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Photo: LITTLE DINOSAUR/Getty ImagesWhether you're settling into a new home or simply looking to add a bit more seclusion to your current property, planting trees can be an excellent way to shield your space from prying eyes. The good news is, you don’t have to wait many years for them to reach an ideal height. There are numerous tree species celebrated for their rapid growth within a matter of months to just a couple of years. From the trumpet-shaped yellow oleander to the swiftly-growing bamboo, we've compiled a list of 10 of our top picks for fast-growing trees along with the care and upkeep they need:
1. Small leaf clusia
Plant it Tampa BayThe small leaf clusia’s thick, lustrous leaves are ideal for creating a privacy hedge that shields against wind, noise, or prying neighbors. “This hardy tree flourishes in full sunlight and becomes salt and drought tolerant once well-established,” explains Stephen McFarlane, Regional Landscape Manager at Sandals Resorts International. “For optimal growth, water regularly, ensure good soil drainage, and maintain the hedge with routine trimming to keep it well-maintained.”
2. Areca Palm
Ravinder Kumar/Getty ImagesThis palm, resembling bamboo in its growth pattern, serves as an exceptional privacy barrier. McFarlane refers to it as both elegant and graceful. It showcases numerous trunks with long, arching fronds that have a feathery appearance. He advises planting this palm in areas with bright, indirect light, though it can thrive in both sunny and shaded spots. This palm has a moderate tolerance to salt and prefers rich, well-drained soil.
3. Yellow Oleander
mansum008/Getty ImagesClosely related to Nerium oleander, this small tropical tree is prized for its large, trumpet-shaped blossoms and glossy, willow-like green leaves. “The yellow oleander thrives in full sunlight and is adaptable to most types of soil,” says McFarlane.
4. Crepe myrtle
LITTLE DINOSAUR/Getty ImagesThis striking, upright tree with multiple stems blooms beautifully in the summer. “Crepe myrtles are relatively low-maintenance; they require full sun to flourish and produce abundant flowers,” says McFarlane. “To prevent root rot, ensure the soil has good drainage.”
5. Royal poinciana
Simon McGill/Getty ImagesThis fast-growing, large deciduous tree is considered one of the most magnificent flowering trees in tropical regions. It requires significant space due to its wide spread. According to McFarlane, the royal poinciana thrives in full sunlight, with moderate moisture, and in well-drained soil.
6. Leyland Cypress
Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo/Getty ImagesA hardy evergreen, the Leyland Cypress makes an excellent choice for creating a dense privacy screen. “This cypress can grow between 3 to 4 feet each year,” says Matthew New, Landscape Expert at offgriddestinations.com. “It thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, and regular trimming helps keep it under control.”
7. Bamboo
Jackal Pan/Getty ImagesBamboo provides a distinctive, fast-growing privacy screen. New notes that bamboo can grow several feet in a single day. He suggests regular watering, partial shade to full sunlight, and using root barriers to manage its spread.
8. Arborvitae
freemixer/Getty ImagesA traditional choice for privacy, the arborvitae grows into a thick, conical form. “It grows around 1-2 feet per year,” says New. “This tree thrives in various soils, needs regular watering, and is appreciated for its low-maintenance nature and adaptability.”
9. Hybrid Poplar (Populus):
Jack/Getty ImagesTall and fast-growing, the Hybrid poplar is perfect for creating a quick privacy screen. New suggests that it can grow up to 8 feet annually, prefers full sun and moist soil, and requires regular pruning to maintain its appeal.
10. Italian Cypress
mammuth/Getty ImagesThe Italian cypress offers a tall, narrow shape, providing an elegant solution for privacy. It grows around 3 feet each year. “Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a popular choice due to its low water needs,” says New.
