Waiting years for a simple screen of foliage is the single most frustrating part of landscaping. You want a wall of green before the next season, not a decade of patience. The difference between a slow-growing hedge and a tree that shoots up ten feet in a single growing season is the difference between a project that works and one that never quite gets there.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my days digging through market data, comparing hardiness zones, growth-rate claims, and aggregated owner logs to find which tree varieties actually deliver on their vertical promises.
In this guide, I compare the top contenders to help you pick the right species for your specific lot, soil, and timeline — whether you need a windbreak, a sound buffer, or a full privacy wall. This is the definitive resource for finding the best fastest growing privacy trees to transform your yard in record time.
How To Choose The Best Fastest Growing Privacy Trees
Not every fast-growing tree is the right fit for your property. Picking the wrong species — or the wrong planting stock — can cost you a full season of growth, or worse, lead to a full die-off. Narrow your decision by focusing on three critical factors.
Growth Rate Per Year
This is the headline number, but verify it against actual owner reports. A tree advertised at “10 ft per year” often achieves that only under ideal conditions — full sun, consistent moisture, and no competition from weeds. Realistic expectations: 3–5 ft per year for most arborvitae and privet, 6–10 ft per year for hybrid willow in good soil. Anything below 2 ft per year is not a “fast” privacy tree.
Planting Stock Type
Bare-root cuttings (like willow) are the cheapest and fastest to establish but require immediate planting and careful watering. Potted saplings in containers cost more but come with an established root ball that reduces transplant shock. Bagged or bundled cuttings are a middle ground. If you need the fastest possible first-year height, bare-root willow cuttings often win; if you want reliability across a wide planting, potted arborvitae is the safer bet.
Mature Size and Spacing
A tree that hits 40 ft tall and 15 ft wide demands serious spacing. Planting too close leads to overcrowding, disease, and stunted growth. Arborvitae varieties can be spaced 6–7 ft apart for a dense screen. Willow is often planted 3–5 ft apart to create a thick hedge. Always plan for the tree’s full mature width, not just year-one dimensions.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant 2ft. 8-Pack | Premium | Fast, reliable evergreen hedge | Grows 3+ ft/yr, reaches 50–60 ft | Amazon |
| 50 Hybrid Willow Trees (Austree) | Premium | Maximum height in one season | Claimed 10 ft/yr, 50 cuttings | Amazon |
| Thuja Arborvitae Green Giant (30 Pack) | Premium | Large-scale planting on a budget | 30 seedlings, 12–16 inches tall | Amazon |
| 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings | Mid-Range | Budget fast screen from cuttings | 10 in tall stock, 5/8–1 in thick | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (7–10 in) | Mid-Range | Classic arborvitae at low per-unit cost | 3 ft/yr growth, zones 5–9 | Amazon |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae (#3 Container) | Mid-Range | Compact, narrow evergreen for tight spaces | Matures at 18–20 ft, 5–6 ft wide | Amazon |
| Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet (10 Plants) | Budget | Low-maintenance border or hedge | Grows 8–10 ft tall, semi-evergreen | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
The Thuja Green Giant is the closest thing to a “plant and forget” privacy solution. This 8-pack arrives as 2-foot-tall potted saplings with a strong root ball that transplants with almost zero shock. Once in the ground — and given regular watering during the first season — these trees reliably push 3 feet of new growth each year, forming a dense, pyramidal screen of dark green foliage.
Multiple owner reports confirm these trees arrived in excellent condition, with protective plastic bagging and base wraps that survived cross-country shipping. The mature potential is impressive: up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at full size, though they respond well to pruning if you prefer a shorter, denser hedge. Hardiness zones 5–9 cover almost the entire continental U.S.
At this price point for an 8-pack of established potted trees, you are paying for convenience and near-guaranteed survival. The biggest drawback is the initial cost per tree compared to bare-root cuttings. But for a homeowner who wants a living privacy wall within three years without constant fussing over wilting sticks, this is the most reliable option available.
What works
- Established root system minimizes transplant shock and boosts first-year growth
- Excellent packaging ensures healthy arrival even after long shipping distances
- Dense, dark green foliage with a classic Christmas-tree scent when crushed
What doesn’t
- Higher up-front cost per tree compared to bare-root willow cuttings
- Not all saplings in the pack measure a full 2 feet; some arrive slightly shorter
2. 50 Hybrid Willow Trees – Austree – Fastest Growing Trees
If raw annual vertical gain is your only metric, the Austree hybrid willow is the undisputed champion. This 50-pack of bare-root cuttings is advertised to grow 10 feet per year under ideal conditions. The cuttings arrive as dormant sticks around pencil thickness, and after a week soaking in a bucket of water, roots and buds appear rapidly. Multiple owners confirm seeing shoots within days.
These trees are also marketed as deer resistant, and their aggressive root system makes them excellent for erosion control and bog drying. The package includes detailed instructions and links to video tutorials. The CZ Grain guarantee offers replacement if issues arise, though some buyers report inconsistent cutting thickness — with a small portion arriving thinner than described.
The primary risk here is variability. Some customers report 100% success with explosive growth; others report total die-off despite following the same instructions. These trees demand consistent moisture and full sun to hit their advertised growth rate. If you have wet soil, a large planting area, and can commit to weekly watering, this is the cheapest way to create a forest in one season.
What works
- Extremely fast root and shoot development — visible growth within one week
- Excellent for erosion control, bog drying, and deer-prone areas
- Low per-cutting cost for large-scale privacy projects
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent cutting size — some arrive much thinner than advertised
- Total die-off reported by some buyers despite proper care
3. Thuja Arborvitae Green Giant – 30 Live Trees
This 30-pack of Thuja Green Giant seedlings offers the best per-tree value for large-scale privacy planting. Seedlings arrive averaging 9–16 inches tall, carefully secured to the bottom of the box with expanding foam to prevent shipping damage. Once potted up or planted directly, these trees develop into the same fast-growing Green Giant variety that tops out at 50–60 feet.
Owner reports consistently praise the packaging quality and the healthy green appearance upon arrival. Many note that even a 50% survival rate would still make this a better deal than buying individual potted trees from a big-box store, where a 3-foot Green Giant can cost . These seedlings are smaller but at a fraction of the cost per unit.
The major trade-off is establishment time. Seedlings take a full season to develop a strong root system before they begin their rapid vertical growth. Some buyers reported total die-off, likely due to inconsistent watering or planting in poor drainage. If you can provide careful first-season attention, this is the most economical path to a massive Green Giant hedge.
What works
- Exceptional value compared to potted nursery prices — 30 trees for the cost of 3 from a store
- Excellent packaging with expanding foam to secure seedlings in transit
- Same fast-growing genetics as the full-size Thuja Green Giant
What doesn’t
- Small size means extra care needed during the first growing season
- Some orders arrive short of the promised count (e.g., 29 instead of 30)
4. 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings – Approx 10 Inches Tall
This 24-pack of jumbo Austree willow cuttings is designed for buyers who want thicker starting material. Each cutting measures roughly 10 inches tall with a root stock thickness of 5/8 to 1+ inch — significantly chunkier than standard pencil-thin cuttings. The thicker the cutting, the more stored energy it has to push roots and shoots during the first critical weeks.
Owner reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting blooms or leaf-out within one week of soaking. Buyers in warmer climates like Southern Alabama saw rapid establishment even without a long water soak. The cuttings are GMO-free and sold with a satisfaction guarantee from CZ Grain. Ideal for property lines, windbreaks, noise reduction, and erosion control near ditches.
As with any bare-root willow, survival depends on keeping the cuttings consistently moist during root formation. A small minority of buyers reported failure, often because the cuttings turned brown without rooting. The company was responsive to those cases, but the risk is inherent to the planting method. For most buyers, the jumbo thickness gives a noticeable edge over thinner stock.
What works
- Thicker root stock (5/8–1 in) provides more energy reserves for faster establishment
- Very fast initial growth — many owners see shoots and leaves in the first week
- Satisfaction guarantee and responsive customer service from CZ Grain
What doesn’t
- Bare-root cuttings require immediate planting and vigilant watering
- A small number of cuttings may fail to root despite proper care
5. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae – 7–10 Inches Tall Trees
This is the entry-level Thuja Green Giant bundle: 10 potted seedlings at 7–10 inches tall, sold at a per-tree price that undercuts almost any local nursery. The species itself is proven — 3 feet per year after establishment, hardy in zones 5–9, and fully evergreen for year-round privacy. Mature height reaches 40 feet with a 15-foot width.
Owner feedback highlights the value proposition: around per tree compared to – at a garden center. Trees arrived quickly, well-packaged, and healthy. One buyer noted that a small northern Missouri winter didn’t faze them, with the shrubs doubling in size within one year. Consistent watering 2–3 times per week and occasional fertilizer were key to that success.
The small starting size means these trees need protection from deer, which can damage young saplings. Buyers in deer-heavy areas should plan for fencing or repellent during the first two winters. Also, the potted seedlings are shipped in their growing containers, so immediate transplanting or up-potting is recommended for best root development.
What works
- Very low per-tree cost — roughly per plant for a premium evergreen species
- Proven hardiness across a wide range of climates, including harsh winters
- Consistent 3 ft/year growth once established with minimal maintenance
What doesn’t
- Small starting size requires protection from deer and careful watering
- Some winter browning is normal; orange foliage indicates drought stress
6. Green Promise Farms – Emerald Green Arborvitae – #3 Container
For tight spaces where a full-size Green Giant is too wide, the Emerald Green Arborvitae (‘Smargd’) is the answer. This #3 container tree reaches a mature height of 18–20 feet but only spreads 5–6 feet wide, making it perfect for narrow property lines and small urban lots. The rich emerald foliage stays vibrant all year, and the columnar shape requires no pruning.
Buyers consistently praise the health and size of these potted trees. One repeat purchaser ordered 10 across three shipments and reported 100% success with trees that arrived bright green and undamaged, even in beat-up boxes. The 3-gallon container means the root system is well-established, reducing transplant shock compared to bare-root or small plug alternatives.
The trade-off is cost per tree — this is a premium-priced option compared to multi-pack seedlings. Some owners noted that the trees were slightly smaller than expected for the price, though the overall quality and stem structure were excellent. Best for buyers who need a few high-quality specimen trees for immediate impact and are willing to pay for the container size.
What works
- Narrow, columnar growth habit (5–6 ft wide) ideal for tight planting areas
- Large 3-gallon pot means established roots and minimal transplant shock
- Rich emerald green foliage stays vibrant year-round without browning
What doesn’t
- Higher per-tree cost compared to bare-root or multi-pack options
- Some buyers found the tree smaller than anticipated for the price point
7. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 10 Live Plants – 2″ Pots
The Waxleaf Privet is a semi-evergreen shrub that offers budget-friendly privacy without the aggressive growth rate of willow or the tall stature of arborvitae. This 10-pack of starter plants arrives in 2-inch pots and reaches a mature height of 8–10 feet. The glossy dark green foliage and creamy-white summer flowers add ornamental value while forming a dense screen.
Buyers report healthy plants that transplant well into larger pots or directly into the ground. The privet adapts to full sun or partial shade and grows in a variety of soil types, including sandy soil. It is a deciduous shrub in colder regions but typically holds its leaves in warmer zones, providing at least partial winter coverage.
The biggest concern is consistency between orders. Some buyers received healthy, well-packed plants while others reported brown spots, sparse leaves, or damaged stems — particularly on repeat orders. The seller responded quickly to complaints but did not always resolve them satisfactorily. For the price, this is a good option for adding a quick border, but not a reliable primary privacy screen.
What works
- Very affordable per-plant cost for creating a fast-growing hedge
- Adapts to full sun or partial shade and various soil types
- Attractive glossy foliage with fragrant summer blooms
What doesn’t
- Semi-evergreen — may drop leaves in colder zones, reducing winter privacy
- Inconsistent quality between orders; some plants arrive with brown spots or damage
Hardware & Specs Guide
Growth Rate (ft/yr)
This is the foundational spec. Hybrid willows (Austree) claim 10 ft/yr, making them the fastest by raw numbers. Thuja Green Giant reliably produces 3 ft/yr after the first year. Emerald Green Arborvitae grows slower at 1–2 ft/yr but stays narrow. Privet fills out at 2–3 ft/yr. Always subtract 20–30% from advertised rates for realistic expectations in average soil.
Mature Height & Width
Green Giant: 50–60 ft tall, 15–20 ft wide. Emerald Green: 18–20 ft tall, 5–6 ft wide. Privet: 8–10 ft tall, 6–8 ft wide. Hybrid Willow: 30–40 ft tall, 15–20 ft wide. Match the mature dimensions to your available space and local setback rules. A tree that outgrows its location will require expensive removal.
Hardiness Zones
Thuja Green Giant: zones 5–9. Emerald Green Arborvitae: zones 3–8. Hybrid Willow: zones 4–9. Privet: zones 5–8. Verify your USDA zone before ordering. Trees shipped outside their recommended zone often fail to establish or suffer winter damage. Use your local Agricultural Extension Office for zone confirmation.
Planting Stock Type
Bare-root cuttings (willow) require immediate soaking and planting. Potted containers (Emerald Green, Thuja potted) have established root balls and transplant better. Multi-pack seedlings (Thuja 10-pack, 30-pack) are cheap but need a full season to develop. Your choice of stock type directly impacts first-year survival and growth rate.
FAQ
Which privacy tree grows the fastest in the first year?
How far apart should I plant Thuja Green Giant for a privacy screen?
Can hybrid willow trees survive winter in zone 4?
Do Emerald Green Arborvitae stay green all winter?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best fastest growing privacy trees winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 8-Pack because it combines reliable 3+ ft/year growth with an established root system that minimizes first-year losses. If you want maximum height in a single season, grab the 50 Hybrid Willow Trees. And for tight urban lots where width is limited, nothing beats the Emerald Green Arborvitae.