When I first moved into my home, our yard felt exposed and uninviting. After years of experimenting with different trees, I discovered the magic of fast-growing evergreens.
These remarkable trees transformed our bare landscape into a private sanctuary in just a few years, providing year-round beauty and a haven for local wildlife.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Evergreens?
Our garden completely changed after adding these amazing trees. They provide stunning year-round color and create the perfect privacy screen from nosy neighbors (we’ve all been there!).
I particularly love watching the birds and wildlife that now regularly visit our yard.
Most exciting is their incredible growth rate – many grow over 25 inches yearly, quickly turning any yard into a verdant retreat.
The 15 Best Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees
1. Leyland Cypress
My absolute favorite for quick privacy!
This beauty features reddish-brown bark and soft gray-green foliage.
In my experience, they’re incredibly versatile – you can let them grow naturally or shape them into elegant hedges. Within just 10 years, they can reach an impressive 20-30 feet.
2. Eastern White Pine
If you’re looking for a windbreak, this is your tree.
Its soft blue-green needles create such a graceful silhouette.
I started with a tiny 2-foot sapling that shot up to 12 feet in just 5 years! Just remember to give it space – these beauties can spread up to 40 feet at maturity.
3. Thuja Green Giant
This was my go-to choice for creating a natural privacy screen along our property line.
The rich green foliage actually deepens during winter, adding wonderful dimension to the winter landscape.
In just a decade, ours reached nearly 50 feet with a neat 5-foot spread.
4. Monterey Pine
A true showstopper in my garden! With its tall straight trunk and narrow pyramidal shape, this pine commands attention.
Mine thrived even during our dry spells, and those long dark green needles create such a striking silhouette.
It’s amazing to think this beauty can reach 53 feet in just 15 years.
5. Norway Spruce
Remember that perfect Christmas tree shape we all drew as kids? That’s the Norway Spruce!
I adore how its horizontal branches gracefully weep, decorated with 4-6 inch brown cones.
The dark green needles are dense and stiff – perfect for holiday decorating.
6. Italian Cypress
Looking for some Mediterranean flair? I added these elegant trees to frame my garden entrance.
Their tall, narrow shape is perfect for smaller spaces, and those dark gray-green needles create such a sophisticated look.
They grow incredibly fast – reaching 35-40 feet in 10 years – though you can easily maintain them at a lower height with pruning.
7. Western Red Cedar
The fragrance of this tree alone makes it worth planting!
In our garden, it’s become a favorite conversation piece thanks to those unique white butterfly markings under the leaves.
The slightly curving branches give it such a graceful appearance, and it’s amazing how quickly it grows – over 12 feet in just a decade.
8. Japanese Black Pine
Talk about a statement piece! This uniquely beautiful tree stands out with its thick, twisting trunk.
I love how its slightly drooping branches and flat crown create such an artistic silhouette.
If you’re into bonsai like me, several varieties work beautifully for this ancient art form.
9. Common Myrtle
This versatile evergreen has become my go-to recommendation for gardening friends.
Those fuzzy white flowers against the dark green leaves create such a lovely contrast, and the peeling cinnamon-colored bark adds wonderful texture.
Plus, the birds absolutely love the berries – it’s like having a natural bird sanctuary in your yard!
10. Cherry Laurel
What a powerhouse this tree is! In my garden, it’s created the perfect privacy screen.
Within 4-5 years, it grew into a dense 10-foot hedge.
Just keep in mind that while beautiful, it’s toxic to pets and people, so I planted mine away from areas where my kids and pets play.
11. Skyrocket Juniper
True to its name, this beauty shoots straight up like a rocket!
I planted a row of these along my driveway, and their slender, soaring silhouette makes such a statement.
Mine reached 15 feet tall while staying a neat 3 feet wide – perfect for tight spaces!
12. Nelly Stevens Holly
This is my secret weapon for quick privacy! Growing up to 3 feet annually, it’s perfect when you need screening fast.
Those glossy dark green leaves and bright red berries create such a classic look.
I particularly love how it thrives in our coastal area thanks to its excellent salt tolerance.
13. Grand Fir
The name says it all – this tree is truly grand!
Its smooth gray bark and shiny dark green needles make it a showstopper in any landscape.
For those with smaller yards like mine was initially, look for one of the dwarf varieties – you’ll still get that majestic appearance but in a more manageable size.
14. Wax Myrtle
If you love fragrant gardens, this tree is a must-have!
The olive-green foliage releases the most wonderful scent, and those pale blue winter fruits are simply gorgeous against the light gray bark.
In my garden, I planted both male and female trees to ensure berry production, creating a beautiful winter display that attracts all sorts of wildlife.
15. American Pillar Arborvitae
This was my solution for creating privacy in a narrow space!
With its slim 3-5 foot spread but impressive height, it’s perfect for tight spots.
I especially love how the glossy green foliage turns bronze-purple in autumn – such a lovely surprise each year.
These magnificent evergreens have completely transformed my once-bare yard into a thriving, private oasis.