Many people object to using their outdoor spaces due to a “fishbowl” effect from neighbors. Privacy screening for swimming pools, outdoor patios and decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces or fire pits, enhances the outdoor living space and adds to property values of the home.
Five Fast Growing Evergreen Trees for Privacy Landscaping
There are fast growing evergreen trees and choice depends on space available, climate, and soil conditions. Growing Zones in the United States can be obtained from Arbor Day Foundation, as well as pictures of various evergreen and deciduous trees. Landscaping pictures can be seen at the Fast Growing Trees Nursery site.
Blue Sapphire Cypress Tree – Zones 7-9
The Blue Sapphire Cypress forms a thick privacy screen, adapts to various soil types, and is extremely drought tolerant. There is no need to worry about heat waves or water restrictions with this evergreen. These trees are known as the “Arizona Cypress” in arid southwestern regions and the Blue Sapphire Cypress in the southeastern states. It requires no upkeep to preserve its great shape. This tree makes an excellent privacy screen for two-story or three-story homes, and grows 3-4 feet per year.
- Mature height is 30-40 feet
- Mature width is 15 feet in rows
- Full or partial sunlight
- Adaptable to most soil conditions
- Extremely drought tolerant
Dawn Redwood – Zones 4-8
Do you have wet soil? Then the Dawn Redwood is the tree of choice. It will thrive in low moist areas and will even grow in standing water. Considered by many to be the fastest growing Conifer, under ideal conditions they can grow up to 5 feet per year. The beautiful fern-like foliage turns a gentle gold in the fall. Planted alone or in groupings, it grows into a pyramidal form and holds its shape.
- Mature height is 30-40 feet
- Mature width is 20-30 feet
- Full or partial sunlight
- Very adaptable to soil conditions, except desert sand
- Good drought tolerance
Thuja Green Giant Evergreen Tree - Zones 5-9
The Thuja Evergreen is the fastest growing evergreen tree at 3-5 feet per year, once established. It forms a thick, compact privacy screen with a classic French Renaissance look without pruning or sheering. The Thuja is easy to grow and disease, insect, and deer resistant. Tough enough to resist ice and snow damage. Plant every 5-6 feet for a solid barrier.
- Mature height is 20-30 feet
- Mature width is 5 feet in rows
- Full or partial sunlight
- Adaptable to most soil conditions
- Good drought tolerance
- Can be planted any time of the year
Leyland Cypress Tree – Zones 6-10
The Leyland Cypress Tree is one of America’s most planted privacy trees. It grows 3-4 feet per year, matures to a majestic pyramidal form and demonstrates tolerance to drought. It has a feathery texture soft to the touch and stays green all year-round. Space the trees 6 feet apart for a solid wall privacy screen.
- Mature height is 20-30 feet when planted in rows
- Mature width is 6 feet in rows
- Full or partial sunlight
- Adaptable to soil conditions, even sand and clay
- Good drought tolerance
Emerald Green Thuja – Zones 3-8
These easy to grow evergreen trees are a smaller version of the Giant Thuja. Growing to a perfect height it makes a medium size privacy screen when planted three feet apart and never needs trimming. This plant is ideal for small yards and never has ugly browning in the winter months as some evergreens. It resists snow and ice damage. They are ideal in large decorative pots or an anchor tree at the corners of the home.
- Mature height is 8-12 feet
- Mature width is 3-4 feet in rows
- Full or partial sunlight
- Very adaptable to soil conditions
- Great drought tolerance
Creating a desirable outdoor living environment is a great way to improve your home’s value and usable space. Consider size carefully when planting trees. Make sure the root system will not interfere with underground utilities or service pipes to the home. A local Landscape Architect or nursery will be helpful in planning and planting suggestions.
Beverly Bright - Beverly worked in industrial/commercial Architectural Drafting and Design for 35 years and owned and managed her own business for 17 of ...
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