9 Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees for a Lush, Private Landscape

A row of tall evergreen trees behind a white picket fence against a blue sky — Credit:
Grace Cary / Getty Images

Evergreen trees create a beautiful natural border in yards and gardens that can be used in lieu of a traditional fence. The only downside to these plants is that they sometimes take years and years to grow to maturity, which can be inconvenient if you want to create more privacy in your yard or fill in gaps in your landscaping. Luckily, there are plenty of fast-growing evergreen trees that solve this problem. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the most beautiful evergreen varieties that will be tall in no time.

Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins, a company that cultivates roses and other plants
Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's AgCenter

01 of 09

Thuja Green Giant

Cloaked in dense, dark, evergreen foliage that goes all the way down to the ground, Thuja green giant (standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') has a conical habit that needs only occasional shearing or pruning, says Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins.

Zone: 5 to 9
Mature size: 30 to 50 feet tall x 10 to 12 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; well-draining soil

02 of 09

False Cypress

False cypress (Chamaecyparis) is an easy-to-care-for evergreen tree that has a fast growth habit. It's recognized by its dense and lush lime-green foliage that makes it a great option for privacy screens or hedges, says Funk.

Zone: 4 to 8
Mature size: 30 feet tall x 15 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; moist, well-draining soil

03 of 09

Nellie Stevens Holly

Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex 'Nellie Stevens Holly') has dark green, pointed leaves and is distinguished by its red berries. Holly varieties are generally dioecious, meaning the female plants have the fruit and benefit from having male plants pollinate them, says Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's agricultural center.

Zone: 6 to 9
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet tall x 8 to 25 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; acidic, well-draining soil

04 of 09

Italian Cypress

A wonderful evergreen tree for creating a natural fence, Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) has a very upright, tall, and narrow form with attractive blue-green foliage. Keep in mind that mites, bagworms, and root rot can be common issues when growing Italian cypress, says Abdi. This tree generally does better in drier climates.

Zone: 7 to 10
Mature size: 40 to 70 feet tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

05 of 09

Wax Myrtle

Great for welcoming pollinators to your yard, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) boasts attractive glossy leaves and flowers that aren't showy, but can be fragrant, says Abdi. The evergreen tree also produces waxy, silver-blue fruits that have a welcoming aroma.

Zone: 7 to 10
Mature size: 20 to 25 feet tall x 8 to 10 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to part shade; tolerates a range of soil conditions

06 of 09

Leyland Cypress

This rapidly growing tree is often used for hedges or privacy screens and looks impressive in backyards. Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) typically has attractive blue-green foliage, but some cultivars are more yellow in color, says Abdi. It's susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases, so it may be higher maintenance than other fast-growing evergreens.

Zone: 6 to 10
Mature size: 60 to 70 feet tall x 10 to 15 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; tolerates a range of soil conditions

07 of 09

Dahoon Holly

Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) is an upright grower that produces red berries. "Like other hollies, this is dioecious," says Abdi. If you grow this holly tree in your yard, be sure to protect the roots, especially after planting, as they are quite sensitive.

Zone: 7 to 11
Mature size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 10 to 15 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

08 of 09

Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia Sweetbay — danishc / Getty Images

Also known as beaver tree, sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) can be grown as a shrub or as an evergreen tree. Its green leaves have a silvery underside for beautiful dimension, while the flowers are white, showy, and fragrant. Note that sweetbay magnolia is native to the southeastern U.S. and grows best in this climate.

Zone: 5 to 10
Mature size: 10 to 35 feet tall x 10 to 25 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; moist, rich soils

09 of 09

Skyrocket Juniper

Skyrocket juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket) is an upright, columnar tree with blue-green foliage that will make a wonderful addition to your lawn, especially if you're looking for something to fit within a tight space. It needs at least six hours of sunlight per day; growth may slow with less sun or dappled light. The narrow tree produces small, blue-toned cones that look like berries. It can grow up to 15 feet tall in just three years!