8 Affordable, Fast-Growing Privacy Trees That Won't Break the Bank

White Spruce

White spruce (Picea glauca) is a moderately shade-tolerant conifer that produces dark green needles. It can reach up to 60 feet tall, but grows fairly quickly, and should top 8 feet within the first five years.

“If you leave the lower branches on the tree, it will develop into a wonderful conical form with thick branches and needles to block sight lines and reduce sound,” says Eric North, urban forestry program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation.

Expect to pay about $25 for a young white spruce. 

• Growing zones: 2 through 6
• Size: 40 to 60 feet tall; 10 to 20 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; it can handle a good deal of moisture 
  

Douglas Fir

The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a unique species native to the Pacific Northwest.

“This is a medium-sized tree with dark green needles and a conical form that can help provide privacy,” says North. “It is also more resistant to needle diseases compared to many North American spruces.”

Douglas firs make up nearly half of all Christmas trees sold in the U.S., and a 1-gallon container tree averages about $45. 

• Growing zones: 4 through 6
• Size: 40 and 70 feet tall; 12 to 20 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and moist, acidic, well-drained soil; requires weekly deep watering during hot summer months

Dawn Redwood

This fast-growing tree (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) has a neat conical shape and can adapt to various conditions, requiring minimal care once established.

“A group planting will provide long-lasting and reliable privacy,” says Nastya Vasylchyshyna, resident botany expert at Plantum. “However, it’s better suited for farms and large gardens, rather than small backyards.”

Expect to pay about $45 for a gallon container, or more for larger trees.

• Growing zones: 4 through 8
• Size: 70 to 100 feet tall; 15 to 25 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and slightly acidic, moderately fertile, moist loamy soil; able to thrive in wet spots near bodies of water
  

River Birch

“With graceful branches and beautiful peeling bark, river birch offers more than just privacy—it adds year-round texture and charm,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director and landscape architect at Yardzen. “It’s also a fast grower that loves moisture and handles heat with ease. [It] has a multi-stemmed form that offers visual coverage during warmer months.”

The river birch (Betula nigra) grows about 2 to 3 feet per year, and young trees cost about $40 to $90. 

•  Growing zones: 4 through 9
• Size: 40 to 70 feet tall; 30 to 40 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soil; tolerates moisture well

Southern Bayberry

Also known as a wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), this small tree or large shrub can grow about 3 to 4 feet in a single growing season, according to Vasylchyshyna. “This fast growth makes it ideal for adding privacy to your property in a short amount of time,” she says. 

Southern bayberry is notable for its adaptability, withstanding droughts, thriving near bodies of water, and enduring high temperatures. 

“As a bonus, it attracts birds with its fragrant berries, making it a perfect tree for bird watchers,” Vasylchyshyna adds. “You can also dry these berries and use them as a seasoning, or an aromatic tea sweetener.”

A 3-gallon container will run anywhere from $18 to $35.

• Growing zones: 7 through 10
• Size: 10 to 20 feet tall; 8 to 10 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and slightly acidic, well-drained soil; water deeply until established

Red Osier Dogwood

Red Osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) provides a dense thicket of leaves and stems, helping create a sense of privacy year-round.

“In full sunlight, the stems are bright red, and in a shaded spot the stems are a bright green—often turning red once the leaves fall,” says North. “There are also flowers and fruits that can attract pollinators and wildlife.”

• Growing zones: 2 through 7
• Size: 7 to 9 feet tall; 7 to 10 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade, and moist soil; water deeply until established, then it should tolerate both wet and dry periods

American Arborvitae

For a polished, formal look that still grows quickly, ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is hard to beat.

“Its natural columnar shape makes it an elegant living fence, and it fills in quickly without much fuss,” says Lenhart. “It’s popular for creating soft, formal privacy walls, and retains shape well with minimal pruning.”

The Green Giant will grow about 3 to 4 feet per year under ideal conditions, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $80 for a young tree. 

• Growing zones: 5 through 9
• Size: 40 to 60 feet tall; 12 to 18 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; requires moderate watering

Eastern Red Cedar

A classic American evergreen, the Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a tough, low-maintenance tree that offers dense, year-round coverage.

“It’s ideal for rural properties or natural-style privacy screens, and thrives even in poor soils and tough climates,” says Lenhart. “Its dense, evergreen foliage offers year-round screening, and is excellent for windbreaks and rural or suburban privacy barriers.”

The Eastern red cedar grows 1 to 2 feet per year, and the average cost is between $25 to $60 for a 3 to 5-gallon container.

• Growing zones: 2 through 9
• Size: 40 to 50 feet tall; 10 to 20 feet wide
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and thrives in poor or rocky soil; drought-tolerant once it’s established