15 Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy Landscaping Between Houses

When homes sit close together, privacy becomes a top priority. A natural green barrier made of fast-growing trees not only blocks unwanted views but also adds shade, beauty, and tranquility to your yard. The right trees can turn your property line into a living wall that enhances your landscape’s value and comfort year-round.

Choosing fast-growing trees is a smart, low-maintenance solution for homeowners who want instant results without the wait. These trees quickly establish themselves, providing lush foliage, sound reduction, and seasonal color — all while creating a serene buffer between you and neighboring properties. Below are 15 modern landscape-friendly trees perfect for privacy between houses, each bringing its own unique appeal to your yard.

1. Thuja Green Giant

A top favorite for modern privacy landscaping, the Thuja Green Giant is fast-growing, hardy, and easy to shape. It forms a thick green wall that stays lush throughout the year.
What to include:

  • Grows 3–5 feet per year
  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade
  • Works well as a uniform hedge or natural screen
  • Minimal maintenance and drought-tolerant once mature

2. Leyland Cypress

This classic choice provides dense coverage with its feathery green foliage and tall, slender form — ideal for narrow spaces between homes.
What to include:

  • Reaches up to 60 feet tall if untrimmed
  • Provides a soft, lush texture
  • Fast-growing and adaptable to most soils
  • Excellent wind and sound barrier

3. Bamboo (Clumping Variety)

For a modern, exotic feel, clumping bamboo offers both privacy and visual movement as it sways in the wind.
What to include:

  • Grows up to 5 feet per year
  • Non-invasive clumping types like Bambusa or Fargesia are ideal
  • Great for small yards and tight spaces
  • Adds a tropical aesthetic and soft rustling sound

4. Eastern Red Cedar

Perfect for a natural rustic look, the Eastern Red Cedar grows tall and full with deep green-blue foliage.
What to include:

  • Evergreen with strong privacy coverage
  • Drought and pest-resistant
  • Works well for layered privacy with other evergreens
  • Provides year-round color and wildlife shelter

5. Italian Cypress

For a modern architectural appearance, the Italian Cypress stands tall and elegant, creating vertical interest and privacy.
What to include:

  • Grows about 2–3 feet per year
  • Slim shape ideal for tight spaces
  • Pairs beautifully with contemporary or Mediterranean homes
  • Low maintenance and drought-resistant

6. Nellie R. Stevens Holly

This holly species grows thick, glossy, and full of texture, offering both privacy and ornamental beauty.
What to include:

  • Evergreen with deep green leaves and red berries
  • Grows 2–3 feet per year
  • Great for hedges or clustered planting
  • Attracts birds and provides natural fencing

7. Hybrid Poplar

One of the fastest-growing trees available, hybrid poplars can create instant privacy with their tall and full canopy.
What to include:

  • Can grow 6–8 feet per year
  • Ideal for large property borders
  • Provides summer shade and strong privacy coverage
  • Loses leaves in winter but grows back rapidly

8. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)

A versatile option that blends formality with function, the Japanese privet is perfect for modern gardens.
What to include:

  • Evergreen with dense, glossy leaves
  • Grows 2–3 feet annually
  • Easy to shape into hedges
  • Adds lush texture to narrow pathways

9. Spartan Juniper

Compact yet strong, Spartan junipers create structured privacy in both modern and traditional landscapes.
What to include:

  • Grows 12–15 feet tall and about 5 feet wide
  • Columnar shape ideal for small yards
  • Thrives in full sun and poor soils
  • Requires minimal trimming

10. Emerald Green Arborvitae

This smaller version of the Thuja Green Giant suits suburban homes with limited space.
What to include:

  • Dense, soft green foliage year-round
  • Grows up to 15 feet tall
  • Excellent for straight-line fencing or staggered layouts
  • Low maintenance and resistant to most pests

11. River Birch

Add texture and seasonal character to your yard with the stunning bark and graceful form of river birch trees.
What to include:

  • Grows 3–4 feet per year
  • Tolerates wet soil and urban conditions
  • Offers privacy while maintaining an airy, open look
  • Beautiful peeling bark adds visual interest

12. Cherry Laurel

A luxurious evergreen option that gives your yard a manicured, modern appearance.
What to include:

  • Dense foliage for year-round privacy
  • Grows 2–3 feet annually
  • Fragrant white blooms in spring
  • Perfect for hedges or corner screening

13. Willow Hybrid

A perfect blend of durability and speed, willow hybrids quickly fill in large gaps between houses.
What to include:

  • Grows 6–10 feet per year
  • Resistant to disease and extreme weather
  • Creates thick coverage even in open areas
  • Ideal for sound and wind protection

14. American Holly

Add timeless charm to your privacy landscape with the glossy green leaves and red berries of the American holly.
What to include:

  • Evergreen and dense
  • Great for layered planting
  • Provides shelter for birds
  • Adds a festive touch in winter months

15. Silver Maple

For those who want quick shade and soft green coverage, the silver maple delivers fast results and graceful movement.
What to include:

  • Grows up to 5 feet per year
  • Large canopy provides cooling shade
  • Ideal for wide backyard privacy
  • Tolerates various soil conditions

Green Walls That Grow With You

Fast-growing trees offer more than privacy — they build a living environment that evolves beautifully over time. From elegant cypress lines to lush hollies and airy birches, these natural screens transform outdoor spaces into peaceful retreats. Plant thoughtfully, and within just a few seasons, your yard will be surrounded by greenery that feels both private and alive.

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