If you’re seeking an evergreen privacy hedge that grows quickly, these top picks deliver rapid screening, year-round coverage, and low-maintenance care. The list focuses on fast-growing willows, hardy arborvitaes, and dense evergreen options ideal for hedges, windbreaks, and noise reduction. Each option targets a different planting scenario—from starter plots to larger privacy rows—so you can pick what fits your space and watering needs.
Buyer-friendly quick reference table (selected products, best use, rough growth profile):
- Hybrid Willow Tree Plants for Growing (10 Trees) — Best for rapid, dense privacy in roomy spaces.
- Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings (10 Cuttings) — Best for quick, beginner-friendly screening from scratch.
- Hybrid Willow Tree Plants for Growing (24 Trees) — Best for larger privacy rows and faster coverage per acre.
- Four Pack of Emerald Arborvitaes — Best for compact evergreen privacy hedges in smaller yards.
- Ten Pack of Emerald Arborvitaes — Best for larger projects needing multiple color and density layers.
Hybrid Willow Tree Plants for Growing — 10 Trees
Brand: CZ Grain
- Growth: Up to 12 feet per year; maximum height 50-75 feet with pruning options for a denser hedge.
- Best for: Large residential lots or fields where rapid screening is needed, plus noise reduction and wind protection.
- Limitations: Very fast growth requires ongoing pruning to maintain desired hedge shape and height.
Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings — 10 Cuttings
Brand: CZ Grain
- Growth: Ultra fast, forms a dense living wall for privacy and wind protection.
- Best for: Beginners or quick-start hedges; plant cuttings 2-3 feet apart for a rapid screening result.
- Limitations: Young cuttings require consistent moisture to establish roots quickly.
Hybrid Willow Tree Plants for Growing — 24 Trees
Brand: CZ Grain
- Growth: Similar 12 feet per year rate; suited for larger privacy rows and substantial shade.
- Best for: Large properties needing a quick, tall privacy barrier and wind block.
- Limitations: Requires space and annual pruning to maintain a dense, controlled appearance.
Emerald Arborvitaes — Four Pack
Brand: DAS Farms
- Growth: Evergreen hedge with reliable performance in zones 3-8; suitable for year-round privacy.
- Best for: Small to mid-sized yards needing a compact, reliable evergreen barrier.
- Limitations: Deciduous plants may look bare in winter in certain climates; selection is best for established planting sites.
Emerald Arborvitaes — Ten Pack
Brand: DAS Farms
- Growth: Similar evergreen hedging capability; ideal for expanding privacy rows over time.
- Best for: Larger landscape projects requiring multiple plants for a cohesive hedge.
- Limitations: Requires regular watering during establishment; spacing guidance should be followed for dense growth.
Aussie Willows & Thuja Occidentalis Hedge Pack
Brand: CZ Grain
- Growth: Two-row planting to speed screening; Aussie Willows grow up to around 10 feet per year.
- Best for: Immediate coverage with a long-term evergreen backdrop using arborvitae in the rear row.
- Limitations: Requires precise spacing in a two-row design to achieve the intended effect.
Buying Guide
Key considerations before you buy:
- Climate compatibility: Choose species known to thrive in your USDA hardiness zone to ensure year-round coverage.
- Space and layout: For fast results, plan two rows or dense plantings; consider large-space options like Hybrid Willows for rapid vertical growth.
- Maintenance needs: Fast-growing species may require regular pruning and watering; assess your capacity for ongoing care.
- Soil and water: Some options prefer moist, well-drained soil; others tolerate drought once established.
- Longevity and appearance: Arborvitaes provide classic evergreen hedges; willows offer vigorous growth that can be shaped over time.
FAQ
- Q: Which hedge grows fastest for immediate privacy?
- A: Hybrid willows offer very rapid vertical growth (up to about 12 feet per year) and can establish a tall privacy screen quickly with proper pruning.
- Q: Do I need to water frequently?
- A: Yes, especially during establishment. Some varieties tolerate drought better once established, but initial watering supports root growth.
- Q: Can I plant these in containers?
- A: Arborvitaes and willows are best planted in the ground for full root development; container growing is possible for some dwarf cultivars but not ideal for full hedge purposes.
- Q: How should I space evergreen hedges?
- A: Space according to mature width; use the two-row design when aiming for a fast, dense screen, or adjust spacing per plant type guidance for a single-row hedge.