A fence costs thousands. A wall blocks your view. That is the promise of cheap fast growing privacy trees — but not every bundle delivers on that promise. Some arrive as spindly sticks that struggle, while others establish into a dense green barrier before the first season ends.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time digging into market data, cross-referencing owner experiences across soil types and hardiness zones, and studying the horticultural specs that separate a hedge that thrives from one that just survives.
After comparing root stock thickness, growth rate claims, and establishment reliability across five popular options, I have narrowed down the picks that actually work. This is the definitive guide to the best cheap fast growing privacy trees for homeowners who want results without the price tag.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Fast Growing Privacy Trees
Buying cheap fast growing privacy trees means balancing upfront cost against how fast and thick the screen becomes. The wrong choice leaves you with a sparse hedge that takes years to fill in. Focus on the factors that actually control establishment speed and long-term density.
Root Stock Thickness Over Stem Height
A tall, thin cutting with a skinny base often fails to push vigorous growth in the first season. A shorter cutting with a thick root stock — 5/8 inch or wider — stores more energy and produces stronger shoots immediately. That thicker base translates to faster vertical growth and a denser screen by year two.
Evergreen vs. Deciduous for Year-Round Coverage
Thuja Green Giants and Arborvitae keep their foliage through winter, providing a permanent visual barrier. Hybrid willows drop their leaves in fall, leaving gaps until spring. If winter privacy matters, prioritize evergreen species. If you just need summer shade and seasonal screening, deciduous willows establish faster at a lower cost.
Cutting Count and Spacing Strategy
More cuttings mean tighter spacing and a quicker screen. A pack of 18 to 25 willow cuttings allows for staggered double rows that fill in within one season. Smaller packs of 3 to 10 Thujas require wider spacing and take two to three years to touch. Match the count to your urgency — bulk packs deliver faster privacy.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Hybrid Willow Trees | Deciduous | Budget bulk privacy screen | 18 cuttings, fast establishment | Amazon |
| 25 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Cuttings | Deciduous | Maximizing first-year growth | 5/8 to 1+ inch thick root stock | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant (3 Plants) | Evergreen | Year-round low-maintenance hedge | 3 live potted plants | Amazon |
| 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Cuttings | Deciduous | High-density jumbo cutting pack | 10-inch stems with thick roots | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Evergreen | Large-scale evergreen screen | 10 potted plants, 3 ft/year | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. 25 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings
This pack from CZ Grain hits the sweet spot between cutting quantity and root quality. Each cutting comes with root stock measuring 5/8 to 1+ inch thick — noticeably larger than standard sticks — which gives them a head start on establishing a strong root system. The 25-count bundle provides enough material for a staggered double row that can close gaps within a single growing season.
Being a deciduous hybrid willow, it grows aggressively once planted in full sun with moderate watering. Owners report these cuttings pushing 6 to 10 feet of vertical growth in their first year under ideal conditions. The non-GMO stock is also noted for attracting pollinators while remaining deer resistant, solving two common headaches at once.
The trade-off for this speed is seasonal leaf drop — you lose the visual barrier in winter. Also, the 10-inch stem height means the cuttings look short at planting, which can be surprising if you expected taller starts. But for sheer growth velocity per dollar, this is the most effective option on the list.
What works
- Thick root stock drives rapid first-year establishment
- 25-count allows for dense staggered planting
- Deer resistant and pollinator-friendly
What doesn’t
- Deciduous — no winter privacy coverage
- Cuttings arrive short; patience required initially
2. 18 Hybrid Willow Trees
If you are covering a large property line on a tight budget, this 18-count pack offers the lowest entry cost per cutting. The Aussie Hybrid Willows are seedless and cottonless, eliminating the mess that bothers many homeowners. They also handle erosion control and boggy areas well, making them a functional choice beyond just privacy.
The included detailed instructions and video link help beginners get the spacing and watering right. These willows thrive in sandy soil with full sun and moderate moisture, and they establish quickly enough to create a noticeable screen by mid-summer. The natural deer resistance is a real bonus for rural properties where browsing pressure is high.
That said, the root stock on these is not as consistently thick as the jumbo option. Some cuttings may be slimmer, which can lead to slower initial growth on individual sticks. You may need to plant them closer together to compensate for any weaker starters. For the price, though, it is hard to complain about the overall value.
What works
- Excellent value per cutting at the lowest price point
- Seedless and cottonless with strong deer resistance
- Good for erosion control and wet soil conditions
What doesn’t
- Root stock thickness varies between cuttings
- Taller fence height takes two years to reach
3. Thuja Green Giant | 3 Live Plants
For homeowners who need year-round privacy, the Thuja Green Giant delivers the classic evergreen solution. These potted plants from Florida Foliage arrive with an established root ball in soil, which reduces transplant shock compared to bare-root cuttings. The feathery, vibrant green foliage holds its color through winter, maintaining a solid visual screen every month of the year.
This species is famous for its rapid vertical growth once established, often adding 3 to 5 feet per year under good conditions. It adapts to a wide range of soil types and requires minimal care beyond regular watering during the first month. The low-maintenance nature makes it a top choice for homeowners who want to plant and forget.
The limitation here is the quantity — just 3 plants per pack. To cover a meaningful length of property line, you would need multiple packs, which raises the total investment. Spacing them 5 to 6 feet apart means they will not touch for one to two years. This is a long-term hedge solution, not an instant screen.
What works
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy
- Potted plants suffer less transplant shock
- Fast long-term growth with minimal maintenance
What doesn’t
- Only 3 plants per pack, higher per-unit cost
- Takes one to two years to form a closed hedge
4. 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings
This 24-count jumbo cutting pack mirrors the quality of the 25-count option with a slight variation in quantity. Each cutting runs approximately 10 inches tall with root stock ranging from 5/8 to 1+ inch thick, providing the same robust foundation for rapid growth. The thicker root stock maximizes year-one production, pushing vertical growth faster than standard thin cuttings.
Like other hybrid willows, these establish quickly in full sun with moderate watering and are ideal for creating a natural wind or noise block along property lines. The deer resistance and erosion control benefits add to the practical value. For homeowners who want a denser screen faster, staggering these in a double row works exceptionally well.
The main drawback is the lack of winter coverage since these are deciduous. Additionally, the 10-inch stem height can look underwhelming right out of the box compared to potted alternatives. But within a few months, the growth rate compensates for the small start, making this a solid choice for those who prioritize speed over winter greenery.
What works
- Jumbo root stock supports explosive first-year growth
- 24-count gives great density for property lines
- Deer resistant and excellent for erosion control
What doesn’t
- Deciduous — no foliage in winter months
- Cuttings start short; initial appearance is modest
5. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 inches Tall Trees
This 10-pack from Panter Nursery provides the best bulk evergreen option on the list. Each plant ships as a potted 7 to 10-inch starter in its own soil and container, giving you a substantial number of individuals to establish a longer hedge line. The Thuja Green Giant is rated for USDA zones 5 through 9 and grows at a rate of up to 3 feet per year, eventually reaching 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
Spacing these 6 to 7 feet apart allows them to fill in relatively quickly while keeping the per-plant cost reasonable. The evergreen foliage ensures that once they reach sufficient height, you have a dense, year-round visual barrier. The hardiness across multiple zones makes this a versatile choice for a wide range of climates.
The main catch is the shipping guarantee — these plants have a five-day window for reporting issues, and shipping stress can affect young arborvitae. Also, the 7 to 10-inch size means you are starting with small plants that need two to three years to provide meaningful screening. For a patient buyer who wants a high-volume evergreen hedge, this is the right starting point.
What works
- 10 potted plants for a long evergreen hedge line
- Grows 3 feet per year in optimal conditions
- Hardy across zones 5 to 9 with wide adaptability
What doesn’t
- Tight five-day window for damage claims after arrival
- Small 7-10 inch starters take years to reach full height
Hardware & Specs Guide
Root Stock Thickness
The diameter of the cutting base determines stored energy for initial root and shoot development. Jumbo cuttings with 5/8 to 1+ inch thick stock establish faster and push more vertical growth in the first season. Thinner cuttings under 1/2 inch may lag behind and require more careful watering to catch up.
Cutting Count vs. Hedge Length
A 25-count bundle spaced 2 feet apart in a staggered double row covers roughly 25 linear feet. An 18-count pack covers about 18 linear feet with similar spacing. Thuja packs of 3 to 10 plants are spaced 5 to 7 feet apart, covering 15 to 70 feet but filling in much slower due to wider gaps.
Evergreen vs. Deciduous Foliage
Thuja Green Giants and Arborvitae hold their needles year-round, providing continuous privacy. Hybrid willows drop all leaves in fall, leaving bare branches until spring. Choose evergreens if winter screening is critical; choose willows if you prioritize speed and low cost for seasonal use.
USDA Hardiness Zone Compatibility
Hybrid willows perform reliably in zones 4 through 8. Thuja Green Giants thrive in zones 5 through 9. Always match the tree species to your zone to avoid winter kill or heat stress. Planting outside the recommended zone voids most nursery guarantees.
FAQ
How fast do cheap fast growing privacy trees actually grow?
Should I buy willow cuttings or potted Thuja plants?
How far apart should I plant privacy trees to create a screen?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best cheap fast growing privacy trees winner is the 25 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings because the thick root stock and generous 25-count bundle deliver the fastest visual screen at a fair price. If you want year-round evergreen coverage, grab the 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae. And for a tight budget on a large property, nothing beats the 18 Hybrid Willow Trees as a bulk starting point.