7 Fast-Growing Privacy Plants for a Lush, Secluded Backyard Retreat

Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypress is a go-to privacy tree, primarily because it grows 3 to 4 feet per year. It eventually reaches a mature height of about 50 to 70 feet, providing plenty of coverage. The result is a very tall, evergreen screen that works especially well on larger properties.

However, keep in mind: "It's notorious for shallow root systems—in high winds or heavy snow, these trees are prone to toppling over," says Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension.

• Zone: 6 to 10
• Size: 50 to 70 feet tall x 10 to 15 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; tolerates a range of soil conditions

Green Giant Arborvitae

Another tried-and-true option, green giant arborvitae will give you just the right amount of privacy—and look beautiful while doing it.

"It won't take long for it to grow into a dense privacy hedge," says Niki Jabbour, founder of Savvy Gardening. "Once established, this popular landscape plant grows up to 3 feet a year, maturing at about 50 feet."

Like Leyland cypress, it's an evergreen tree, so it will block out even the nosiest of neighbors—and nearby traffic if you live in a city.

• Zone: 5 to 8
• Size: 40 to 60 feet 
• Care requirements: Partial to full sun; well-draining, rich, and loamy soil; keep soil moist until established

Lilac

Lilac doesn't provide full coverage the way Leyland cypress and arborvitae do, but it grows quickly and blocks off your yard a fair bit. There's an added bonus too: "Besides providing privacy, lilacs produce fragrant spring flowers, which add ornamental value to the screen," says Singh.

Keep in mind, however, that it's a seasonal screen. In most climates, a lilac hedge will be a wall of sticks from November through March.

• Zones: 3 to 7
• Size: 8 to 16 feet tall x 6 to 12 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil

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Panicle Hydrangea

Some hydrangeas will provide a privacy screen during the warmer months. Jabbour recommends Limelight in particular: "This multi-stemmed shrub grows up to 8 feet tall and wide, adding about a foot of new growth each year."

This plant will provide cover from late spring to mid-autumn—beautiful flowers will appear during the summer as well. These plants are particularly wide, she notes, so they work well on decks and patios.

• Growing zone: 9 to 11
• Size: Varies by species
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; well-draining soil

False Cypress

False cypress will grow 6 to 12 inches each year, but depending on the variety, it will be about 30 feet tall once it reaches maturity. Make sure to do your research before purchasing!

Jabbour describes it as a low-maintenance, hands-off plant. "Combining its wide growth habit with heavy branching, you’ll have trouble seeing through this evergreen shrub," she says. "It’s not as fast-growing as other species, but needs no pruning or shaping, and is an excellent screening plant."

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

Elderberry

Your privacy plants can also provide delicious produce—that's certainly the case with elderberry. This stately hedge can grow to be 6 to 10 feet high, with an 8-foot spread, and produces delicious berries in late summer and early fall. Birds love the fruits too, so growing one is a great way to attract wildlife to your garden.

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 6 to 10 feet tall x 6 to 8 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; acidic, well-draining soil

Dappled Willow

Looking for something with a bit more color? Dappled willow is a great option. This elegant shrub can be up to 20 feet high, and grows about 2 to 3 feet per year. Its foliage is a lively combination of pink, white, and yellow—during fall, the stems turn yellow, adding a bit of seasonal interest.

• Zones: 4 to 9 
• Size: 15 to 20 feet tall x 15 to 20 feet wide (can maintain a smaller size with pruning)
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil