Waiting a decade for a sapling to cast real shade is unnecessary. The right variety pushes six feet of new growth per year, turning a bare property line into a privacy screen in two seasons instead of ten. The choice comes down to root stock size, site moisture, and whether you need evergreens for year-round cover or deciduous trees that let winter sun through.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years comparing nursery stock, studying growth-rate data across USDA zones, and analyzing aggregated feedback from thousands of landscaping projects to separate the fast-growing contenders from the slow starters that waste a season.
This guide breaks down the top-rated varieties by actual growth rate, survivability, and real-world owner experiences so you can choose the right fast growing elm trees for your property without gambling on bare sticks that may not root.
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Elm Trees
Not every tree listed as “fast” delivers. The growth rate printed on a tag assumes perfect soil, full sun, and consistent watering. Real conditions vary, and the wrong choice means stunted saplings or dead sticks by mid-summer. Focus on these four factors to stack the odds in your favor.
Root Stock Thickness vs. Listed Height
A tree listed at 10 inches tall with a pencil-thin stem often struggles to establish. Look for listings that specify root stock diameter — 5/8 inch or thicker indicates a cutting with stored energy to push roots and shoots simultaneously. Thin cuttings may root, but they lose a full season playing catch-up.
USDA Hardiness Zone Matching
A variety rated for Zone 5 will not thrive in Zone 9 heat, and vice versa. Check the hardiness range on every listing and compare it to your local zone. Shipping a tree outside its recommended zone voids most nursery guarantees and guarantees transplant shock.
Growth Habit: Deciduous vs. Evergreen
Deciduous fast-growers like hybrid willows and bald cypress drop leaves in fall, losing privacy for the season. Evergreen arborvitae keep their needles year-round but grow slightly slower. Decide whether you need summer shade only or full-year screening before you pick a variety.
Moisture Needs and Site Drainage
Some species, like bald cypress, tolerate standing water and heavy clay. Others, like Thuja Green Giant, need well-drained soil and consistent moisture during establishment. Planting a water-loving tree on a dry slope guarantees failure, no matter how fast the growth rate.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (10-Pack) | Evergreen | Year-round privacy screen | 3 ft/year growth rate | Amazon |
| Hybrid Willow Cuttings (24-Pack) | Deciduous | Fastest possible barrier | 5/8–1+ inch thick root stock | Amazon |
| Hybrid Willow (50-Pack) | Deciduous | High-density planting | 10 ft/year potential | Amazon |
| Bald Cypress (3 Plants) | Deciduous Conifer | Wet soil and floodplain sites | 50–70 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Weeping Willow (1 Plant) | Deciduous | Ornamental statement tree | USDA zones 5–9 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (10-Pack)
Thuja Green Giant is the benchmark for fast evergreen screening. These potted starts arrive in their own soil and container, reducing transplant shock compared to bare-root cuttings. Owners report consistent gains of 3 feet per year after the first season, with mature specimens reaching 40 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The Zone 5–9 hardiness covers most of the continental US, and the dense foliage provides windbreak and noise reduction year-round.
The 10-pack allows spacing of 6–7 feet apart for a solid screen that fills in within three seasons. Customer feedback highlights excellent packaging and quick delivery, with many noting the trees doubled in size after surviving a Missouri winter. A few caution that deer will browse small saplings, so fencing is recommended for the first year. Winter browning of flat foliage is normal if the tree is hydrated; orange-tan color signals dehydration that requires more frequent watering.
This package works best for homeowners who want a reliable, low-maintenance evergreen screen and are willing to water consistently during the first growing season. The five-day guarantee and responsive nursery support reduce the risk of losing starts to shipping stress.
What works
- Potted in soil, minimal transplant shock
- Proven 3 ft/year growth rate after establishment
- Year-round privacy with dense evergreen foliage
What doesn’t
- Needs consistent watering 2–3 times per week
- Deer will browse small plants without fencing
2. Bald Cypress (3 Plants)
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a deceptive fast-grower — it’s a deciduous conifer with soft, feathery needles that turn copper-orange in fall before dropping. This makes it a poor choice for winter privacy but an excellent option for wet, low-lying sites where other trees drown. The root stock is rated Zone 3, meaning it survives extreme cold that kills hybrid willows and arborvitae alike.
Owner reports consistently praise the tree’s adaptability to muddy areas and periodic standing water. At a mature height of 50–70 feet, it’s a statement shade tree for large properties rather than a screening hedge. The 3-count package delivered extra plants in several orders, which speaks to the nursery’s packing generosity. A small percentage of orders arrived dry and failed to recover, so immediate unpacking and watering upon arrival is critical.
This tree fits the buyer who owns low, flood-prone land and wants a native species that lives for generations without disease issues. The “knees” that develop in wet soil add architectural character but make mowing around the base difficult.
What works
- Thrives in standing water and clay soil
- Excellent cold hardiness down to Zone 3
- Natural pest and disease resistance
What doesn’t
- Deciduous — no winter privacy
- Arrives as small seedlings, not established trees
3. 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings
The “Jumbo” designation here matters. These Austree hybrid willow cuttings measure roughly 10 inches tall with root stock 5/8 to 1+ inch thick — significantly more robust than standard pencil-thin cuttings. Thicker root stock stores more energy, which translates to faster first-year growth and higher survival rates. Buyers in warm climates report blooms within one week of soaking, even without planting in soil.
The 24-count pack is designed for dense privacy hedges, wind blocks, and erosion control along ditches. Spacing 3–4 feet apart creates a solid screen by the end of the second growing season. A small fraction of customers experienced failures — cuttings that turned brown without rooting or shoots that died after transplant. The seller responded to these complaints with guidance and alternatives, which suggests quality control varies by batch. Keeping the cuttings in water for a week before planting improves root initiation significantly.
This is the strongest option for a buyer who wants the fastest possible privacy screen and is prepared to provide consistent watering through the first summer. The GMO-free claim and CZ Grain guarantee add a layer of protection if a batch underperforms.
What works
- Thick root stock ensures reliable establishment
- Blooms and roots within one week of soaking
- Good for erosion control on banks and ditches
What doesn’t
- Some batches failed to root despite correct care
- Deciduous — drops leaves in winter
4. 50 Hybrid Willow Trees
The 50-count package of Aussie Hybrid Willows is the volume play for large-scale projects. At roughly 10 feet per year potential, these are among the fastest-growing trees available for establishing a massive privacy barrier or windbreak in a single season. The listing claims they are seedless and cotton-free, which eliminates the mess associated with traditional willows.
Owner experiences are polarizing — returning buyers praise the root production speed and follow video instructions, while first-timers report a significant failure rate. Complaints include mixed cutting sizes (some pencil-thick, others thinner) and stems turning black after initial growth. The packing method — wet paper towels in bundles — keeps cuttings hydrated during transit but can lead to rot if held too long before planting. The seller provides detailed instructions and a video link, and the guarantee offers a fast resolution for issues.
This pack suits the buyer with a large property who is willing to overshoot the count to account for potential losses. Plant double what you need for your target screen density and thin out the survivors after the first year. The deer-resistant claim holds true, which is critical for rural and suburban edge properties.
What works
- Extremely fast growth — up to 10 ft per year
- Seedless and cotton-free, low mess
- Deer resistant and good for erosion control
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent cutting thickness within same order
- Some batches fail despite following instructions
5. Weeping Willow (1 Plant)
Weeping Willow is the classic ornamental fast-grower, valued for its cascading canopy and graceful silhouette rather than dense privacy screening. This listing ships a single tree at 2–3 feet tall in a 1-gallon nursery pot, which is a manageable size for immediate planting. The roots establish quickly in moist, well-drained soil, and the tree can add 6–8 feet of height per year in ideal conditions.
Owners consistently describe the packaging as excellent, with the tree arriving well-packed in wet soil and showing healthy root development. The shipping restriction to CA, AZ, AK, and HI is worth noting — orders to these states are automatically refunded. A single negative review cited receiving a tree shorter and in worse condition than described, but the majority report satisfaction with the size relative to the listing. The tree does not produce blossoms, which eliminates pollen concerns for allergy sufferers.
This is the best choice for a buyer who wants a single, fast-growing specimen tree as a focal point near a pond or large open lawn. It requires consistent moisture and will not tolerate drought or neglect. The cascading branches create a dramatic effect but drop leaves in fall, requiring seasonal cleanup.
What works
- Rapid growth, 6–8 ft/year under optimal conditions
- Graceful ornamental form, great for ponds
- Excellent packaging and root health at delivery
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI
- High moisture requirement — not drought tolerant
Hardware & Specs Guide
Root Stock Thickness
The diameter of the cutting’s stem is the single best predictor of first-year survival. Cuttings 5/8 inch or thicker store enough carbohydrates to push roots before shoots, reducing the risk of transplant dieback. Thinner cuttings require ideal moisture and temperature conditions to survive.
Annual Growth Rate
Advertised growth rates assume full sun (6+ hours), consistent watering, and fertile soil. Real-world results vary by zone and weather. Hybrid willows can push 10 feet in a single year in warm climates, while arborvitae grows a reliable 3 feet per year across most of its range.
FAQ
How fast do hybrid willows actually grow in the first year?
Will bald cypress survive in standing water?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the fast growing elm trees winner is the Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (10-Pack) because it combines reliable 3 ft/year growth with year-round privacy and strong cold hardiness. If you want the absolute fastest possible barrier, grab the 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Cuttings. And for wet, flood-prone sites, nothing beats the Bald Cypress (3 Plants).