Waiting a decade for a privacy screen is a luxury most homeowners don’t have. You need a wall of green that reaches maturity while your kids are still in grade school, not when they’re off to college. The difference between a landscape that provides shade and seclusion in under five years and one that remains a bare stick planter comes down to the specific species and starter stock you choose today.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent countless hours analyzing the growth rate data, hardiness zone maps, and owner-reported survival rates for every major fast-growing conifer species to build a guide that cuts through the nursery hype and gets you to a real privacy screen faster.
Whether you need a towering windbreak or a compact edible evergreen for a small lot, knowing which varieties actually deliver on speed and survivability is critical. This guide breaks down the top five contenders to help you find the best quick growing conifer trees for your specific landscape goals and growing conditions.
How To Choose The Best Quick Growing Conifer Trees
Selecting a tree that achieves meaningful height within a short window isn’t just about picking the species with the highest growth claim. You have to weigh your local climate, soil drainage, and the upfront investment in starter stock against the realistic annual growth you can expect without creating a maintenance nightmare. The wrong choice can mean stunted growth or a tree that outgrows your space in a few years.
Match Growth Rate to Your Timeline
Species like the Hybrid Willow claim growth rates up to 10 feet per year under ideal conditions, but that pace drops sharply in poor soil or dry climates. Thuja Green Giants are more consistent, delivering a reliable 3-5 feet per year across a wide range of conditions, making them the safer bet for a predictable screen. Understand the advertised “maximum” versus the “realistic” average for your specific zone.
Evaluate Starter Stock Quality and Size
A 7-10 inch potted sapling and a bare-root cutting have vastly different root systems, and those roots dictate how fast the tree establishes. Larger potted stock (2-3 feet tall) can be planted and hit the ground running in the same season, whereas smaller cuttings often spend the first year just developing a root mass before any significant top growth occurs. Factor in that establishment year when calculating your timeline.
Consider Mature Size and Maintenance Requirements
Some fast growers, like the Hybrid Willow, can reach 40-50 feet tall and have aggressive root systems that seek out water. This makes them excellent for erosion control but a potential hazard near foundations or septic fields. Thuja varieties naturally maintain a narrow, pyramidal shape with minimal pruning, making them a lower-maintenance option for tight property lines where you don’t want to be constantly trimming back a monster.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant | Mid-Range | Uniform privacy screen | 3-5 ft growth per year | Amazon |
| Hybrid Willow 50 Pack | Premium | Fastest windbreak | Up to 10 ft per year | Amazon |
| Thuja 10-Pack (7-10 Inch) | Mid-Range | High-quantity bulk planting | 3 ft growth per year, 40 ft mature | Amazon |
| BUZZY Spruce Grow Kit | Budget | Educational / Gifting | Seed-grown, slow start | Amazon |
| Fam Plants Olive Arbequina | Mid-Range | Edible landscaping | 20 ft mature, compact habit | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (2-3 ft)
The Thuja Green Giant is the gold standard in the fast-conifer category for a reason: it delivers a reliable 3-5 feet of vertical growth annually once established, maintaining a tight, uniform pyramidal form without any pruning. This specific 2-3 foot starter from Brighter Blooms arrives with a robust root system in a container, giving it a significant first-season head start over smaller bare-root or potted starters. The foliage is dense and rich green year-round, providing effective privacy screening even in winter.
Multiple verified buyers confirmed the trees arrived healthy, with damp soil and vibrant green foliage, even after shipping during extreme heat. The size was accurately represented, meaning you are paying for a ready-to-plant tree that can be put in the ground the same day. For any homeowner in zones 5-9 looking for a low-maintenance, high-performance privacy screen, this is the most dependable starting point.
The primary drawback is the initial cost per tree, which is higher than buying a bulk pack of smaller saplings. While the growth rate is excellent, it’s not as explosive as the Hybrid Willow under ideal conditions. The tree’s mature height of 40+ feet and width of 15 feet must be factored into your spacing plan to avoid overcrowding as it matures.
What works
- Exceptional 3-5 ft annual growth rate once established
- Requires zero pruning to maintain its natural shape
- Highly deer-resistant and tolerant of various soil types
- Sturdy 2-3 ft starter stock establishes quickly
What doesn’t
- Higher per-unit cost compared to bulk packs of smaller trees
- Some inconsistent sizing reports for the lower height limit
2. CZ Grain 50 Hybrid Willow Trees (Austree)
The Hybrid Willow is the undisputed speed champion in the conifer world, with claims of up to 10 feet of growth per year. This 50-pack of bare-root cuttings from CZ Grain is designed for maximum coverage at minimum cost, making it a popular choice for creating a massive windbreak or riparian buffer in a single season. The trees are seedless and cottonless, removing the mess associated with traditional willows, and they excel in boggy or poorly drained soil where many other conifers struggle.
Owner experiences are decidedly split, which is typical for bare-root cuttings. Many buyers report a near 100% strike rate, with the cuttings rooting vigorously in water or soil and exhibiting explosive first-year growth. These positive reports often come from planters in zones 4-9 who follow the soaking and watering instructions precisely. The tree’s rapid growth and dense foliage make it a superb choice for erosion control and creating a tall privacy wall faster than any other option.
The downside is a significant failure rate reported by a notable segment of buyers, with entire batches dying from improper handling in transit or an inability to establish roots. The product packaging can be inconsistent, and the thin, pencil-diameter cuttings are vulnerable to drying out. Also, the massive mature size and aggressive, water-seeking roots make it unsuitable for small suburban lots or areas near underground utilities.
What works
- Highest growth potential of any conifer (up to 10 ft/year)
- Excellent for erosion control in wet or difficult soil
- Extremely cost-effective per tree when purchased in bulk
- Creates an almost instant windbreak or privacy wall
What doesn’t
- High variability in customer success rates and plant health
- Aggressive roots can damage foundations and septic systems
- Bare-root cuttings require more careful handling and immediate planting
3. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (7-10 Inch 10-Pack)
This 10-pack of Thuja Green Giants offers a compelling value proposition for anyone looking to plant a long hedge or privacy screen on a larger scale. Each tree is shipped as a live potted plant in its own container and soil, a major advantage over bare-root equivalents because the root system is intact and less vulnerable during the critical first weeks after planting. The advertised growth rate of 3 feet per year is realistic and sustainable for this species, leading to a mature height of 40 feet with a 15-foot spread.
Buyer feedback highlights that the trees arrive in surprisingly good condition for their small size, often described as beautiful, healthy, and green even after being held up in transit. Many owners report that the trees double in size within the first year with consistent watering (2-3 times per week) and regular fertilizing. For property owners in USDA zones 5-9 who want the proven genetics of a Thuja Green Giant but need to do it on a budget, this pack is the smartest way to buy.
Being a smaller starter (7-10 inches), these trees require more patience and careful aftercare than the larger 2-3 foot starters. The first year is primarily about root establishment, and buyers should not expect to see the advertised vertical growth until the second season. A small but real percentage of buyers reported a total loss of all trees, often attributed to shipping delays or improper planting, which underscores the risk of buying small starters through the mail.
What works
- Best per-tree value for the proven Thuja Green Giant genetics
- Potted plants with intact soil and roots reduce transplant shock
- Consistent 3 ft per year growth with proper care
- Survives cold north Missouri winters and thrives in partial shade
What doesn’t
- Small starter size means the first year is a slow establishment phase
- Requires strict watering schedule (2-3x per week) in dry climates
- Partial failure rates reported due to shipping or planting errors
4. Fam Plants Olive Tree Arbequina (4 Pack)
The Arbequina olive tree is a unique entry in the fast-conifer category because it satisfies both the need for quick vertical growth and the desire for an edible landscape. This 4-pack from Fam Plants ships as four small, potted, organic trees that are true to type. With a compact growth habit and a mature height of 20 feet, it’s far more suitable for small city lots than the towering Hybrid Willow or Thuja. The silvery-green foliage provides ornamental value year-round, making it a dual-purpose tree that offers both beauty and fruit.
Customer reports are overwhelmingly positive, with many buyers stating the trees arrived surprisingly healthy, with damp roots and green leaves even after shipping through extreme summer heat. Multiple owners reported successful repotting and vigorous new growth within three weeks, with new branches and leaves forming quickly. The tree is known for being low-maintenance, thriving in Mediterranean-like climates and tolerating a variety of soil conditions, which makes it an excellent choice for both novices and experienced gardeners.
The primary trade-off is that the growth rate is more moderate than the true “sprinters” like the Willow or Thuja. It is a fast grower for an olive tree, but not a fast grower by the standards of the category. The tree requires full sun and a Mediterranean climate to truly thrive and produce fruit, and it will not perform well as a dense, tall privacy screen in the same way a Thuja will.
What works
- Produces edible olives for curing or oil production
- Compact 20 ft mature height is ideal for small urban spaces
- Low-maintenance and tolerant of various soil conditions
- Elegant silvery-green foliage adds ornamental value year-round
What doesn’t
- Growth rate is moderate compared to Thuja or Willow
- Requires full sun and a Mediterranean-like climate to thrive
- Not a dense, uniform privacy screen option
5. BUZZY Seeds Spruce Tree Grow Kit (12-Pack)
The BUZZY Spruce Grow Kit takes a different approach to the category by providing the seeds and materials to grow your own tree from the very beginning. This 12-pack kit comes with genuine mini terracotta pots, Non-GMO spruce seeds, and coconut husk growing medium pellets. The kit is an all-in-one solution that requires only water to start, making it a fantastic hands-on educational project for kids or a unique gift for plant lovers. The 100% Grow Guarantee ensures you won’t be left with empty pots if the first batch doesn’t sprout.
Reviews of this kit emphasize its value as a fun, novel gift. Users consistently praise its suitability for party favors, school projects, and event giveaways. The simplicity of the instructions and the high-quality packaging are widely appreciated. For those interested in the process and experience of starting a tree from seed, this kit delivers everything needed without a trip to the garden center.
Users seeking a tree that will provide a privacy screen or meaningful landscape height within a few years should be aware of a critical distinction: this is a seed-starting project, not a landscape investment. Spruce trees grow slowly, and the first visible sprout may take weeks or months. The resulting plant will take many years to reach even two feet in height. This is not a tool for quick landscaping results, but rather a rewarding long-term botanical project.
What works
- Excellent educational gift and family activity
- Includes everything needed to start growing (pots, soil, seeds)
- 100% Grow Guarantee replaces unsprouted seeds
- Genuine terracotta pots look great on a desk or windowsill
What doesn’t
- Extremely slow growth; not for quick landscaping results
- Very small pots mean seedlings will require transplanting soon after sprouting
- Seeds require cold stratification process for best germination rates
Hardware & Specs Guide
Understanding Growth Rate Claims
The advertised “3-5 feet per year” is the tree’s rate after it has fully established its root system, usually in its second or third year in the ground. A newly planted 7-inch sapling will likely spend its first season growing roots, not height. Factor in a one-year establishment delay when calculating your timeline to a finished screen. Soil quality, sunlight exposure (full sun is best for all species listed), and consistent watering directly impact whether you hit the high or low end of the claimed range.
Potting vs. Bare-Root Starters
Potted trees (like the Brighter Blooms and Fam Plants offerings) ship with an intact root ball held together by soil. This reduces transplant shock and gives the tree a stronger start, especially during dry weather. Bare-root cuttings (like the Hybrid Willow) are dormant sticks with exposed roots. They are much cheaper per unit and can root successfully, but they are far more vulnerable to drying out during shipping and require immediate soaking and planting. Your choice should reflect your willingness to provide precise aftercare.
FAQ
Which of these conifers needs the least maintenance to keep its shape?
How far apart should I plant Thuja Green Giants for a privacy screen?
Can I grow the Hybrid Willow in a small city lot?
My olive trees are small. When will they produce fruit?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the quick growing conifer trees winner is the Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant because it delivers a reliable 3-5 feet of growth per year with zero pruning, in a tidy pyramidal form that fits standard property lines. If you need the absolute fastest possible windbreak and have the space for it, grab the Hybrid Willow 50 Pack. And for a beautiful, dual-purpose edible landscape tree that stays compact, nothing beats the Fam Plants Arbequina Olive Tree.