Most homeowners want to maintain as much privacy in their yards as possible, but some of the commonly planted evergreen shrubs tend to be on the small side and therefore don’t provide much coverage from prying eyes or wandering critters. Luckily, there are many other types of evergreens that are quick-growing and can provide the cover you need with just a few years of planting and nurturing.
Quick Summary
Check out this list of the top 4 fastest growing evergreen shrubs that can grow into full-sized privacy hedges in no time.
Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii) is a sturdy, tall evergreen that can reach heights of up to 50 feet. This shrub needs plenty of space because it tends to grow wider than it does taller. The Leyland Cypress prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade as well. A water-dense soil is best for this plant and it should be watered daily during the hot summer months. It blooms in the late fall with clusters of small white flowers that are followed by seed pods and an abundance of cones.
key features
Leyland Cypress are a popular choice because they grow quickly and are also fast-growing evergreens.
In the right climate, they can grow up to 30 feet in their first year!
If you have high winds or snow load on your property, it’s a good idea to plant them in an area where the wind will be broken and sheltered from snowfall by a structure such as a building or other trees.
Pros
The foliage is a light green that grows in clumps, with flowers appearing in the spring to early summer.
If you want something that has a slightly more coniferous look to it, this might be what you’re looking for.
It’s not one of the tallest varieties on this list but it is one of the most dense plants available when it comes to providing privacy – perfect for those who are on a tight budget!
Leyland Cypress will grow in moist soil and can be planted in partial shade or full sun, so make sure to research your conditions before planting!
A great thing about these shrubs is that they do not shed needles like many other evergreens, so they’re easy to maintain!
Cons
Red cedar is one of the fastest growing evergreens, reaching up to 12 feet in height in just 3 years!
Thuja Green Giant
Thuja Green Giant is one of the fastest growing evergreen shrubs and provides excellent privacy. This shrub grows at a rate of up to one foot per year and has a lifespan of 20-30 years. Thuja Green Giant grows best in moist, well-drained soils that are cool and acidic, but can tolerate a wide range of soils. It is also resistant to deer predation, which makes it ideal for larger gardens where deer might be prevalent.
key features
Thuja Green Giant is one of the fastest-growing evergreen shrubs, with a growth rate of up to 2 feet per year.
The medium texture and fine branching make it a popular choice for homeowners seeking privacy from the outside world
One downside: its size makes it less than ideal as an indoor plant or in small spaces such as patios or courtyards that are used exclusively during good weather months
. If you’re looking to grow something taller than this fast growing evergreen shrub, we recommend ‘Aucuba Japonica’.
Aucuba Japonica can grow up to 20 feet tall in good conditions and has an amazingly fast growth rate of 3 feet annually – that’s more than double the height and speed of our number one pick!
Pros
Thuja Green Giant is a great privacy screen for your yard or garden that is virtually maintenance-free! It needs no fertilizing, pruning, or watering and it is tough enough to withstand all of the common pests and diseases that afflict most plants.
It can grow up to 20 feet in height with a width of 15 feet, so you’ll have plenty of privacy to shield your home from prying eyes.
Thuja Green Giant provides excellent screening while still allowing plenty of light through its foliage–perfect if you’re looking to add some greenery but not too much cover!
It has a low water requirement which makes it perfect for dry climates as well as drought conditions.
Cons
Thuja Green Giant is not deer resistant and will eventually be eaten by deer if not protected from them.
Emerald Green Thuja
Thuja is a genus of coniferous trees in the Cupressaceae family. These trees are commonly called arborvitaes or thuja, and are native to North America, Asia, and Europe. The thuja tree is known for its dark green leaves that grow in tufts from the trunk, branches, and the ends of the lower branches. It also grows long cones that can be used as Christmas decorations.
key features
Emerald Green Thuja has a lifespan of 50 years, which is the longest of all evergreens. It’s also one of the fastest growing shrubs on this list and grows to an impressive height of 20 feet or more with a width at maturity of up to 15 feet or more.
Emerald Green Thuja is resistant to deer, rabbits, and voles and can withstand wind speeds up to 80 mph without suffering any damage.
They can grow in soil that ranges from dry to wet and are suitable for planting anywhere that receives full sun exposure year-round (though partial shade will do just fine too).
Pros
Emerald green Thuja is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach heights of up to 15 feet, and spreads out up to 20 feet wide.
It’s perfect for any space in your yard that needs privacy, especially if it’s near your house where you need protection from views and intruders.
Emerald green Thuja has a high resistance to pests and disease, making it low-maintenance when it comes to landscaping!
The leaves are an attractive dark green that looks great year round, plus the foliage provides plenty of shade during the hot summer months!
Cons
Emerald Green Thuja does not grow as quickly as the other trees in this list .
American Arborvitae
American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a great, low-maintenance option that can reach heights of 12-15 feet. It’s also deer resistant and does well in most soil types. The Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) reaches heights up to 30 feet and is one of the best shrubs to use in windy areas because it can withstand high winds without toppling over. A popular choice among homeowners, the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobes) grows quickly, even in challenging conditions such as drought or poor soil quality.
key features
One of the most cold-hardy shrubs, arborvitae can handle temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
American Arborvitae can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide, with a 5 year growth rate of 12 inches per year! 2 years ago this plant was only 7 inches tall and wide, so if you’re looking for a quick privacy fix, this is the plant for you!
Pros
Its horizontal branching habit makes it an excellent shrub for hedges
It is drought tolerant and hardy to USDA zones 3-9 so you don’t have to worry about where it will live in your garden or what the weather will be like outside!
Cons
Conclusion
Shrubs are a great way to create a more private space in your yard or garden. Whether you’re looking for privacy from the prying eyes of neighbors, to shield your home from the street, or to block noise from busy roads or highways, there’s a fast growing evergreen shrub that will work perfectly.
Most of these plants have attractivefoliage and pretty flowers as well!
