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Nothing kills the enjoyment of a backyard faster than nosey neighbors, a busy street, or an unsightly view that stares right back at you every time you step outside. A well-placed screen of dense evergreens solves all of that without a single permit, fence post, or contractor call — and with the right selection, you can build a living wall that only gets thicker and taller each year.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years cross-referencing horticultural growth data, comparing tree specifications across nurseries, and analyzing thousands of verified buyer reports to identify which privacy evergreens actually deliver on their promises of fast height and dense coverage.
The right best evergreen trees for privacy choices balance rapid vertical growth with cold-hardy resilience and year-round foliage density.
How To Choose The Best Evergreen Trees For Privacy
Not every evergreen delivers the dense, fast-growing screen homeowners expect. Choosing wrong can leave you with sparse branches for years while the neighbor’s deck stays in full view.
Growth Rate Per Year
This is the single most critical spec for privacy. A tree that gains 1–2 feet annually fills a view line in three to five seasons. Look for varieties like Thuja Green Giant that push 3 feet per year once established. Slow growers like some junipers can take a decade to reach useful screen height.
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
Every evergreen has a zone range printed on its label. Zone 5 to 9 covers the vast majority of the US, but if you live in the northern plain states or deep south, verify the tree’s cold or heat tolerance. Planting a zone 8 tree in zone 4 kills your screen before it starts.
Mature Height and Spread
Know the final dimensions before you dig. A tree that reaches 60 feet tall may be too large for a small suburban lot. Meanwhile, the branch spread determines how far apart you can plant — space too wide and gaps appear; plant too tight and roots compete.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 18-Pack | Premium Live | Large-scale instant privacy hedge | 60ft mature height | Amazon |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack (2ft) | Premium Live | Fast privacy with established trees | 3ft/year growth rate | Amazon |
| Mavis’s Diary 5FT Artificial Cedar (2 Pack) | Premium Artificial | Instant zero-maintenance decor | 60-inch height | Amazon |
| Mavis’s Diary 4FT Artificial Cedar (2 Pack) | Premium Artificial | Medium-height instant screen | 1794 needles per tree | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant (3 Live Plants) | Mid-Range Live | Budget starter privacy hedge | 3 live starter plants | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (7-10in) | Budget Live | Quantity on a tight budget | 10-pack seedlings | Amazon |
| Mavis’s Diary 2ft Artificial Cedar (Set of 2) | Budget Artificial | Small-space decorative privacy | 25-inch height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Plant 18-Pack
This is the most efficient way to establish a dense privacy screen in a single season. The 18-pack of Thuja Green Giant liners arrives in one order, eliminating the guesswork of buying multiple batches and hoping they match in size. Each tree can climb past 3 feet per year once settled, so you are looking at a living wall that hits 10–12 feet within three to four seasons.
The dark green foliage carries that classic Christmas-tree scent when you brush against it, and the wide pyramidal shape fills gaps naturally. Full mature dimensions top out around 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, which means you can space these 6–8 feet apart and still get solid coverage. Deer generally leave Thuja alone, and once the roots are established, drought tolerance is surprisingly good for an evergreen.
One important restriction: this value pack cannot ship to California or Arizona due to agricultural regulations — the seller will request a cancellation if you try. If you are within zones 5–9 and outside those states, this is the most cost-effective route to a full privacy hedge.
What works
- 18 trees in one box saves multiple orders and ensures uniform size
- Thrives in zones 5–9 with minimal maintenance once established
- Dense foliage and fast 3ft-per-year growth rate
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to California or Arizona due to agricultural restrictions
- Liners arrive small; patience required for the first year
- Full 60ft height may be too tall for small suburban lots
2. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
Buyers consistently report these arrive in excellent condition with a robust root system and healthy green foliage — verified reviews praise the packaging and survival rate. At 2 feet tall out of the box, these are a meaningful step up from smaller plugs, giving you a head start on the growing season.
The Thuja Green Giant’s reputation as the premier fast-growing privacy tree for the US is earned. It pushes 3 feet per year after the first season, and the 8-pack gives you enough coverage for a roughly 40–50 foot row when spaced 5–6 feet apart. The pyramidal form with a wide bottom means the lower branches stay dense, which is exactly what you need for screening at eye level.
Real owner feedback highlights that not every tree hits exactly 2 feet, but the variation is minor and the roots are strong. One buyer noted they were so impressed they immediately ordered more. Maintenance is genuinely low — regular watering the first month, then nature takes over.
What works
- Healthy root system and strong packaging reduce transplant shock
- Consistent 3ft annual growth after establishment
- Lower branches stay dense for eye-level privacy coverage
What doesn’t
- Some trees slightly under 2 feet on arrival
- 8 trees may not be enough for longer property lines
- Needs consistent watering during the first critical month
3. Mavis’s Diary 5FT Artificial Cedar Topiary Trees (2 Pack)
When you need privacy this afternoon — not in three years — this is the answer. Each tree stands 61 inches tall with a 21-inch spread, and the high-density PE foliage packs 2,352 precision-arranged needles across 168 branches. The 3-tone color gradation fools the eye from any distance.
The UV resistance holds up across all weather extremes from -20°C to 60°C, and the cement-filled planter base keeps each tree stable in 30 mph winds without anchoring. Needle retention is rated at 95% after a full year of outdoor exposure, which addresses the main complaint people have about cheaper artificials that shed within months.
Setup is immediate — unpack, shape the branches, and place. There is zero watering, pruning, or fertilizer cost. The weighted planter design and key dimensions make these ideal for patios, entryways, and front porches where a live tree simply won’t thrive or grow fast enough. The 1-year warranty covers any manufacturing defects.
What works
- Instant 5-foot privacy with zero maintenance or watering
- Ultra-dense 2,352-needle foliage looks realistic from any angle
- Cement base resists tipping in 30mph winds
What doesn’t
- Does not grow or expand coverage area like live trees
- Each tree weighs 11.2 lbs — heavy to reposition frequently
- Cannot replace the natural biodiversity of a living hedge
4. Mavis’s Diary 4FT Artificial Cedar Topiary Trees (2 Pack)
At 48 inches tall with 1,794 precision-arranged needles per tree, these artificial cedars deliver 40% denser foliage than the average faux shrub. The three-tone color gradation and textured bark replicate the look of a mature cedar with zero of the upkeep.
UV resistance handles full sun exposure without fading, and the cement-reinforced base keeps the tree stable in windy porch or patio conditions. The manufacturer claims 95% needle retention after one year outdoors, and the dust-resistant surface means a quick hose rinse restores the color. These are especially useful for covered entryways, narrow side yards, or balcony corners where a live tree would struggle for light.
The set includes 6 spare needles and shaping tools, but realistically you won’t need them often — the pre-shaped conical form arrives ready to display. Each tree weighs 14 pounds, so they are stable enough for commercial landscaping, but light enough to move for seasonal rearrangement.
What works
- 40% denser foliage than standard artificial shrubs for better coverage
- Three-tone color gradation mimics natural cedar appearance
- Dust-resistant and UV-stable for outdoor longevity
What doesn’t
- 4-foot height blocks ground-level view but not upper windows
- No natural growth — coverage area is fixed
- Heavy planter makes repositioning a two-person task
5. Thuja Green Giant | 3 Live Plants
This 3-plant set is a smart entry point if you want to test the Thuja Green Giant in your specific soil and microclimate before committing to a full hedge order. Each plant ships as a live starter, and the fast-growing genetics mean you can expect 3 feet of vertical growth per year once the roots establish.
The feathery, vibrant green foliage stays dense from bottom to top, which is essential for privacy screening. These trees are adaptable to full sun or partial shade and tolerate a wide range of soil types — clay, loam, or sandy mixes all work as long as drainage is decent. The item weight of 5 pounds suggests a healthy root ball packed in soil.
One thing to note: the first month after planting requires consistent irrigation to get the roots settled. After that, these become remarkably low-maintenance. Three trees give you a roughly 15–20 foot start on a property line, but expect to order more if you need a full boundary screen.
What works
- Affordable way to trial Thuja Green Giant in your specific location
- Fast 3ft annual growth and adaptable to various soil types
- Full sun to partial shade tolerance increases planting flexibility
What doesn’t
- Only 3 trees — not enough for a full privacy hedge
- Requires frequent watering during the critical first month
- Starter size means a longer wait for meaningful screen height
6. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (7-10 inches)
If you are willing to invest a little patience for maximum coverage at a lower upfront cost, this 10-pack of 7–10 inch seedlings is the most economical route to a privacy hedge. Each tree is shipped as a potted plant in its own soil and container, so roots stay protected during transit.
The growth potential here is identical to larger transplants — 3 feet per year once established, reaching up to 40 feet tall with a 15-foot spread at maturity. The manufacturer recommends spacing 6–7 feet apart for a quick screen. With 10 trees, that covers roughly 60–70 feet of property line. Hardiness zones 5–9 cover most of the continental US.
Be aware that these are small seedlings, so you are playing the long game. The warranty covers 5 days for initial inspection, and the seller advises against ordering in extreme temperatures below 32°F or above 95°F. Planting in mid-to-late spring gives them the best start. You will not have a full privacy screen in year one, but by year three the payoff is substantial.
What works
- 10 trees per pack delivers the lowest cost per tree for bulk planting
- Same 3ft annual growth genetics as larger transplants
- Potted shipping protects root systems during delivery
What doesn’t
- Small 7–10 inch size means multiple years of patience required
- Narrow weather window for safe shipping (32°F–95°F)
- 5-day guarantee period is very short for noticing plant health issues
7. Mavis’s Diary 2ft Artificial Cedar Topiary Tree (Set of 2)
These 25-inch artificial cedars are built for small-space privacy — think apartment balconies, narrow entryways, or flanking a front door where you want a tidy, symmetrical look. The TPE material construction is soft to the touch, odorless, and safe for homes with pets and children, which is a real advantage over some plastic alternatives that smell like chemicals in the sun.
The leaves are adjustable, so you can shape each tree into a fuller or more tapered profile depending on your space. Each set weighs only 2.5 pounds, making them the lightest of the artificial options. The sturdy PP pot can be slipped into a heavier decorative planter for additional stability or used as-is for indoor placement.
These are UV and water resistant, meaning they won’t crack or fade on a covered porch or in a sunroom. At this height, they are best for creating a visual boundary at the base level — think blocking a lower window, hiding a utility box, or adding greenery to a reading corner. They will not replace a tall fence, but they add immediate polish to a small outdoor area.
What works
- Safe for pets and children with soft, odorless TPE material
- Adjustable leaves allow a customized shape for each space
- Lightweight and easy to move into different planters or rooms
What doesn’t
- 25-inch height is too short for standing adult privacy coverage
- Light weight means they need a heavier base to stay stable outdoors
- Does not provide the dense coverage of taller artificial options
Hardware & Specs Guide
Growth Rate Per Year
This is the headline spec for any live privacy evergreen. Thuja Green Giant varieties average 3 feet per year after the first season. Cheaper or slower evergreens may only push 6–12 inches annually, which means a much longer wait for a usable privacy screen. Always check the listed annual growth rate — not just the final mature height—to understand how quickly your hedge will actually fill in.
Hardiness Zone Range
Zones 5–9 cover the vast majority of the continental US for Thuja Green Giants. If you live in zone 4 or below, look for cold-hardy alternatives like Eastern White Cedar or Norway Spruce. Planting outside the recommended zone range is the single most common mistake, resulting in winter kill or summer stress that leaves gaps in your screen.
FAQ
How far apart should I plant Thuja Green Giants for a privacy screen?
Will Thuja Green Giant roots damage my foundation or driveway?
Are artificial cedar trees a good substitute for live evergreens in cold climates?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best evergreen trees for privacy winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 18-Pack because it delivers the highest number of trees at 2–3 feet per year growth rate for the investment, covering a full property line in one order. If you want a head start with larger 2-foot trees, grab the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack. And for instant, zero-maintenance privacy on a patio or balcony, nothing beats the Mavis’s Diary 5FT Artificial Cedar (2 Pack).