Waiting years for a privacy screen or windbreak tests every gardener’s patience. The right evergreen changes that timeline dramatically, turning bare ground into a living wall in a fraction of the time. But not every fast-growing variety adapts well to your soil, zone, or sun exposure.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. My recommendations come from comparing growth-rate data, hardiness-zone maps, soil preferences, and thousands of verified owner experiences across nurseries and online retailers.
After carefully studying growth rates, hardiness zones, and aggregated owner feedback, here are the best evergreen trees fast growing for your property.
How To Choose The Best Evergreen Trees Fast Growing
Selecting a fast-growing evergreen that thrives in your landscape comes down to a handful of measurable factors. Growth rate claims mean little without matching the tree to your zone, sun exposure, and long-term space.
Growth Rate & Mature Size
Not all fast-growing evergreens top out at the same height. Some push 3 feet per year and reach 40 feet, while others stay compact at 8 feet. Measure your planting area and account for width at maturity before choosing. A tree that grows fast but outgrows its spot creates pruning headaches later.
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
Every evergreen has a USDA zone range where it reliably survives winter lows. A tree rated for zones 5 through 9 will struggle in zone 3. Check your local extension office map and pick a variety that sits comfortably within your zone, not at its edge.
Purpose & Placement
Define the tree’s job first. Privacy screens need dense, narrow forms planted close together. Ornamental specimens benefit from unique texture or flowers. Windbreaks require sturdy wood and deep roots. Matching form to function prevents disappointment after the tree matures.
Soil & Sun Requirements
Most fast-growing evergreens prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but some tolerate partial shade or clay. Read the specific moisture and sunlight needs before planting. Amending heavy soil and providing consistent water during the first two growing seasons makes a measurable difference in annual growth.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 5-Pack | Arborvitae | Premium privacy screen | Mature 50–60 ft; zones 5–9 | Amazon |
| Green Promise Farms Emerald Green Arborvitae | Arborvitae | Narrow hedge or accent | Mature 18–20 ft; zones 3–8 | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 10-Pack | Arborvitae | Budget-friendly screen | Mature 40 ft; zones 5–9 | Amazon |
| Nellie R. Stevens Holly 10-Pack | Holly | Berry-producing hedge | Mature 15–30 ft; full sun | Amazon |
| Dwarf Alberta Spruce #2 Container | Spruce | Ornamental specimen | Mature 6–8 ft; zones 3–8 | Amazon |
| Perfect Plants Little Gem Magnolia | Magnolia | Flowering evergreen | Mature 20–25 ft; full sun | Amazon |
| Hybrid Willow Trees 50-Pack | Willow | Maximum speed & erosion control | Grows 10 ft/yr; zones 4–9 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 5-Pack
The Thuja Green Giant earns its reputation as the premier fast-growing privacy tree for good reason. This five-pack arrives in 1-gallon containers with dense, dark green foliage that releases a subtle Christmas-tree fragrance when brushed. Each tree establishes quickly and develops a wide-bottomed pyramidal form that can reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at full maturity, though regular pruning keeps it at any desired size.
Owner reports consistently highlight the healthy, moist condition upon arrival and the bamboo stake included for initial support. Many note that the trees measure about 2 feet tall at delivery, smaller than some nursery specimens, but the vigorous growth rate quickly closes that gap. The variety thrives across zones 5 through 9, making it one of the most adaptable evergreens for large portions of the United States.
Once established, maintenance drops to nearly zero. The dense branching creates an effective visual and sound barrier that blocks neighboring views within a few growing seasons. For property owners who want a fast, reliable screen without complicated care, this five-pack delivers outstanding long-term value.
What works
- Very fast growth once established in the ground
- Adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil types
- Minimal maintenance required after the first season
What doesn’t
- Starter size is smaller than some in-store alternatives
- Full mature height may be too large for small lots
2. Green Promise Farms Emerald Green Arborvitae
The Emerald Green Arborvitae, known botanically as Thuja occidentalis ‘Smargd’, is the go-to choice for narrow hedges and tight spaces where a tall screen is needed without overwhelming the property. This #3 container tree arrives fully rooted and ready to plant, with a mature height of 18 to 20 feet and a spread of just 5 to 6 feet. The upright, columnar habit means you can space them 3 to 4 feet apart for a dense wall that won’t encroach on walkways or foundations.
Buyers who ordered multiple containers across separate shipments report consistently healthy, bright green specimens even when the shipping boxes arrived slightly crushed. The soft, emerald foliage holds its color through winter, providing year-round structure in the landscape. This variety performs best in zones 3 through 8, giving it a wider cold-hardiness range than many other fast-growing evergreens.
One minor concern is the price per container compared to bare-root alternatives, but the instant impact and reduced transplant shock justify the cost for gardeners who want a more established look from the start. The moderate watering needs and adaptability to both partial shade and full sun make this a versatile performer in most residential settings.
What works
- Compact columnar shape fits narrow planting strips
- Deep green color persists through all seasons
- Excellent cold hardiness down to zone 3
What doesn’t
- Premium price for a single 3-gallon container
- Slower initial growth than larger Thuja varieties
3. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 10-Pack
For gardeners who need quantity without sacrificing quality, this 10-pack of Thuja Green Giant saplings delivers exceptional value. Each plant ships as a potted 7- to 10-inch starter with soil intact, ready for transplant into the landscape. With a documented growth rate of 3 feet per year once established, these trees quickly fill in to create a dense screen that reaches 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity.
Owner experiences show that spacing 6 to 7 feet apart produces a solid wall within a few seasons. Buyers who planted in full sun with regular watering during the first six months report seeing their saplings jump from 8 inches to over 3 feet in a single growing season. The trees are hardy in zones 5 through 9 and show good deer resistance once established, although young plants need protection from heavy deer traffic.
Some owners noted that the starter size looks small upon arrival, but the fast growth rate and low per-plant cost make this a smart choice for large-scale plantings. Winter browning or gold tinting is normal and not a sign of stress. With proper mulching and weekly watering during dry spells, these saplings develop into a substantial privacy barrier in less time than most alternatives.
What works
- Excellent price per tree for bulk planting
- Proven 3-feet-per-year growth in optimal conditions
- Deer resistant after establishment
What doesn’t
- Starter size requires patience in the first season
- Needs consistent watering and weed control early on
4. Nellie R. Stevens Holly 10-Pack
The Nellie R. Stevens Holly stands apart from typical evergreens by combining fast growth with ornamental appeal. This holly produces large, bright orange-red berries without needing a separate male pollinator, though planting a male Chinese holly nearby increases the berry set. The dense branching habit creates an excellent tall screen while adding fall and winter color that attracts birds and wildlife.
Buyers report that the 10 plants arrive in individual pots measuring 4 to 8 inches tall, smaller than mature nursery stock but healthy and well-packed. After transplanting and fertilizing, survival rates are high, with most owners seeing 19 out of 20 plants thrive. The variety adapts to full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different spots around the property.
One important note is that the initial size is quite small, so gardeners wanting an instant screen should expect a multi-year wait or consider purchasing larger container plants. The low-maintenance nature and tolerance of various light conditions make this holly a solid choice for homeowners who want beauty and function from their hedge.
What works
- Produces bright berries without a male pollinator
- Attracts birds and wildlife to the landscape
- Adaptable to both sun and partial shade
What doesn’t
- Starter plants are very small and take time to fill in
- Packaging quality has been inconsistent across shipments
5. Dwarf Alberta Spruce #2 Container
The Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Picea glauca ‘Conica’, is a classic ornamental evergreen prized for its dense, cone-shaped habit and soft green needles. This #2 size container delivers a fully rooted tree that stands 6 to 8 feet tall at maturity with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, making it an excellent choice for entryways, foundation plantings, or paired container displays on a porch or patio.
Owners consistently praise the packaging and health of these trees upon arrival. Many describe them as fuller and healthier than comparable specimens from local garden centers. The slow-to-moderate growth rate means this spruce maintains its tidy shape with minimal pruning, appealing to gardeners who want a polished look without constant upkeep. It thrives in zones 3 through 8 and handles full sun or partial shade equally well.
The compact size and symmetrical form make the Dwarf Alberta Spruce a natural focal point in any landscape design. While it won’t create a privacy screen, its rugged dependability and year-round structure earn it a spot in gardens where aesthetic quality matters more than raw speed.
What works
- Exceptional shape and density right out of the box
- Very low maintenance once planted
- Performs well in containers and small spaces
What doesn’t
- Slow growth is not ideal for quick privacy screens
- Premium price for a relatively small specimen
6. Perfect Plants Little Gem Magnolia
The Little Gem Magnolia brings southern charm to any landscape with its compact, narrow form and fragrant white flowers that bloom from summer into fall. Unlike standard magnolias, this variety requires no pruning to maintain its natural conical shape, reaching 20 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide at maturity. The glossy evergreen leaves provide year-round structure while the luminous blooms add seasonal drama.
Buyers report receiving trees that measure 4 to 5 feet tall, often taller than described, with full foliage and closed flower buds already forming. The packaging includes easy-to-use plant food and a care guide. Many owners note that the tree arrived in excellent condition with moist soil and sturdy container protection, representing significant savings compared to local nursery prices that can run substantially higher for similar-sized specimens.
Growth rate is moderate rather than blazing fast, but the combination of evergreen foliage, fragrant summer blooms, and self-shaping habit makes this a worthwhile investment for a focal-point tree. Full sun exposure produces the best flowering performance. After a couple of years in the ground, owners report the tree filling out, blooming reliably, and releasing that classic magnolia fragrance across the yard.
What works
- Fragrant white blooms appear even on young trees
- No pruning needed to maintain the natural shape
- Excellent packaging and customer service from the seller
What doesn’t
- Moderate growth rate, not the fastest evergreen option
- Higher upfront cost than bare-root alternatives
7. Hybrid Willow Trees 50-Pack
The Hybrid Willow, often called the Austree, claims the title of one of the fastest-growing trees in the world with reported growth of up to 10 feet per year. This 50-pack ships as bare-root sticks bundled in groups of ten, wrapped in wet paper towels to maintain moisture during transit. The intended use cases are rapid privacy screens, erosion control on slopes, and drying out boggy areas of the property.
Owner experiences vary widely with this product. Many returning buyers report that the cuttings produce roots within a week when soaked in water and placed in shade before planting. These users describe the growth as unreal and plan to purchase more. However, a significant number of owners report that a portion of the cuttings died despite following the included instructions, with some noting that stems turned black within weeks or that the sticks arrived too thin to survive.
The key to success with these willows appears to be immediate soaking, protection from extreme temperatures, and very consistent moisture. They are water hogs that thrive in wet soil but struggle in dry conditions. The no-seed and no-cotton characteristic is a plus for tidy landscapes. For budget-minded gardeners willing to accept some losses, the per-plant cost is remarkably low, though patience and careful handling are essential for good results.
What works
- Extremely fast growth when conditions are right
- Very low cost per tree for large-scale plantings
- Good for erosion control and wet areas
What doesn’t
- Mixed survival rates reported by many buyers
- Requires constant moisture and careful handling
- Thin cuttings may not establish reliably
Hardware & Specs Guide
Growth Rate
The most critical specification for fast-growing evergreens is annual vertical growth. Thuja Green Giants and Hybrid Willows lead the category at 3 to 10 feet per year under ideal conditions. Emerald Green Arborvitae and Dwarf Alberta Spruce grow more slowly but offer better shape retention and narrower forms. Always cross-reference claimed rates with owner reports for realistic expectations in your climate.
Mature Dimensions
Height and spread at maturity determine spacing and long-term fit. Large varieties like Thuja Green Giant (40–60 ft) need 6 to 7 feet between plants, while columnar Emerald Green Arborvitae (18–20 ft) can be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart. Compact ornamentals like Dwarf Alberta Spruce (6–8 ft) work as standalone specimens. Measure your planting area and account for width to avoid overcrowding.
Hardiness Zones
USDA hardiness zones indicate the lowest winter temperature a tree can survive. Emerald Green Arborvitae and Dwarf Alberta Spruce handle zones 3 through 8, making them suitable for cold climates. Thuja Green Giants and Nellie R. Stevens Holly perform best in zones 5 through 9. Always verify your zone before ordering to prevent winter loss.
Soil & Sun Needs
Most fast-growing evergreens prefer full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-drained soil. Hybrid Willows tolerate wet, boggy ground and are excellent for erosion control. Hollies and arborvitae adapt to partial shade but grow densest in full sun. Moderate watering during the first two growing seasons is essential for root establishment across all varieties.
FAQ
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Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best evergreen trees fast growing winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 5-Pack because it combines reliable 3-to-5-foot annual growth, broad zone adaptability, and minimal maintenance in one proven package. If you want a narrow hedge for tight spaces, grab the Green Promise Farms Emerald Green Arborvitae. And for the fastest possible screen on a tight budget, nothing beats the sheer speed of the Hybrid Willow Trees 50-Pack, provided you can give them the moisture and care they demand.