Nothing frustrates a property owner more than watching a freshly planted sapling get stripped bare overnight by hungry deer. The search for trees that combine rapid vertical growth with natural resistance to browsing means you don’t have to choose between a quick privacy screen and a plant that deer will leave alone. This guide focuses exclusively on species that deliver both — speed and unpalatability to white-tailed deer.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years comparing growth-rate data, analyzing USDA hardiness zone performance, and studying aggregated owner feedback to isolate which tree varieties actually deliver on their fast-growing promise while consistently rating as low-preference deer browse.
After evaluating dozens of cultivars across multiple seasons and soil conditions, I’ve assembled the definitive list of best fast growing deer resistant trees to help you create an effective, low-maintenance landscape barrier this season.
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Deer Resistant Trees
The market is flooded with tree saplings claiming to be both lightning-fast growers and deer-proof. The reality is that true deer resistance depends on the tree’s foliage chemistry, texture, and scent — not a marketing label. You need to match the tree’s growth habit, mature size, and hardiness zone to your specific site conditions to avoid wasting a season.
Growth Rate and Mature Dimensions
Fast-growing is a relative term. Some species like hybrid willows can add 10 feet of height per year, while Thuja Green Giants add 3 to 5 feet annually once established. You must also consider the mature spread — a tree that reaches 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide demands different spacing than a narrow columnar juniper. Match the growth rate to your timeline: instant screens need willow-type speed, while long-term hedgerows benefit from denser evergreens that fill in more uniformly.
Deer Resistance Mechanisms
Deer avoid certain trees because of bitter compounds in the leaves, strong aromatic oils, or rough, unpalatable needle textures. Conifers like Colorado Blue Spruce and Skyrocket Juniper have prickly foliage and resinous scents that deer rarely sample. Deciduous options like Weeping Willow contain salicin, which gives the bark a bitter taste. Hybrid willows share this trait, though hungry deer in deep winter may still nibble tender new growth — no tree is 100% deer-proof, but these rank at the bottom of the deer menu.
Site Suitability and USDA Hardiness Zones
Check your zone before ordering. Thuja Green Giant thrives in zones 5 through 9, while Colorado Blue Spruce prefers cooler zones 3 through 7. Planting a tree outside its recommended zone stresses the plant, slowing growth and reducing its natural chemical defenses against pests and browsing. Soil drainage is equally critical — willows demand consistently moist soil, while junipers and spruces tolerate dry, sandy conditions. Match the tree to your dirt or be prepared to amend.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Hybrid Willow Trees | Deciduous Fast-Grower | Maximum annual height gain | Up to 10 ft/year growth | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant 18-Pack | Evergreen Privacy Screen | Bulk instant hedge planting | 18 liners, zones 5-9 | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack | Evergreen Privacy Screen | Pre-sized 2 ft hedge starters | 2 ft tall, 8 plants | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant 40-Pack | Evergreen Bulk Landscape | Large property windbreaks | 40 live plants, year-round | Amazon |
| Skyrocket Juniper (2-Pack) | Narrow Columnar Evergreen | Vertical accent in tight spaces | Columnar, drought tolerant | Amazon |
| Colorado Blue Spruce | Evergreen Specimen Tree | Year-round silvery color | 1-2 ft, zones 3-7 | Amazon |
| Weeping Willow | Deciduous Shade Tree | Graceful cascading canopy | 2-3 ft, zones 5-9 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. 50 Hybrid Willow Trees – Fastest Growing Trees in The World
The CZ Grain 50-pack of Aussie Hybrid Willows represents the highest growth-rate ceiling of any option on this list. These deciduous cuttings can push 10 feet of vertical growth per year under ideal conditions — making them the top choice for anyone who needs a privacy screen or windbreak in the shortest possible timeframe. The trees produce no seeds or cotton, reducing mess, and the seller includes detailed instructions plus YouTube video support for first-time growers.
From a deer-resistance standpoint, hybrid willows contain salicin compounds that make the foliage and bark taste bitter, placing them low on the deer browsing preference list. The package arrives as 50 bare-root cuttings, which root quickly when placed in water before transplanting. Early-adopter reviews consistently report root and bud formation within one week of following the soaking protocol, though success depends heavily on consistent moisture during the establishment phase.
The main trade-off is that hybrid willows are water-intensive and perform best in moist, well-drained soil — they will struggle in dry, sandy conditions without supplemental irrigation. A small subset of buyers received cuttings that were thinner than expected or failed to root, so ordering early in the growing season and inspecting upon arrival is advisable. For sheer speed of growth and volume per dollar, these willows are unmatched.
What works
- Unmatched annual height gain of up to 10 feet per year
- 50 cuttings provide dense coverage for large areas
- No seeds or cotton debris to clean up
- Strong deer resistance due to bitter salicin compounds
What doesn’t
- Requires consistently moist soil — not drought tolerant
- Cuttings vary in thickness; some may be too thin to root
- Bare-root format demands immediate care upon arrival
- Cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI
2. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Plant 18-Pack
The Perfect Plants 18-pack of Thuja Green Giant liners is the ideal solution for creating an instant hedge without the guesswork of spacing multiple orders. Each liner arrives as a rooted starter, already showing the dense, dark green foliage that gives this hybrid arborvitae its reputation as the premier fast-growing privacy evergreen for much of the United States. Mature Thuja Green Giants can reach 60 feet tall with a 20-foot spread, though they respond well to pruning if you prefer a shorter screen.
Deer resistance on Thuja Green Giant is consistently rated high because the foliage releases a strong resinous, Christmas-tree-like scent when crushed — deer find it unappealing compared to tender deciduous alternatives. The trees are also drought tolerant once established, reducing watering labor after the first season. Buyers in zones 5 through 9 report excellent survival rates, with many noting the starters were larger and healthier than anticipated upon arrival.
The 18-pack ships as a bundled value, but due to agricultural restrictions it cannot go to California or Arizona. A small number of reviewers reported that one or two liners arrived dead, though the majority received all 18 in viable condition. For anyone looking to establish a substantial privacy border with minimal per-unit cost, this pack delivers outstanding density potential.
What works
- 18 plants in one order for rapid hedge establishment
- Dense evergreen foliage with strong deer-resistant scent
- Drought tolerant once roots are established
- Thrives across wide hardiness zone range (5-9)
What doesn’t
- Cannot be shipped to CA or AZ
- Young liners need protection from deer during first winter
- Some units may arrive with damaged roots in transit
- Requires full sun for optimal growth rate
3. Thuja Green Giant 40 Live Plants
The Florida Foliage 40-pack of Thuja Green Giants is engineered for large-scale landscaping projects — think commercial property lines, farm windbreaks, or lengthy backyard borders. At 40 rooted plants per order, this kit dramatically reduces the per-sapling cost compared to buying individual pots from a nursery. The trees are shipped as bare-root liners wrapped in protective foam and cardboard, and buyers report that approximately 95 percent survive when given proper drip irrigation and soil preparation.
From a deer-resistance perspective, these Green Giants share the same aromatic foliage that keeps browsing pressure low. The trees grow in a pyramidal shape with feathery, vibrant green leaves that fill in densely year-round. Several purchasers noted that half the trees grew over one foot in the first four months when irrigated consistently. The seller recommends year-round planting in most climates, with the caveat that the first month after installation requires the most frequent watering.
The primary concern with this bulk pack is that prolonged shipping delays or extreme heat during transit can cause die-off — a handful of reviewers reported dead-on-arrival trees or losses after potting. Because these are small liners rather than established gallon-size plants, they need a protected growing environment for the first season. If you have the space and patience to nurture young stock, the cost-per-plant is hard to beat for volume coverage.
What works
- Extremely low per-plant cost for bulk hedge projects
- Aromatic evergreen foliage naturally deters deer
- Year-round planting window in most zones
- Can grow 1+ foot in first 4 months with irrigation
What doesn’t
- Shipping heat stress can cause die-off in transit
- Small liners need greenhouse or indoor winter protection
- Consistent drip irrigation is required for first month
- Not all states eligible due to agricultural restrictions
4. Skyrocket Juniper 2 Large Trade Gallon Size Plants
The Skyrocket Juniper from Florida Foliage offers a radically different silhouette compared to the spreading willows or pyramidal arborvitaes — it grows in a tight, columnar form that makes it perfect for vertical accents in narrow garden beds, along driveways, or between windows. These are delivered as two large trade-gallon-size plants with established root systems, giving them a head start over bare-root liners. The blue-green foliage provides year-round color and a fine texture that stands out against broader-leafed evergreens.
Deer consistently avoid Skyrocket Juniper due to its prickly, scale-like needles and the strong resinous scent emitted when the foliage is brushed. The species is notably drought tolerant once established, thriving in full sun with minimal supplemental watering — a major advantage for low-maintenance landscapes. Multiple buyers reported that the plants arrived well-packaged and healthy, with root balls intact and ready for transplant into temporary pots or directly into the ground.
The most significant drawback reported by buyers is that a small number of plants were misidentified — some recipients identified their shipment as Creeping Juniper rather than Skyrocket Juniper after the foliage matured. Additionally, these are slow to moderate growers relative to hybrid willows or Green Giants, so they are not the best choice if you need rapid height gain. For a fuss-free, deer-resistant evergreen that won’t outgrow its footprint, the Skyrocket Juniper is an excellent specimen choice.
What works
- Ultra-narrow columnar habit fits tight spaces
- Prickly foliage offers excellent deer resistance
- Very drought tolerant once established
- Trade-gallon size gives established root system
What doesn’t
- Growth rate is slower than willow or Thuja
- Some shipments misidentified as Creeping Juniper
- Small size at delivery requires potting up before ground planting
- Mortality can occur if roots dry out during transit
5. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
This 8-pack from Perfect Plants delivers Thuja Green Giant saplings that are already 2 feet tall — a meaningful head start compared to the smaller liners in the 18-pack. Each plant comes with an established root system and lush green foliage that exudes the characteristic Christmas-tree scent deer find displeasing. For homeowners who want a privacy hedge that shows visible height in the first season without waiting two years for liners to bulk up, this mid-range kit strikes the ideal balance between size and quantity.
Customer reviews across hundreds of orders consistently describe the packaging as excellent — plants arrive with plastic wrap, paper base material, and thick boxes that prevent damage during cross-country shipping. Each plant is individually tagged with planting instructions. The trees are adaptable to zones 5 through 9 and require only consistent watering after transplant. Several buyers noted that not every sapling was a full 2 feet, but all were close enough that the difference was negligible after one growing season.
The premium price per plant relative to bulk liners is the main consideration — you are paying for the convenience of larger, more established starters. A very small number of trees may arrive with minor shipping stress, but the overwhelming majority of feedback praises the health and vigor of the plants. If your budget allows for 8 larger starts rather than 18 smaller ones, this pack reduces the time to a mature screen significantly.
What works
- Pre-established 2-foot height for faster privacy screen
- Excellent packaging minimizes transit damage
- Strong deer resistance from aromatic evergreen foliage
- Individual plant tags with care instructions included
What doesn’t
- Higher per-plant cost than bare-root liners
- Not all saplings hit exactly 2 feet — some slightly shorter
- Requires full sun for optimal growth rate
- Drip irrigation recommended during first month
6. Brighter Blooms Colorado Blue Spruce Tree, 1-2 ft.
The Colorado Blue Spruce from Brighter Blooms brings a uniquely ornamental dimension to deer-resistant landscaping with its silvery blue-green needles that maintain their color through all four seasons. This evergreen grows in a classic pyramidal silhouette and is rated for USDA zones 3 through 7, making it one of the few options on this list that performs well in colder northern climates. The stiff, prickly needles are inherently unappealing to deer, who prefer tender, broad-leafed foliage — confirmed by multiple buyers who noted deer left these trees alone even when other plants were browsed.
At 1 to 2 feet tall at delivery (including the pot), these are smaller than some other options, but they pack a dense root system that establishes quickly when planted in full sun. One reviewer in Minnesota reported that two trees survived a harsh winter in poor clay soil with no supplemental protection — genuine cold hardiness in action. The blue spruce grows at a moderate rate compared to willows, adding roughly 12 to 24 inches per year once settled, so patience is required for a tall specimen.
The main downsides are that the estimated height includes the nursery pot, so actual above-ground foliage may be closer to 8 to 14 inches, and a minority of buyers received trees with lopsided branch structure that took time to fill out. Additionally, due to federal agricultural restrictions, this tree cannot ship to Arizona. For a deer-resistant evergreen that doubles as a focal point in the landscape, the Colorado Blue Spruce is hard to beat.
What works
- Striking silvery-blue color provides year-round visual interest
- Prickly needles offer natural deer resistance
- Excellent cold hardiness down to zone 3
- Classic pyramidal shape works as specimen or screen
What doesn’t
- Slow to moderate growth — not a quick privacy fix
- Stated 1-2 ft height includes nursery pot
- Some trees arrive with uneven branch distribution
- Cannot ship to AZ due to agricultural laws
7. Weeping Willow, Deciduous, Fast-Growing, 2-3 ft Tree
The generic-brand Weeping Willow is the most recognizable fast-growing deciduous tree in American landscapes, and this 2-to-3-foot sapling delivered in a 1-gallon nursery pot offers an affordable entry point. Willows are famous for their cascading branch structure and slender, shimmering leaves that create a dramatic, romantic silhouette near ponds, streams, or open lawns. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and tolerate loamy and sandy types alike, making them one of the most soil-adaptable options here.
Deer resistance in Weeping Willow is derived from salicin — a natural chemical compound in the bark and leaves that produces a bitter taste deer actively avoid. Multiple verified buyers confirmed that their young trees were left untouched by local deer populations even when surrounding plantings were damaged. The tree also attracts pollinators to the garden, adding ecological value beyond its shade and ornamental qualities. The saplings typically arrive well-packed with moist soil and plant food crystals, and most reviews report healthy roots that are ready to outgrow the pot quickly.
The primary disadvantage is that willows are water hogs — they need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, or they will shed leaves and slow growth dramatically. The tree is also deciduous, meaning it loses all leaves in winter, offering no visual screen during dormant months. A small number of buyers received trees shorter than the advertised height or in poor condition, though the majority found the value excellent for the price. Weeping Willow cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI due to agricultural restrictions.
What works
- Classic weeping form with rapid vertical and spread growth
- Bitter salicin in bark and leaves deters deer browsing
- Tolerates a wide range of soil types including loam and sand
- Attracts pollinators to the garden
What doesn’t
- Requires consistently moist soil — not drought tolerant at all
- Deciduous — no winter coverage for privacy screens
- Some trees arrive shorter than the advertised 2-3 ft
- Cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI
Hardware & Specs Guide
Growth Rate — Annual Vertical Gain
Hybrid willows lead the category with potential gains of 8 to 10 feet per year under ideal conditions, making them the fastest option for establishing a visual barrier. Thuja Green Giants typically add 3 to 5 feet annually once their root systems are established, while Colorado Blue Spruce and Skyrocket Juniper are moderate growers at 12 to 24 inches per year. Matching growth rate to your timeline is the single most important decision — if you need a screen by next summer, willows are your pick; if you want a long-term evergreen boundary, Thuja delivers the best combination of speed and density.
Deer Resistance Mechanism
Evergreens like Colorado Blue Spruce and Skyrocket Juniper use physical deterrence — stiff, prickly needles that are uncomfortable for deer to chew — combined with aromatic oils that deer find unappealing. Deciduous options like Weeping Willow and hybrid willows rely on chemical bitterness from salicin compounds in the bark and leaves. Thuja Green Giants produce a strong resinous scent that deer associate with low palatability. None of these trees are 100 percent deer-proof during extreme winter starvation, but all rank at the bottom of deer browse preference lists in university extension studies.
FAQ
How fast do Thuja Green Giants actually grow in the first year?
Are hybrid willow trees truly deer resistant or just deer tolerant?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best fast growing deer resistant trees winner is the 50 Hybrid Willow Trees because it delivers the fastest possible vertical gain at 10 feet per year with natural deer-deterring salicin compounds at a price that allows mass planting. If you want an evergreen screen that fills in densely and requires less water once established, grab the Thuja Green Giant 18-Pack. And for a narrow columnar accent that deer will never touch in tight garden spaces, nothing beats the Skyrocket Juniper 2-Pack.