Looking for a quick and budget-friendly way to add privacy to your yard? Cheap, fast-growing privacy trees can be a great solution. They offer a natural barrier that grows taller and fuller each year, giving you more seclusion without breaking the bank.
Planting cheap fast-growing privacy trees can transform your outdoor space in just a few years. These trees come in many types, from evergreens that keep their leaves year-round to deciduous trees that change with the seasons. Some grow well in full sun, while others can handle partial shade. With the right choice, you can create a living fence that fits your needs and your budget.
1) Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is one of the cheap fast growing privacy trees you can plant in your yard. This evergreen tree grows quickly, reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet in just a few years.
You’ll love how the Leyland Cypress forms a dense, green wall of foliage. It’s perfect for creating a living fence or screen around your property.
These trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. They adapt well to different soil types, but prefer well-drained soil. Leyland Cypress is low maintenance and doesn’t need much pruning.
You can plant Leyland Cypress trees about 5-6 feet apart for a thick privacy screen. They grow 3-4 feet per year, so you’ll have privacy in no time.
These trees are also budget-friendly. You can find young Leyland Cypress trees for as little as $16 for a small sapling.
Remember to water your new Leyland Cypress regularly. They need about 4 to 10 gallons of water per week when first planted.
Years to Maturity Height at Maturity Average Width Average Cost per Tree 10-15 40-60 feet 15-25 feet $16-$100
2) Thuja Green Giant
The Thuja Green Giant is another great option for cheap and fast-growing privacy trees. This evergreen tree is a champ at creating privacy screens in just a few years.
You’ll love how quickly these trees grow. They can shoot up 3 to 5 feet each year! Plant them in full sun or partial shade for the best results.
Thuja Green Giants are low maintenance trees. They don’t need much pruning and can handle different soil types. Just make sure the soil is well-drained.
These privacy trees form a dense, green wall of foliage. They keep their color all year, giving you non-stop privacy. Plus, they’re tough cookies – they resist disease and deer don’t like to munch on them.
You can plant Thuja Green Giants in many growing zones. They do well in both cold and warmer regions. Space them about 5-6 feet apart when planting for a solid privacy hedge.
Years to Maturity Height at Maturity Average Width Average Cost per Tree 5-7 40-60 feet 12-20 feet $16-$100
3) Bamboo
Bamboo is a fantastic option for cheap fast growing privacy trees. It grows incredibly quickly, often reaching full height in just a few years. You’ll love how it creates a dense, green screen in your yard.
Bamboo thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade too. It’s adaptable to different soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil. This makes it easy to plant and care for in various settings.
You can choose from many bamboo varieties. Some grow tall and thin, while others spread out more. Pick the type that fits your space and privacy needs best.
One great thing about bamboo is its low maintenance. It doesn’t need much pruning or special care. Just water it regularly when young, and it’ll grow strong and healthy.
Be careful though – some bamboo can spread aggressively. To keep it in check, plant it in containers or use root barriers. This way, you’ll enjoy its beauty without it taking over your yard.
Bamboo offers year-round coverage with its evergreen foliage. It also adds a unique, tropical touch to your landscape. You’ll love the gentle rustling sound it makes in the breeze.
Years to Maturity Height at Maturity Average Width Average Cost per Tree 3-5 years 20-50 feet 3-5 feet $20-$100
4) Red Tip Photinia
Red Tip Photinia is a great choice for cheap and fast-growing privacy trees. You’ll love how quickly this evergreen shrub can create a beautiful living fence around your yard.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade. They’re adaptable to different soil types, but prefer well-drained soil. Red Tip Photinia is easy to care for, making it perfect for busy homeowners.
The most striking feature of this plant is its new growth. In spring, the fresh leaves emerge with a bright red color, giving your privacy screen a pop of vibrant color.
You can expect fast growth from Red Tip Photinia. Young plants can add 2 to 3 feet of height each year. This rapid growth means you’ll have a dense privacy hedge in just a few years.
To create a privacy hedge, plant your Red Tip Photinias 4-6 feet apart. Water them regularly until they’re established, then reduce watering. Pruning helps maintain the shape and encourages that eye-catching red foliage.
Years to Maturity Height at Maturity Average Width Average Cost per Tree 3-5 10-15 feet 6-8 feet $20-$50
5) Arborvitae
Arborvitae is one of the most popular cheap fast growing privacy trees. You’ll love how quickly these evergreen trees create a living fence around your yard.
Arborvitae trees are low maintenance and adapt well to different soil types. They have dense foliage that provides year-round coverage, making them perfect for privacy screens.
American Pillar Arborvitae is a great option. It grows narrow and tall, ideal for smaller spaces. You can expect it to reach up to 30 feet in height while staying only 3-5 feet wide.
Planting arborvitae is easy. Dig a hole twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and place it at the same depth it was in the container. Water regularly until established.
These trees are deer resistant and disease resistant, saving you time and worry. With minimal care, your arborvitae will create a beautiful, long-lasting privacy hedge.
Years to Maturity Height at Maturity Average Width Average Cost per Tree 5-7 years 20-60 feet 3-20 feet $20-$100
6) Willow Hybrid
Willow Hybrid trees are a top choice for those seeking cheap fast growing privacy trees. These trees can grow up to 6-10 feet per year, making them perfect for creating quick privacy screens.
You’ll love how easy Willow Hybrids are to plant and maintain. They thrive in various soil types and can handle both full sun and partial shade. This adaptability makes them ideal for many different landscapes.
Willow Hybrids are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in winter. But don’t worry – their dense branches still provide good coverage even when bare. In spring and summer, you’ll enjoy lush green foliage that creates a beautiful natural barrier.
These trees are great for windbreaks too. Plant them in a staggered pattern, about 5 feet apart, for the best results. This arrangement will give you a sturdy living fence in just a few years.
Willow Hybrid Trees are affordable, with prices ranging from $2-$4 for small saplings to around $60 for a 3-4 ft tree. This makes them a budget-friendly option for large-scale privacy planting.
Remember to water your Willow Hybrids regularly, especially when young. They grow best in moist soil but can handle short dry spells once established.
Years to Maturity Height at Maturity Average Width Average Cost per Tree 5-7 years 35-45 feet 20-30 feet $2-$60
7) Wax Myrtle
Wax Myrtle is a great choice if you’re looking for cheap fast growing privacy trees. These evergreen shrubs can quickly create a natural screen in your yard.
You’ll love how fast Wax Myrtles grow. They can shoot up 3 to 5 feet each year, giving you privacy in no time. These trees are perfect for small spaces too, as they don’t get too big.
Wax Myrtles are tough plants. They can handle different soil types and don’t need much care.
You can plant them in full sun or partial shade, making them versatile for various spots in your yard.
Another plus? Wax Myrtles attract butterflies and birds. Your privacy hedge can become a mini wildlife haven. These trees also smell nice, adding a pleasant scent to your outdoor space.
Wax Myrtles are drought tolerant once established. This means less watering for you in the long run. They’re also resistant to many pests and diseases, saving you time and effort on maintenance.
Years to Maturity Height at Maturity Average Width Average Cost per Tree 5-10 15-20 feet 15-20 feet $16-$100
Benefits of Fast-Growing Privacy Trees
Fast-growing privacy trees offer quick solutions for homeowners seeking seclusion and beauty in their yards. These trees provide many advantages beyond just screening your property.
Year-Round Privacy
Evergreen privacy trees give you constant coverage throughout the seasons. Trees like Thuja Green Giant keep their dense foliage all year, even in winter. This means you don’t have to worry about losing your privacy screen when leaves fall.
Some evergreens grow up to 3-5 feet per year, creating a living wall in just a few years. You can plant these trees closer together for a thick hedge or space them out for a more natural look.
Deciduous trees like the Japanese Pagoda Tree offer privacy in spring and summer. While they lose leaves in fall, their branching structure still provides some screening in winter.
Cost-Effectiveness
Planting fast-growing privacy trees is often cheaper than building a fence or wall. You can buy young saplings at a lower cost and watch them grow quickly.
Many privacy trees are low maintenance, saving you money on care over time. Trees like the Emerald Green Arborvitae need little pruning and are disease resistant.
Fast-growing trees also increase property value. They create an attractive landscape that potential buyers appreciate. Plus, mature trees can help lower energy bills by providing shade and windbreaks.
Environmental Advantages
Privacy trees do more than just block views – they benefit the environment too. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality in your area.
These trees create habitats for birds and small animals. You’ll enjoy watching wildlife in your yard while maintaining your privacy.
Fast-growing trees can help prevent soil erosion on your property. Their roots hold soil in place, especially useful on slopes or near water.
Some privacy trees, like the Bald Cypress, tolerate wet conditions. You can use them to help manage drainage issues in your yard.
Optimal Planting Conditions
Planting privacy trees correctly sets the stage for healthy growth and a thriving privacy screen. The right soil, sunlight, and spacing are key to getting your trees off to a strong start.
Soil Types and pH Levels
Your cheap fast growing privacy trees will thrive in well-drained soil.
Most privacy trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Test your soil before planting to ensure it’s suitable.
For clay soil, mix in compost to improve drainage. Sandy soil benefits from organic matter to help retain moisture. Loamy soil is ideal for most privacy trees.
If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. For alkaline soil, mix in sulfur to lower the pH. These adjustments help your trees absorb nutrients more effectively.
Sunlight and Watering
Most privacy trees need full sun to grow quickly and develop dense foliage.
Plant your trees where they’ll get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Some trees like Thuja Green Giant can tolerate partial shade, but may grow slower. Emerald Green Arborvitae is another option for areas with less sun.
Water your newly planted trees deeply and regularly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
As trees establish, reduce watering frequency but increase the amount.
During dry spells, water deeply once a week. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Spacing and Growth Rates
Proper spacing is crucial for healthy growth. Consider the mature width of your chosen trees when planting.
For example, Leyland Cypress should be planted 5-6 feet apart for a dense screen.
Fast-growing trees like Thuja Green Giant can grow 3-5 feet per year. Plan accordingly to avoid overcrowding.
Here’s a quick guide for popular privacy trees:
Thuja Green Giant: 5-6 feet apart
Leyland Cypress: 6-8 feet apart
Emerald Green Arborvitae: 3-4 feet apart
Plant in staggered rows for a fuller screen. This allows trees to fill in gaps as they grow.
Remember, while fast growth is desirable, don’t sacrifice long-term health for speed. Proper spacing ensures your trees have room to thrive for years to come.
Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your cheap fast growing privacy trees is key to their success. With a little effort, you can keep your trees healthy and thriving for years to come.
Pruning and Shaping
Pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your privacy trees. You should prune in late fall or early spring when the trees are dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches first.
For evergreen trees like thuja green giant or emerald green arborvitae, light shaping can help keep them dense. Trim the outer branches to encourage fullness. Don’t cut into old wood, as it may not regrow.
Deciduous trees may need more frequent pruning to control their shape. Cut back long branches to maintain the desired height and width. Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the tree.
Pest and Disease Control
Keeping your privacy trees healthy starts with prevention. Plant trees in well-drained soil and give them enough space to grow. This reduces stress and makes them less susceptible to pests and diseases.
Watch for signs of trouble:
Discolored leaves
Holes in foliage
Sticky residue on leaves
Wilting or drooping branches
If you spot issues, act fast. Prune affected areas and dispose of them properly. For severe problems, consider using organic pesticides or fungicides.
Some fast-growing privacy trees, like the dawn redwood, are naturally disease resistant. These low maintenance trees can be a great choice for busy homeowners.
Fertilizing for Fast Growth
Proper fertilization can boost your privacy trees’ growth rate. Start fertilizing in early spring as new growth begins.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for trees.
Follow these tips:
Apply fertilizer around the tree’s drip line, not near the trunk
Water thoroughly after fertilizing
Don’t over-fertilize, as this can harm the tree
For most privacy trees, fertilizing once or twice a year is enough.
Trees in poor soil may need more frequent feeding. Adjust based on your tree’s growth and health.
Some fast-growing trees, like the silver maple, are heavy feeders. These may benefit from an extra application of fertilizer in mid-summer to support their rapid growth.
Remember, well-drained soil is crucial for healthy tree growth.
If your soil is very sandy or clay-heavy, consider amending it before planting your privacy trees.
