Buying trees for privacy often feels like you’re trading a beautiful view for decades of waiting. You need height, density, and a narrow footprint to avoid swallowing the whole yard — and you need it to happen fast. That’s where upright, tight-growing evergreens and deciduous species come in: they shoot skyward without sprawling sideways, creating an instant architectural screen.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years breaking down nursery catalogs and cross-referencing grower data to find which trees actually deliver on their growth claims for real homeowners.
Whether you’re masking a fence line or softening a property corner, the right match depends on zone, soil, and how many feet per year you really expect. We created this guide to help you find the best fast growing columnar trees for your specific landscape conditions and privacy goals.
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Columnar Trees
Columnar trees are defined by their upright, narrow canopy — typically a 2:1 or 3:1 height-to-width ratio. But not every variety that claims “fast growth” will actually deliver in your specific microclimate. The biggest mistake is buying a tree that tops out too tall for your space or one that needs more chill hours than your winter provides. Focus on three things: annual growth rate (feet per year after establishment), cold hardiness range, and the final distance between trunk and drip line so you never crowd a walkway or foundation.
Annual Vertical Gain After Year One
Most columnar evergreens take the first season to root in before they start climbing. A tree listed as “fast growing” should add at least 2 to 3 feet per year once settled — some hybrid willows can push 10 feet in a single season under ideal conditions. The raw product data shows that Thuja Green Giants average roughly 3 feet per year after the first season, while Emerald Green Arborvitae stays more moderate at 1 to 2 feet annually. Your final screen height determines which rate you actually need.
Mature Width vs. Available Planting Space
“Columnar” is a relative term. A tree that matures at 15 feet wide will need far more spacing than one that stays at 4 feet. Skyrocket Juniper holds a tight 2-to-3-foot spread, making it a true pencil-column. Emerald Green Arborvitae sits at 4 feet wide — still narrow but requiring 3 to 4 feet between trunks. Read the mature width spec before committing to a spacing plan. Overcrowding leads to stunted roots and disease-prone canopies.
Shipping Stress and Root Condition Upon Arrival
Live plants shipped in containers (1-gallon, 3-gallon, trade gallon) handle transit better than bare-root sticks, but temperature extremes during shipping still cause losses. The reviews from buyers confirm that healthy root balls and moist soil at delivery predict survival. Look for sellers who use secure packaging — spray foam, cardboard supports, and moisture-retaining wraps. Trees that arrive with brittle, pale foliage or partially crushed containers often struggle to establish.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant (Florida Foliage) | Evergreen | Bulk privacy planting | 3x live plants, 5 lbs each | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 in | Evergreen | Budget windbreak rows | Grows 3 ft per year, Zones 5-9 | Amazon |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae | Evergreen | Moderate-height hedges | Matures at 14 ft tall, 4 ft wide | Amazon |
| Green Promise Farms Smargd Arborvitae #3 | Evergreen | Larger container stock | 3-gallon pot, 18-20 ft mature H | Amazon |
| Skyrocket Juniper (Florida Foliage) | Evergreen | Ultra-narrow vertical accents | Columnar width 2-3 ft | Amazon |
| 50 Hybrid Willow Trees (CZ Grain) | Deciduous | Maximum speed / erosion control | Claimed 10 ft growth per year | Amazon |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack | Evergreen | Fast premium privacy screen | 2 ft tall each, 8-pack | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
This premium 8-pack from Perfect Plants delivers Thuja Green Giants already at 2 feet tall — a head start that saves a full season over smaller starter plugs. The trees have a well-developed root ball for their size, which helps them push through transplant shock faster. Buyers consistently note the robust packaging: each trunk is individually wrapped with protective plastic and moisture-retaining base paper, keeping the soil intact during cross-country shipping.
With a mature potential of 50 feet tall and a pyramidal form that stays around 20 feet wide at the base, these are best suited for properties with room for a tall screen planters can prune to a desired height. The trees thrive in zones 5-9 and require regular watering during the first year, after which they become low-maintenance. The 8-pack price point sits at the upper end of the mid-range category, but the per-tree quality justifies the investment for those serious about results.
Customer reports show a near-perfect survival rate when planted within a week of arrival, with many noting the trees looked full and green even after long transit. The only minor critique is that some trees measure slightly under the advertised 2 feet — typically 1 foot 10 inches or so — but the root quality makes up for the small discrepancy.
What works
- Excellent packaging prevents soil loss and root damage during shipping
- Strong root systems at 2 ft size promote quick establishment
What doesn’t
- Some plants arrive slightly shorter than the listed 2 ft height
- Premium price per tree relative to smaller starter packs
2. Skyrocket Juniper (Florida Foliage)
The Skyrocket Juniper earns its name with a true spire-like silhouette that stays just 2 to 3 feet wide at maturity — making it one of the narrowest columnar options available. This trade-gallon-sized tree from Florida Foliage arrives already rooted in soil, ideal for immediate planting in full sun locations that need vertical punctuation without horizontal spread. The blue-green foliage provides year-round color that contrasts well against broadleaf evergreens.
This juniper is drought-tolerant once established, a major advantage for sandy soils or properties with irrigation restrictions. It thrives with minimal pruning, requiring only occasional shaping to maintain its sharp outline. Reviews show mixed opinions on size — some buyers received very small starts, which is expected for a trade gallon, but the root health has been generally good with proper handling. The growth rate is moderate rather than explosive, adding roughly 1 to 2 feet per year after the first growing season.
Buyers looking for an ultra-vertical accent for tight corners or foundation plantings will appreciate this tree’s footprint. The main caution from experienced growers is to verify you are receiving Juniperus scopulorum specifically — one review reported receiving a creeping juniper instead, so checking the tag upon arrival is wise.
What works
- Extremely narrow mature width (2-3 ft) fits tight urban lots
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance after establishment
What doesn’t
- Some buyers received misidentified plants (creeping juniper)
- Moderate growth rate compared to Thuja hybrids
3. Green Promise Farms Smargd Arborvitae #3 Container
The Smargd Arborvitae from Green Promise Farms arrives in a #3 container (3-gallon pot), which means the root system is significantly more developed than smaller 1-gallon offerings. This immediately reduces transplant stress and gives the tree a stronger start. The species stays naturally dense with rich emerald green foliage and reaches a mature height of 18 to 20 feet with a 5 to 6 foot spread — still narrow enough for hedging but wider than the Skyrocket Juniper.
Buyers report consistently healthy arrivals, even when the shipping boxes show signs of rough handling. The trees come fully rooted in the soil and can be planted immediately if weather permits. The expected blooming period is spring, though flowers are inconspicuous on arborvitae; the value is all in the foliage structure. This tree is hardy in zones 3-8, making it one of the most cold-tolerant columnar evergreens on this list.
The main trade-off is cost — this is a larger investment per tree than 1-gallon starters — and some buyers note the plants are smaller than expected for a #3 container. On average, they arrive around 30 inches tall, which is consistent with the spec but can feel modest for the price. Still, the survival rate and vigor after planting are high.
What works
- 3-gallon container provides a strong, established root ball
- Very cold hardy down to zone 3
What doesn’t
- Height at arrival can feel underwhelming for a #3 pot
- Higher per-tree price than 1-gallon alternatives
4. Thuja Green Giant 3 Live Plants (Florida Foliage)
This 3-pack of Thuja Green Giants from Florida Foliage hits a sweet spot for homeowners who want a proven fast-growing screen without committing to an 8-pack premium buy. Each tree weighs roughly 5 pounds in its pot, indicating a decent soil volume for starter evergreens. The species is known for adding 3 to 5 feet per year after establishment, making it the fastest evergreen option in the mid-range category.
Customer reports from bulk buyers (200+ trees) show about 95% survival when drip irrigation is used during the first four months, and roughly half the trees grew over a foot in that window. Individual buyers note that the trees arrive healthy and vibrant green, though the packing quality can vary — some shipments arrive with damaged boxes or delayed delivery during summer heat. The plants are shipped year-round, so timing your order for mild weather improves outcomes.
For the entry-level price, these starter trees represent strong value. The main downside is the variance in starter size and occasional loss during shipping, which is common with live plant orders. If you are planting a long hedge line and need quantity, this 3-pack is a sensible starting point before scaling up.
What works
- Very affordable per-tree cost for bulk hedge planting
- Proven fast growth of 3-5 ft per year after establishment
What doesn’t
- Shipping delays in summer heat can cause die-off
- Some trees arrive smaller than expected
5. Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae 1 Gal
The Emerald Green Arborvitae from Perfect Plants is a nursery-favorite for good reason: it maintains a compact, columnar shape (14 feet tall by 4 feet wide) while being one of the most cold-hardy evergreens, thriving in zones as low as 2. This 1-gallon pot starter is grown at a Florida nursery but ships nationwide year-round. The trees arrive with moist soil and are typically 12 to 24 inches tall, with several buyers reporting plants closer to the 2-foot mark.
Reviews highlight the excellent packaging — the tree stays fresh and green even after sitting in a box for several days. Once planted, the Emerald Green requires little upkeep beyond regular watering during its first season. Buyers looking to replace dead arborvitae or start a fresh row of privacy hedges mention that this variety matches existing Smargd plantings well due to its consistent form. The fast-growing claim is relative here: expect 1 to 2 feet per year, which is moderate but reliable.
The only major complaint comes from one buyer who received a bag of fertilizer instead of the plant, but this appears to be an isolated fulfillment error. Overall, the Emerald Green is a dependable choice for colder climates where Thuja Green Giants cannot survive winter lows.
What works
- Exceptional cold hardiness down to zone 2
- Predictable columnar form at 14 ft tall by 4 ft wide
What doesn’t
- Growth rate is moderate (1-2 ft/year) compared to Thuja hybrids
- Isolated fulfillment errors reported (wrong item sent)
6. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 in Trees
This 10-pack of Thuja Green Giant starts at just 7-10 inches tall, the smallest starter size in this lineup, but it compensates with a rock-bottom per-tree price. The trees are shipped as potted starts in their soil, not bare-root, which helps survival. They are rated for zones 5-9 and, after the first year of establishment, are claimed to grow at 3 feet per year toward a mature height of 40 feet.
Buyers consistently report that the trees arrived quickly and in better condition than expected for the price. One verified reviewer shared that the trees survived a north Missouri winter and doubled in size within a year with regular watering. Another noted the trees are deer-resistant once established but vulnerable when small — fencing is strongly recommended. The wide spacing guidance (6-7 feet apart) means you need a long stretch of land to get the most out of this pack.
The biggest practical concern is the small starting size. You lose the first growing season to root establishment and height gain is minimal. For patient landscapers with a long time horizon, these are an incredible value. For anyone who wants a visible screen in under two years, the larger starter sizes from Perfect Plants or Florida Foliage are better bets.
What works
- Extremely low cost per tree for large-scale windbreaks
- Good survival rate in cold climates (tested to zone 5)
What doesn’t
- Small 7-10 inch start means a slow first year
- Needs generous 6-7 ft spacing for mature form
7. 50 Hybrid Willow Trees (CZ Grain)
The Hybrid Willow from CZ Grain is not an evergreen — it is a deciduous tree that drops leaves in winter — but it claims the title of fastest-growing tree on this list at up to 10 feet per year. The pack includes 50 bare-root sticks that, according to the seller, should be soaked in water immediately and kept in indirect sunlight. The trees are marketed for erosion control, bog drying, and fast privacy, with deer resistance as an added benefit.
Customer reviews reveal a sharp divide: buyers who follow the soaking and watering protocol report rooting within a week and explosive first-season growth, while others experienced near-total die-off. The main failure point appears to be the thinness of the sticks — many arrive pencil-thin or thinner, and if the stems start leafing out before roots form, the tree cannot sustain itself. One reviewer described the package arriving with a foul smell and wet, torn instructions.
These trees also require significant water once established, which can be a con in dry regions or for properties with watering restrictions. For maximum growth speed above all else, and if you have a wet area to plant them in, the Hybrid Willow delivers on its headline claim. For a more predictable evergreen screen, the Thuja Green Giant is a safer long-term investment.
What works
- Unmatched growth speed (up to 10 ft per year reported)
- Excellent for erosion control and wet soil rehabilitation
What doesn’t
- High failure rate for inexperienced planters; sticks often too thin
- Deciduous — loses leaves in winter, no year-round privacy
Hardware & Specs Guide
Annual Growth Rate (Feet per Year)
The defining spec for fast-growing trees is how many vertical feet they add after the first season. Hybrid Willow can push 8–10 feet under ideal conditions, while Thuja Green Giant averages 3–5 feet. Emerald Green Arborvitae and Skyrocket Juniper are slower at 1–2 feet per year. Your timeline to privacy dictates which growth rate you need.
Container Size vs. Starter Size
Container sizes are listed as trade gallon, #1, or #3. A #3 (3-gallon) pot holds more root mass and soil, giving the tree a survival and vigor advantage over smaller #1 pots or bare-root sticks. Starter height (6 inches vs 2 feet) directly affects how many seasons you lose before the tree starts contributing visual height to a screen.
FAQ
How far apart should I plant columnar trees for a privacy hedge?
Will columnar trees stay narrow without pruning?
How long does it take for a Thuja Green Giant to reach 10 feet tall?
Can I plant columnar trees in partial shade?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best fast growing columnar trees winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack because it combines a strong 2-foot starter size with excellent packaging and a proven 3-5 foot annual growth rate for a premium privacy screen. If you want a budget-friendly option for large-scale windbreak planting, grab the 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 in Trees. And for maximum speed above all else, nothing beats the 50 Hybrid Willow Trees if you have the patience for bare-root establishment and deciduous drop.