If you want privacy along your fence without waiting many years, fast-growing trees are a great choice. They grow quickly, block unwanted views, reduce noise, and make your yard look greener and more natural.
These living screens also change with the seasons. Some stay green all year, while others bloom or show bright colors in fall and winter. Below are 10 fast-growing trees and shrubs that work well along fences.
1. Arborvitae
Arborvitae is a popular evergreen used for privacy hedges. It grows straight and thick, making an excellent natural wall.
It can grow 12–24 inches per year. ‘Green Giant’ grows very fast and tall. ‘Emerald Green’ stays narrow and is good for small spaces.
- Zones: 3–7
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Size: 20–30 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: No
2. Italian Cypress
Italian Cypress is tall, thin, and elegant. It is perfect for tight spaces along fences and gives a formal look.
It grows best in warm climates and handles heat and drought well.
- Zones: 7–10
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Size: 40–60 ft tall, 3–5 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: Yes
3. Privet
Privet grows very fast and is often used as a living fence. It can form a thick hedge in just a few years.
It is easy to grow and handles pruning well.
- Zones: 5–9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Size: 4–15 ft tall, 4–8 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: No
4. Forsythia
Forsythia is known for its bright yellow flowers in early spring. It grows quickly and fills space fast.
It works well as a flowering screen along fences.
- Zones: 5–8
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Size: 8–10 ft tall, 10–12 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: Yes
5. Thuja ‘Green Giant’
This is one of the fastest-growing privacy trees. It can grow 3–5 feet per year in good conditions.
It forms a tall, dense evergreen wall and is very hardy.
- Zones: 5–9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Size: 50–60 ft tall, 12–20 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: No
6. Red Twig Dogwood
This shrub is famous for its bright red branches in winter. It grows quickly and spreads to form a thick screen.
It also looks beautiful in summer and fall.
- Zones: 3–8
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Size: 6–9 ft tall, 8–12 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: No
7. Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub often used for low hedges. It grows more slowly than some others but still fills in well with regular trimming.
It keeps its shape and stays green all year.
- Zones: 5–9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Size: 3–5 ft tall and wide
- Deer Resistant: Yes
8. Hydrangea Tree
Hydrangea trees grow 1–2 feet per year and produce large white flowers that turn pink.
They are great for adding height and beauty along a fence.
- Zones: 3–8
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
- Size: 8–15 ft tall, 6–12 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: No
9. Holly
Holly trees are evergreen and produce red berries in winter. They grow well in many climates and make a strong privacy screen.
Some types stay small, while others grow very tall.
- Zones: 5–9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, acidic
- Size: 15–50 ft tall, 8–25 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: Yes
10. Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtle grows fairly fast and blooms in summer with large, colorful flowers.
It is heat-tolerant, low-maintenance, and adds beauty as well as privacy.
- Zones: 6–10
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Size: 15–25 ft tall, 6–15 ft wide
- Deer Resistant: Yes
Planting fast-growing trees along your fence is one of the quickest ways to create privacy, block noise, and make your yard more beautiful. With the right choices, you can enjoy a natural green wall in just a few years.
I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.
