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A privacy screen that takes a decade to fill in is no screen at all. The frustration of planting a row of evergreens only to watch them inch upward at a snail’s pace is a common pain for homeowners and landscapers alike. Real buyers are after measurable annual height gain — the kind that turns a bare property line into a living wall within a few growing seasons.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years tracking nursery stock quality, studying USDA zone adaptability, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to separate the truly vigorous spruce varieties from the ones that merely promise speed.
This guide compares the top contenders for rapid vertical growth, cold hardiness, and dense foliage, helping you choose the right fast growing spruce trees for your specific landscape needs.
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Spruce Trees
Not all spruce varieties are created equal when it comes to speed. The difference between a tree that adds 2 feet per year and one that stalls out often comes down to species genetics, root system quality at planting time, and your local soil conditions. Here’s what to focus on before ordering.
Annual Growth Rate & Mature Dimensions
The headline stat is the feet-per-year gain after establishment. Norway Spruce can push 2–3 feet annually once rooted, while Colorado Blue Spruce grows slower at roughly 1–2 feet. Compare this against your privacy timeline. Also check mature height and spread — a tree that hits 60 feet tall might overwhelm a small lot, whereas a 40-foot variety fits suburban boundaries better.
USDA Hardiness Zone Matching
Spruce trees are cold-climate performers, but each variety has a zone range. Norway Spruce handles zones 3–7, Colorado Blue Spruce thrives in zones 2–7, and Thuja Green Giant prefers zones 5–9. Planting outside your zone invites winter dieback or heat stress, both of which kill growth speed. Always confirm the tree’s zone rating matches your location before checkout.
Plug Size & Root System Condition
Young trees shipped as bare-root plugs or potted starts vary widely in root mass. A 6-to-12-inch plug with a dense, fibrous root ball establishes faster than a taller tree with a sparse root system. Look for listings that describe “strong root system” or “plug with organic soil” — those indicators point to higher transplant success and faster first-year growth.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway Spruce (5-Pack) | Spruce | Fastest vertical gain in cold zones | Mature height 40–60 ft | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant (8-Pack) 2ft | Arborvitae | Instant taller privacy screen | Pre-grown 2ft tall plants | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant (3-Pack) | Arborvitae | Low-maintenance bulk hedge | Grows 3 ft per year | Amazon |
| 5 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Arborvitae | Bronze winter color accent | Potted 6–12 inch starts | Amazon |
| Colorado Blue Spruce (5-Pack) | Spruce | Striking silvery-blue foliage color | Mature height 50–75 ft | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Arborvitae | High-volume value planting | 10 trees at 7–10 inches | Amazon |
| 50 Hybrid Willow Trees | Willow | Fastest raw growth rate possible | Up to 10 ft per year | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Norway Spruce Tree Seedling Plugs | 6″-12″ | Arbor Day Foundation (5-Pack)
Norway Spruce earns the top slot because it is the fastest-growing true spruce variety available in this lineup. The Arbor Day Foundation ships these as 6-to-12-inch plugs with a well-developed root system, which gives them a strong head start in the ground. Mature trees reach 40 to 60 feet with a wide 25-to-30-foot spread, making them ideal for large privacy screens or windbreaks in colder climates.
Customer reports consistently note healthy green arrival and fast establishment, with multiple verified buyers praising the root mass and ease of planting. The variety tolerates acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy soils equally well, which reduces the guesswork during site preparation. Full sun to partial shade flexibility also expands placement options across different yard orientations.
The only notable concern from the feedback pool involves occasional browning after transplant — a small percentage of trees struggle despite following instructions. For the majority, however, the annual growth rate of 2 to 3 feet once established makes this the most reliable speed-focused spruce pick in the test group.
What works
- Fastest true spruce growth — 2–3 ft per year after establishment
- Broad soil tolerance across pH and texture ranges
- Strong plug root system reduces transplant shock
What doesn’t
- Browning can occur in a small percentage of plugs after arrival
- Mature spread of 25–30 ft requires generous spacing
2. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
Perfect Plants delivers an 8-pack of Thuja Green Giant that starts at 2 feet tall — significantly larger than the 6-to-12-inch plugs offered by most competitors. This head start shaves a full growing season off the timeline to privacy. The trees arrive bare-root but are packaged with exceptional care, including plastic wrap, base paper, and thick boxes that survive cross-country shipping undamaged.
Owner reviews consistently highlight the healthy root systems and vigorous green foliage upon arrival. Several buyers noted that while not every tree hit exactly 2 feet, the overall quality and survival rate justified the investment. The Thuja Green Giant is known for a rapid 3-to-4-foot annual growth once established, with a mature height of 50 to 60 feet and a dense pyramidal shape that requires little to no pruning.
The price point reflects the larger starter size, so buyers on a tight budget may prefer smaller plugs. But for anyone who wants a visible privacy screen faster — especially in warmer zones 5 through 9 — this pack delivers the shortest wait time from unboxing to visual impact.
What works
- 2-foot starter size cuts a full growing season off wait time
- Excellent packaging ensures undamaged arrival
- Minimal maintenance needed after establishment
What doesn’t
- Higher upfront investment compared to plug-sized options
- Not all trees reach exactly 2 feet at delivery
3. Thuja Green Giant | 3 Live Plants | Florida Foliage
Florida Foliage offers a 3-pack of Thuja Green Giant that hits the sweet spot between affordability and known growth genetics. The Thuja hybrid is widely recognized for 3-foot annual vertical gains, making it a strong alternative to Norway Spruce for buyers in warmer regions. The listing promotes year-round planting flexibility, which is a real advantage for gardeners in mild climates who don’t want to wait for a spring window.
Verified buyers who ordered in bulk reported roughly 95% survival after four months, with half the trees growing over a foot in that period. The packaging uses foam and cardboard to protect the starts, though a few customers experienced slower shipping and some die-off. The trees are shipped as live plants that require consistent watering during the first month — a standard but critical step that many first-time growers underestimate.
The main tradeoff is that these arrive as small starts, not pre-grown 2-foot trees. Buyers need patience for the first season. However, the per-plant cost is lower than the larger 8-pack from Perfect Plants, making this a good mid-range choice for mass planting projects on a moderate budget.
What works
- High survival rate (~95%) in bulk planting feedback
- Year-round planting window for flexible scheduling
- Low per-plant cost for hedge-scale projects
What doesn’t
- Shipping delays and heat exposure caused some losses
- Small starter size requires first-season patience
4. 5 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Trees/Hedges – 6-12″ Tall – 2.5″ Pots
This 5-pack ships each tree in a 2.5-inch pot, which provides a more protected root ball than bare-root plugs. The potted format reduces transplant shock because the root system stays undisturbed during planting. An interesting visual bonus is the bronze color the dark green leaves turn during winter, adding seasonal interest that standard green screens lack.
Buyer feedback skews very positive, with multiple reviewers describing the trees as healthy, well-packaged, and easy to plant. The trees are listed for full sun to partial shade and tolerate clay soil, which is a practical advantage for heavy-soil yards that would challenge less adaptable species. USDA hardiness zone 5 is specified, so buyers in colder regions should verify compatibility before ordering.
The downside is a small but real mortality rate — some customers reported their trees died within weeks despite proper care. The bronze winter color is a niche aesthetic that not every homeowner wants, and zone 5 limitation means it won’t work for the coldest northern climates where Norway Spruce would thrive.
What works
- Potted format reduces root disturbance during transplant
- Bronze winter foliage adds visual variety to the landscape
- Clay soil tolerance fits heavy-soil properties
What doesn’t
- Some trees died shortly after arrival despite proper care
- Limited to zone 5 — not suitable for colder northern zones
5. Colorado Blue Spruce Tree Plug Seedlings | 6″-12″ | Arbor Day Foundation (5-Pack)
The Colorado Blue Spruce is the most cold-hardy option in the group, surviving zones 2 through 7, which means it handles winter temperatures that would kill Thuja or willow varieties. The Arbor Day Foundation ships these as 6-to-12-inch plugs packed with ice shavings to keep the roots cool during transit — a detail that impressed multiple buyers who reported perfect arrival condition.
What sets this spruce apart is its striking silvery-blue needle color, which provides ornamental value that green species cannot match. Mature height reaches 50 to 75 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet, making it a strong choice for windbreaks and statement plantings. It tolerates acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy soils and is labeled low maintenance once established.
The tradeoff is growth speed. Colorado Blue Spruce grows at roughly 1 to 2 feet per year — noticeably slower than Norway Spruce or Thuja Green Giant. Buyers who prioritize ornamental color and extreme cold tolerance will appreciate this tree, but those whose primary goal is rapid privacy should choose a faster species.
What works
- Extreme cold hardiness — thrives in zones 2 through 7
- Unique silvery-blue needle color adds landscape value
- Plug packaging with ice shavings ensures fresh arrival
What doesn’t
- Slower growth rate — roughly 1–2 ft per year
- Not the best choice for quick privacy screens
6. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 Inches Tall Trees
Panter Nursery packs 10 Thuja Green Giant trees at 7 to 10 inches each, giving buyers the highest plant count in this lineup. For large-scale projects — think half-mile windbreaks or dense hedgerows — this pack offers the most efficient per-tree cost. The Thuja Green Giant is a proven fast grower, pushing 3 feet per year after the first season, with a mature height of 40 feet and a 15-foot spread.
Verified buyers praised the fast delivery and healthy condition, with several noting that the trees doubled in size within a year when given consistent watering and occasional fertilizing. The species is described as deer-resistant, though one reviewer correctly noted that young trees need fencing protection until they establish. Winter browning is listed as normal, but orange or flat foliage signals drought stress.
The main limitation is the 5-day guarantee window, which is unusually short. Any damage or mortality must be reported almost immediately. Buyers in extreme climates should also be cautious — the warranty excludes plants shipped outside recommended zones, and severe weather during transit voids coverage.
What works
- Highest tree count per purchase for bulk planting projects
- Proven 3 ft annual growth after first season
- Deer-resistant at maturity with proper establishment
What doesn’t
- Very short 5-day guarantee window for claims
- Warranty voids outside recommended zones or in severe weather
7. 50 Hybrid Willow Trees – Fastest Growing Trees – Austree Grow 10 Ft/Yr
The Hybrid Willow from CZ Grain claims the title of fastest-growing tree in the world, with a potential 10 feet of vertical gain per year. This is not a spruce — it is a Salix hybrid — but it earns a place in this guide because many buyers cross-shop it against spruce for rapid privacy and erosion control. The 50-count pack arrives as dormant cuttings that root quickly when placed in water before planting.
Customer experiences are sharply divided. Satisfied buyers report that the cuttings sprout roots within one week using the included video instructions, and returning customers confirm the product works when properly cared for. However, a significant number of buyers experienced total die-off, describing the cuttings as too thin or arriving with a foul odor. The instructions note that these trees are heavy water users, which can be a problem in dry regions.
The hybrid willow is best reserved for buyers who need erosion control, bog drying, or ultra-fast biomass — not for a tidy ornamental landscape. Its lifespans are shorter than spruce, and the inconsistent cutting quality means success depends heavily on the batch you receive. For pure speed with lower risk, the Norway Spruce or Thuja Green Giant are safer bets.
What works
- Unmatched growth speed — up to 10 ft per year claimed
- Excellent for erosion control and wet soil remediation
- 50 cuttings provide huge coverage for the cost
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent cutting quality — some batches died completely
- Short lifespan compared to spruce or arborvitae
- Heavy water consumption limits dry-region use
Hardware & Specs Guide
Annual Growth Rate
This is the single most important metric for fast-growing spruce buyers. Norway Spruce delivers 2–3 feet per year after establishment, making it the speed leader among true spruces. Colorado Blue Spruce grows at roughly half that rate. Thuja Green Giant hybrids can match Norway’s pace in warmer zones. The Hybrid Willow blows past everything at up to 10 feet per year, but with a much shorter lifespan and higher water demand.
USDA Hardiness Zone Range
Colorado Blue Spruce covers the widest cold range (zones 2–7), making it the only choice for extreme northern climates. Norway Spruce handles zones 3–7, which covers most of the northern and central US. Thuja Green Giant prefers milder zones 5–9 and will struggle in deep winter cold. Always match the tree’s zone rating to your location — planting outside the recommended range is the fastest way to kill growth speed.
FAQ
Which spruce species grows the tallest the fastest?
Can I plant fast-growing spruce trees in clay soil?
What is the difference between spruce plugs and potted trees?
How far apart should I space fast-growing spruce for a privacy screen?
Do fast-growing spruce trees need fertilizer in their first year?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the fast growing spruce trees winner is the Norway Spruce 5-Pack from Arbor Day Foundation because it combines the fastest vertical gain among true spruces (2–3 ft per year) with broad soil tolerance and excellent cold hardiness in zones 3–7. If you want a taller head start that cuts a full growing season off your wait, grab the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack. And for the coldest climates where only extreme hardiness works, nothing beats the Colorado Blue Spruce 5-Pack.