Keeping your abode peaceful and quiet is easy when you have the perfect privacy tree. Some can take decades to mature, while others take less time.
If you’re looking to plant the best fast-growing privacy trees for your home, you’re in luck! Here are 15 options recommended by our gardening experts.
1. Italian Cypress
| Scientific name | Cupressus sempervirens |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Mediterranean cypress |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | The essential oil from the tree is used extensively as an additive in many perfumes.In the cosmetic industry, the leaves are ingredients for many anti-dandruff soaps and shampoos.Its wood is often used to build wooden furniture as well as coffins.The tree has many compounds used medicinally in the manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs.Parts of the tree, such as cones and leaves, are traditionally used as cold, cough, and bronchial remedies.Cypress extract is often incorporated into various medicinal ointments and suppositories to address varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and venous circulation disorders. |
| Years to fully mature | From 15 to 50 years |
| Average mature height | From 50 feet up to 115 feet |
| Average mature width | From 3 feet up to 10 feet |
| Growth rate | 3 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 7 to 10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soil |
Most Italian cypress are propagated from tissue cuttings. Since it is not fussy about soil pH levels, it can be grown in acidic as well as alkaline soils.
Avoid soils with high clay content. This can encourage root rot especially when the soil is constantly wet due to poor drainage.
The Italian cypress is tolerant of droughts and is able to resist forest fires. However, it is susceptible to cankers caused by bagworms, fungi, and mites.
2. Bald Cypress
| Scientific name | Taxodium distichum |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Gulf cypress, southern cypress, red cypress, swamp cypress, yellow cypress, white cypress |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | It is a deciduous conifer, meaning it sheds its leaves during the colder months.The leaves turn yellow-green during spring, medium green in summer, and red to orange-brown during winter.Bald cypress tends to grow in a pyramidal formation.The tree can create grooves that serve to shelter wildlife from the elements.Like most cypress trees, its timber can be used to build furniture.Its cone, branch, and oil have been used in traditional medicine to alleviate coughs and colds.Cypress wood is known to resist water and rot, making the material incredibly long-lasting. |
| Years to fully mature | From 15 to 25 years |
| Average mature height | From 60 feet up to 120 feet |
| Average mature width | From 20 feet up to 25 feet |
| Growth rate | 1 to 2 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 4 to 10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soil |
When the bald cypress is grown in stagnant water, it can develop a condition called ‘“cypress knees”. This results in woody projections that come above the water level.
The reason for the occurrence is still being studied. Various theories abound, such as root aeration support, erosion prevention, and natural anchor.
3. Leyland Cypress
| Scientific name | Cupressus × leylandii |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Other common name(s) | None, although there are over 40 forms of Leyland cypress trees distinguishable by their cultivar names, such as Haggerston Green, Leighton Grey, and Stapehill |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | The Leyland cypress tolerates severe trimming.Regular pruning can be performed, but the tree performs best when left alone to grow naturally.As formal hedges, borders, and protective windbreaks, this tree will require regular trimming.Tolerates acidic and alkaline soils well.Tolerant of salt spray and will be suitable in coastal landscapes. |
| Years to fully mature | From 15 to 25 years |
| Average mature height | From 60 feet up to 120 feet |
| Average mature width | From 20 feet up to 25 feet |
| Growth rate | 1 to 2 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 4 to 10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soil |
Like most cypress trees, this variety is resistant to most pests and diseases. The most serious issue that can occur is a canker.
This can cause the branch to die back to the main trunk. As a result, the tree can become seriously disfigured and may even lead to its demise.
Cankers are caused by fungi, so using a fungicide will reduce this risk. Another possible issue is bagworms, which can be discouraged by insecticides.
4. Silver Maple
| Scientific name | Acer saccharinum |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Soft maple, silverleaf maple, river maple, swamp maple, white maple, water maple |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | The tree provides a hydraulic lift that helps redistribute soil water.Water drawn from lower soil levels benefits other plants as well by allowing them more access to moisture.Its seeds, leaves, and stems serve food for wildlife.This softwood can be made into furniture, veneer, and crates.Wood pulp from the tree can be used to make paper and cardboard boxes.Additionally, silver maple wood is often used as flooring or firewood.Silver maple sap can be made into a light syrup, which is less sweet than sugar maple syrup.There is potential for the tree to be used as biofuel. |
| Years to fully mature | From 6 to 13 years |
| Average mature height | From 50 feet up to 80 feet |
| Average mature width | From 35 feet up to 50 feet |
| Growth rate | 4 to 6 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 3 to 9 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soil |
The branches of this tree are strong but can be brittle. This can be a problem when grown in areas that experience strong winds or typhoons.
However, the silver maple is a great option if you’re looking to prevent soil erosion. Plus, its quick-growing nature ensures that you get to enjoy a good amount of shade in a relatively short span of time.
5. Red Maple
| Scientific name | Acer rubrum |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Swamp maple, water maple, soft maple |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | Grown primarily as an ornamental shade tree, the red maple can be used to harvest and produce syrup.The pale, fine-grained wood is often made into flooring, furniture, and musical instruments, among others.It is also used as firewood, pulpwood, and saw timber.Traditional Native Americans used the bark to treat inflamed eyes.Additionally, tea made from the inner bark has been known to treat coughs as well as diarrhea. |
| Years to fully mature | From 15 to 25 years |
| Average mature height | From 40 feet up to 60 feet |
| Average mature width | From 35 feet up to 45 feet |
| Growth rate | 1 to 2 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 4 to 9 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soil |
Red maples typically live for 60 to 90 years. However, some of the oldest specimens have been noted to reach up to 200 years old.
Its lumber is used to produce timber. When cultivated in residential areas, red maples provide shade and shelter to wildlife while ensuring the homeowner’s privacy.
The red maple can become susceptible to anthracnose, powdery mildew, fungal leaf spots, and Verticillium wilt. However, these issues can be cleared with the right treatment, such as copper-based fungicides or horticultural oil solutions.
6. Eastern White Pine
| Scientific name | Pinus strobus |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Soft pine, white pine, northern white pine, Weymouth pine |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | Grown primarily as an ornamental shade tree, the red maple can be used to harvest and produce syrup.The pale, fine-grained wood is often made into flooring, furniture, and musical instruments, among others.It is also used as firewood, pulpwood, and saw timber.Traditional Native Americans used the bark to treat inflamed eyes.Additionally, tea made from the inner bark has been known to treat coughs as well as diarrhea. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 25 years |
| Average mature height | From 160 feet up to 230 feet |
| Average mature width | From 20 feet up to 40 feet |
| Growth rate | 3 to 4 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 3 to 8 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soil |
Considered the tallest pine species in North America, the eastern white pine is beloved for its beauty and versatility. During the holidays, this tree is often used as a Christmas tree.
This is due to the tree’s ability to keep its attractive blue-green needles intact despite being chopped off. Aside from this, the eastern white pine emits a very pleasant fragrance that permeates throughout the house.
7. Tulip Tree
| Scientific name | Liriodendron |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Yellow poplar, tulip magnolia, whitewood, gumwood, canoewood |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | The stable, fine-grained wood is used in furniture and cabinet framingMost inexpensive furniture termed as hardwood is actually stained Liriodendron wood.Its wood is moderately resistant to rot but can be found occasionally used in light-craft projects.Traditionally used by eastern Native Americans to create dugout canoes. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 25 years |
| Average mature height | From 160 feet up to 230 feet |
| Average mature width | From 20 feet up to 40 feet |
| Growth rate | 3 to 4 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 3 to 8 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining slightly acidic soil |
The tulip tree produces bright green-yellow flowers that look like actual tulips. The leaves are often eaten by caterpillars, such as the eastern tiger swallowtail.
The stems are quite aromatic when plucked from the tree. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow to herald the colder months.
The tulip tree provides food for many wildlife. For instance, deer and rabbits nibble on young trees for nourishment.
In the spring, hummingbirds flock to the flowers rich with nectar. The consequent seeds become food for many animals, such as finches, cardinals, and squirrels.
8. Weeping Willow Tree
| Scientific name | Salix babylonica |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Babylon willow |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | One of the most popular landscaping trees due to its graceful growth pattern.The 8-inch medium green leaves lend to the sweeping foliage of the tree.In the summer, the weeping willow tree produces fuzzy 1-inch yellow flowers that resemble caterpillars.Before it loses its leaves in the fall, they turn an eye-catching yellow.Its bark has been used in traditional medicine to relieve pain, such as muscle or joint cramps as well as gout. |
| Years to fully mature | From 15 to 20 years |
| Average mature height | From 30 feet up to 50 feet |
| Average mature width | From 30 feet up to 45 feet |
| Growth rate | 3 to 4 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 4 to 10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining slightly acidic soil |
These trees are prized for their aesthetic appeal in many private residences and public parks. Aside from its beauty, the weeping willow tree provides the right amount of shade for birds and mammals alike.
However, the tree can be susceptible to certain types of pests and diseases. The most common pests are aphids, borers, and gypsy moths.
Fungi are also a major concern since they result in willow blight, willow scab, black canker, and powdery mildew. However, pests and diseases can be prevented through the right application of insecticides and fungicides.
9. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae
| Scientific name | Thuja standishii x plicata |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Thuja Green Giant, Green Giant Arborvitae |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | The Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a public domain tree that anyone can propagate from cuttings.Once established, the tree can tolerate strong winds and withstand heavy ice or snow.In the winter, the tree darkens with a light bronze tint.Resists deer and other grazing mammals better than most arborvitae cultivars.They are resistant to drought, heat, and humidity. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 15 years |
| Average mature height | From 50 feet up to 60 feet |
| Average mature width | From 12 feet up to 50 feet |
| Growth rate | 2 to 3 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 5 to 9 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining slightly acidic soil |
The Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae requires no pruning but should be planted 5 to 6 feet away from each other due to the size. This will provide the right amount of privacy without making the trees constricted.
The pyramidal shape is perfect in many traditional gardens. Plus, homeowners can rest assured about its health since the tree has no serious pest or disease concerns.
10. Wax Myrtle
| Scientific name | Myrica cerifera |
| Family | Myricaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Southern bayberry, southern wax myrtle, candleberry, tallow shrub, bayberry tree |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | Naturally found in marshes and swamps, this tree is now cultivated in many private homes and public spaces.It is quite tolerant of high winds, shade, waterlogged soils, salt spray, and poor soils.Wax myrtle is quite adaptable to seaside locations as well as urban jungles.The leaves can fall off during winter as well as the acclimatization process.In some areas, the tree is considered a potential fire hazard due to the compounds found in its leaves, stems, and branches. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 15 years |
| Average mature height | From 15 feet up to 20 feet |
| Average mature width | From 6 feet up to 10 feet |
| Growth rate | 3 to 5 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 7 to 10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining slightly acidic soil |
The leaves are highly aromatic, especially when crushed. However, the compounds that produce the pleasing fragrance also make the tree quite flammable.
Wax myrtle has very few to no plant concerns. The only potential issues the tree can face are leaf mosaic and leaf anthracnose.
Gray fruits appear in clusters on the second-year wood. These waxy fruits are also quite aromatic, with the same flammable compounds as the rest of the tree.
11. Black Lombardy Poplar
| Scientific name | Populus nigra |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Black poplar, Lombardy poplar |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | Many poplars descend from this cultivar since it is often used as a parent for breeding programs.Its regenerative properties make it ideal for bioenergy.Additionally, the black Lombardy poplar is grown as a source for pulp and paper manufacturing.Due to its root systems, it is planted to protect the soil as well as for afforestation efforts in polluted industrial areas.The black Lombardy poplar is ecologically important to wildlife as well since it provides shelter and food for them. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 15 years |
| Average mature height | From 15 feet up to 20 feet |
| Average mature width | From 6 feet up to 10 feet |
| Growth rate | 3 to 5 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 7 to 10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining slightly acidic soil |
This cultivar is tolerant of high levels of water, which is why it grows well in wetlands. Male and female trees need to grow together in order to reproduce naturally.
Female trees give off cottony seeds, which bother many homeowners. As a result, male trees are often cultivated in residential spaces.
However, these male trees produce large amounts of pollen, which can be an irritant for some people. Additionally, its roots can be invasive and may be able to damage pavements, septic tanks, and drainage systems.
While it is not always used as landscape trees, black Lombardy poplars make great windbreak walls and privacy screens. Just keep them at least 5 feet away from existing structures to prevent any damage.
12. Dawn Redwood
| Scientific name | Metasequoia glyptostroboides |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Other common name(s) | None |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | This tree is considered a living fossil since it has been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth.It is quite tolerant of man-made pollution, making it a popular tree for lining streets.Commercial establishments, such as public parks and golf courses, grow the dawn redwood tree as a specimen due to its sizable shade.While it grows in a pyramidal fashion, the leaves and twigs fall off every year as winter approaches.Warmer seasons produce bright green leaves with a fine and feathery texture. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 30 years |
| Average mature height | From 70 feet up to 100 feet |
| Average mature width | From 20 feet up to 25 feet |
| Growth rate | 2 to 3 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 5 to 8 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining slightly acidic soil |
The dawn redwood has very few natural pests and diseases. One thing homeowners should take note of is the presence of Japanese beetles.
These pests can easily damage the tree by eating its fine leaves and leaving it bare. When this happens, insecticides can be applied to reduce and prevent the presence of these pests.
13. Lemon Bottlebrush
| Scientific name | Callistemon citrinus |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Common red bottlebrush, crimson bottlebrush |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | The lemon bottlebrush is grown in landscapes as a large shrub or a small tree.Its soft mounding habit makes it ideal for most residential spaces.The most unique feature of this tree is its flower, which is composed of numerous red stamens that resemble a brush with soft spikes.The leaves are also highly aromatic, similar to lemons in fragrance.It is native to the coastal areas of eastern Australia. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 20 years |
| Average mature height | From 15 feet up to 25 feet |
| Average mature width | From 15 feet up to 20 feet |
| Growth rate | 1 to 3 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 9 to 10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soils that range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline |
The lemon bottlebrush tree is perfectly at home in areas with varying levels of heat, sun exposure, aridity, and wind strengths. It is tolerant of droughts but prefers regular and moderate watering.
It is mostly used as a specimen plant although it works well as a privacy wall. The tree’s upright, mounding growth shields noise and views due to the tree’s dense foliage.
Additionally, flowers from the lemon bottlebrush are important food sources for many types of birds. Bees, butterflies, and birds are often drawn to the rich nectar found in each flower spike.
14. European Black Alder
| Scientific name | Alnus glutinosa |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Alder, common alder, European alder, European black alder |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | This tree adapts to any type of soil and can even thrive in wet and boggy areas.The European black alder is used in many landscapes due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.Aside from improving nitrogen content, the tree encourages soil fertility.However, it has invasive traits that may restrict the tree’s cultivation in certain areas. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 15 years |
| Average mature height | From 60 feet up to 80 feet |
| Average mature width | From 20 feet up to 40 feet |
| Growth rate | 1 to 3 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 3 to 7 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soils that range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline |
The European black alder typically has a tall and narrow growth habit. At times, the overall shape can turn into a pyramidal structure.
The large glossy green leaves are round to oval with clearly delineated toothed margins. In the spring, the tree produces dangling catkins while cone-like fruits come out during autumn.
Due to its aggressive growth, it can sometimes take over ecosystems. When planting this tree, it is best to double-check with the local environmental agencies for its ecological status in your area.
15. Japanese Pagoda Tree
| Scientific name | Styphnolobium japonicum |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Other common name(s) | Chinese scholar tree |
| Distinguishing characteristic(s) | This tree is often grown as specimens in many private and public areas.It is particularly known for its wood, which is incredibly tough and hard once dry.The wood from the tree is used to make several wood carvings.This can lead to these products being quite durable and long-lasting.The flowers contain high amounts of flavonoid extracts, which can help prevent certain diseases.The fruit has more complex flavonoid content, with over six compounds identified. |
| Years to fully mature | From 10 to 30 years |
| Average mature height | From 50 feet up to 75 feet |
| Average mature width | From 50 feet up to 75 feet |
| Growth rate | 1 to 2 feet per year |
| USDA zone | 4 to 8 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 1 inch per week |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining soils |
Despite being native to China, this tree has been named under a different country. While it can cause confusion for others, it should not be cause for debates.
This tree is one of the best flowering shade trees for urban gardens. However, you need to steer clear of the fruits since they are toxic to people once ingested.
FAQs
Ideally, privacy trees should be above eye level. This means trees that are at least 10 feet tall can shield you from your neighbor’s view.
However, you can have privacy trees that are taller than the houses in your area just to ensure total seclusion.
Trees are better than fences when it comes to privacy as they can protect you from noise, dust, wind, and unwanted attention from your neighbors. Additionally, you get to have more greenery in your area, which helps the local ecology system.
However, trees cannot immediately provide you with privacy.
Privacy trees are worth it if you are looking to get more security in your garden or home. Aside from blocking views and noise, they can prevent strong winds from damaging any outdoor furniture or structure.
To figure out the number of trees you need for privacy, consider the total area of your home. The average space between trees should be at least 5 feet away, as you’ll need to give privacy trees enough space to grow and mature.
This also applies to structures such as houses and pavements to keep them safe from damage caused by the roots of the trees.
Privacy trees should be planted at least half of the width of their mature canopy. For example, if you have a tree with an average width of 40 feet, then you should plant it at least 20 feet away from your house, fence, or pavement.
When grown too close, the roots of the privacy trees can compete with each other for space and nutrients. This can result in lopsided and irregular growth. Plus, it can be expensive to replace these trees that were closely grown.
