term management. Fast growth often results in a looser, more open canopy, making early pruning necessary for a dense screen. For both Leyland Cypress and ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae, shearing the sides and tips of the new growth annually encourages secondary branching, resulting in a bushier tree.
Pruning should be limited to the new, green foliage, as cutting into the older, brown, leafless wood on these species will prevent regrowth and create permanent bare patches. Managing the mature height is accomplished by “topping” the main vertical leader once the desired height is reached, which diverts growth energy to side branches. However, topping a tree like the Leyland Cypress, which can reach 60 to 70 feet, to an unnatural height like 15 feet will be a constant, labor-intensive struggle that may shorten the tree’s lifespan.
The Leyland Cypress is susceptible to canker diseases and root rot, especially when planted in poorly draining soil or if the trees are overcrowded. These issues can lead to browning and branch dieback, compromising the privacy screen. The ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae is more disease-resistant, making it a lower-maintenance choice, though it can still be susceptible to bagworms and spider mites.
Selecting the Right Tree for Your Climate and Space
Matching the tree to the specific site conditions is necessary for sustained, rapid growth and long-term health. The USDA Hardiness Zone determines a tree’s cold-weather viability, with the ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae being the most cold-hardy, thriving in Zones 5 through 9. The Leyland Cypress and the ‘Yoshino’ Cryptomeria are suitable for Zones 6 through 10 and 5 through 9, respectively.
Sun exposure is another major factor, as all three contenders prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain a dense, full canopy. The ‘Green Giant’ is the most tolerant of partial shade, making it a better fit for sites with less than full sun. The ‘Yoshino’ Cryptomeria can tolerate some shade, but Leyland Cypress requires full sun for optimal health and density.
Soil type also influences the final choice, with the ‘Green Giant’ being the most adaptable to a range of conditions, including heavy clay, provided it is not sitting in standing water. The Leyland Cypress also tolerates clay but is sensitive to poor drainage, which increases its risk of root rot. The ‘Yoshino’ Cryptomeria requires consistently moist, acidic, and well-drained soil and will not tolerate overly wet or windy sites.
The spacing between trees is a final detail for achieving a dense screen quickly without creating long-term health problems. For the ‘Green Giant’ and ‘Yoshino’ Cryptomeria, a tight spacing of five to six feet apart will create a solid wall rapidly. Due to its wider mature spread and disease susceptibility, the Leyland Cypress requires slightly more room, with a recommended spacing of six to eight feet for a dense, healthy privacy hedge.