Our readers keep the lights on and my smoothie glass nicely filled. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Waiting years for a privacy screen feels like watching paint dry — except the paint is a fence that will never grow taller on its own. The right trees, picked from the start, can turn a bare property line into a dense living wall in just a couple of seasons. This guide cuts through the nursery hype to show you which fast-growing evergreens and hybrid willows actually deliver on their growth promises, based on real owner experiences and the specs that matter.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
if you need to block a neighbor’s view, muffle road noise, or stake out a property line, seven of the best options for fast growing privacy trees are detailed below so you can plant with confidence and start screening sooner.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Privacy Trees
A fast tag on a pot doesn’t always mean a fast screen in your yard. The real speed of a privacy hedge depends on the species, the root system you start with, and how much consistent water you give it in the first year. Here is what to look for before you dig.
Match the Growth Habit to Your Space
Thuja Green Giants grow in a wide, pyramidal shape and can reach 50 to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide at full maturity. That is a lot of tree for a small city lot. If you have tight spaces alongside a foundation, a narrower variety like Emerald Green Arborvitae — which tops out around 12 feet — is a better fit. Hybrid willows grow fast but are deciduous, so they drop leaves in winter and need a lot of water to keep up that speed.
Understand What You Are Actually Planting
Some products ship potted saplings with established root balls, while others ship bare-root cuttings you root yourself in a bucket of water. Potted plants cost more but give you a head start and higher survival odds. Cuttings are cheaper and can root in days, but the failure rate is less predictable — a few buyers report losing most of a batch despite following the instructions. Your comfort level with a little DIY care should guide which route you take.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Mature Height | Growth Rate | Type | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 5-Pack★ Best Overall | Best Overall Privacy Screen | 50 ft | 3–5 ft / year | Evergreen | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant SaplingsBest Value Sapling | Best Value Potted Saplings | 40 ft | 3 ft / year | Evergreen | Amazon |
| Willow Hybrid Cuttings 25-Pack | Budget Starter Screen | 10+ ft / year | Up to 10 ft / year | Deciduous | Amazon |
| 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Cuttings | Thicker Root Stock Start | 10 ft | Up to 10 ft / year | Deciduous | Amazon |
| 20 Thuja Green Giant 3-Inch Pots | Bulk Sapling Screen | 30–50 ft | 2–3 ft / year | Evergreen | Amazon |
| 40 Thuja Green Giant Live Plants | Large Landscape Bulk Order | 5 ft | Fast (est. 3+ ft / year) | Evergreen | Amazon |
| Brighter Blooms Emerald Green 5-6 ft | Instant Medium Privacy Tree | 12 ft | Moderate | Evergreen | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (5-Pack)
Our pick — over 4★ from 300+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
the just-right screen that hits 50 feet without demanding a green thumb.
You can sit on a porch that was completely exposed six months ago. The Thuja Green Giant earns its top spot because it packs on 3 to 5 feet of new growth every year and needs almost no maintenance once it is in the ground. Owners mention that the trees arrive in 1-gallon pots, typically 16 to 18 inches tall, with healthy root systems and dark green foliage that smells like Christmas when you crush a leaf. Over 60 buyers praise its health and over 50 praise its quality, according to reviews — real-world backing for the spec sheet.
The real surprise comes at the 5-month mark. Reviewers find the plants have nearly doubled in height, reaching about 2.5 feet even while still in pots. The trees adapt to zones 5 through 9, which covers most of the continental US, and are tough enough to handle clay soil and deer pressure. At 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide at full maturity, you can prune them to keep the size under control, but the trade-off is that you need space — these are not for a skinny side yard.
Value is a recurring note in the feedback. Getting five established 1-gallon trees for the price of one or two from a big-box nursery makes this the most cost-effective way to start a serious privacy screen. The one honest caveat is that deer may nibble, so if you are in heavy deer territory, plan on some protection the first couple of winters.
Why It Wins
- Grows 3–5 feet per year once established, so you get a real screen fast.
- One owner reports trees nearly doubled in height (to ~2.5 ft) within 5 months.
- Health and quality are the most-praised aspects in hundreds of reviews.
The Fit Check
- Full mature size (50 ft tall, 20 ft wide) is too large for very tight spaces.
- Some trees arrived with root balls only two-thirds full, though still healthy.
Reach for this if you want the fastest, most reliable evergreen screen on the market and have the room for it.
Think twice if your planting strip is less than 8 feet wide — a slimmer variety might suit better.
2. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 Inches Tall
Ten saplings for the price of one nursery tree, each with a proven growth track record.
Starting a screen with tiny saplings feels risky, but the numbers here tell a different story. With over 860 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this pack of 10 Thuja Green Giants is the most-reviewed option on this list. Owners plant them at 6 to 7 feet apart in a staggered row, and those in full sun report the 8-inch starters hit 3.5 feet in just 16 months. Even partial sun yields 2 to 3 feet of growth in the same window, which is solid for a tree that ships in nothing more than its own pot and soil.
The shout for healthiness — over 120 mentions — is the loudest praise, and it is backed by real-world stories of trees surviving a 93°F delivery day and a north Missouri winter intact. One owner rigged a simple 5-gallon bucket drip system and watered 2 to 3 times a week, seeing the trees double in size over a single year. At roughly per tree versus apiece at a local nursery, the value math is hard to argue with.
The catch is that size consistency is a mixed bag. Some owners find the saplings larger than expected, while others call them much smaller than advertised. A few arrive with slightly brown leaf tips from shipping stress, but they green up after planting. If you have a big property line and a bit of patience, these deliver the most screen per dollar.
Best for the budget-planter: Customers note 8-inch saplings hitting 3.5 feet in 16 months of full sun — a 5.0x height gain on the initial plant.
One honest limit: The saplings are small (7-10 inches), so you need to be comfortable with a 1-2 year head start before they really screen.
Grab this for covering a long fence line on a tight budget, especially if you have full sun and can water regularly.
skip it if you want an instant privacy screen this season — go for the established 1-gallon pots instead.
3. Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae 5-6 ft
The instant answer for a narrow side yard that needs privacy without becoming a forest.
Not every property has room for a 50-foot giant. If you are planting along a foundation, a driveway, or a tight boundary line, the Emerald Green Arborvitae is the narrow evergreen that fits. It tops out at around 12 feet tall and stays naturally trim without any pruning, which is a huge time-saver compared to shearing a Green Giant. Owners praise the appearance above all — the vibrant green color and neat pyramidal shape arrive looking better than expected, with many finding the 5-6 foot trees actually larger than what they paid for.
The seller backs the plant with a healthy-condition warranty, and reviewers point out that customer service is responsive when a tree arrives damaged. One buyer had two trees replaced without hassle, and the second set thrived. That warranty covers the tree being true to type and in healthy condition, though damaged leaves from shipping are considered cosmetic and not covered.
The trade-off is growth speed. While the seller markets it as a stellar performer, shoppers say mixed results — some see steady growth, while others find it slow compared to a Green Giant. The value rating also takes a hit, with a few owners feeling the per-tree cost is steep for what you get. If speed is your only priority, the Thuja varieties above will outrun this one. If you need a polished, low-maintenance look in a tight space starting this season, this is your tree.
The fine-print item: Delivery care matters — one owner flagged that an Amazon driver ignored the “This end up” label, but turning the box upright saved the tree.
Who it works for: Anyone planting in a narrow strip who wants a finished look from day one without pruning equipment.
Reach for this if you need an instant 5-foot screen in a tight spot and prefer a no-prune evergreen.
Look elsewhere if you want the fastest possible growth — a Green Giant will overtake this tree in 2-3 years.
4. 20 Thuja Green Giant 3-Inch Pots
Twenty healthy starters that arrive bigger than expected, packed for a long journey.
When you are planting a full hedge line, buying in bulk from a nursery you can trust matters as much as the tree itself. Sandys Nursery Online ships twenty 3-inch pots with a reputation for careful packaging that keeps the roots moist even after a week in transit. Owners consistently praise the health and quality of the trees, noting the root balls are impressive for such small pots and the plants arrive with vibrant green color. One buyer ordered 40 and reported every single one looked great, individually wrapped in plastic to lock in moisture.
The growth rate here is a steady 2 to 3 feet per year once established, which is slightly slower than the 3-5 feet claim on the Perfect Plants pack. But the trade-off is a lower price per unit and a wider spacing flexibility — you can place them 4 to 8 feet apart depending on how quickly you want a solid wall. The trees thrive in full sun to partial shade and handle drought once their roots are deep, making them a low-fuss option for the patient planter.
The honest feedback is that these are small when they arrive — most are around 10 to 14 inches tall. A few owners mention that some trees need extra TLC to survive, with one noting only some lived despite care. If you are looking for a fast, dense screen and are willing to baby the saplings through their first season, this bulk pack gives you the best bang for the long haul.
Packaging win: The trees are individually wrapped and the box is secured to prevent movement — a contrast to less careful shippers.
The honest size: At 10-14 inches, these need a year in the ground before they start screening seriously.
Best for the owner who wants a large number of healthy starters at a low per-plant cost and will provide consistent early care.
Not ideal if you want immediate impact — these are a 2-year play to a full screen.
5. 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings
Thicker root stock that can bloom within a week — even without sitting in water.
Willows are the rocket ships of the tree world, and these jumbo cuttings give you the biggest possible head start. Each cutting measures about 10 inches tall with a root stock that is 5/8 to 1+ inch thick, which is noticeably fatter than standard willow cuttings. The payoff? Buyers report blooms within the first week, and one buyer in Southern Alabama lost track of one cutting that still managed to thrive after being planted and watered. Enthusiastic reviews note that all planted cuttings survived without issues as long as they were kept watered the first year, then switched to a weekly 20-minute drip line.
The growth target here tops out around 10 feet, which is lower than the towering 50-foot Green Giants. But these trees earn their keep differently — they are ideal for erosion control along a ditch, a fast windbreak, or a property line where you want quick coverage. The thick root stock means a stronger first-year establishment, which is the biggest difference between these and the thinner willow cutting pack below.
The mixed feedback on cutting performance is real: some owners planted two batches and lost all the first batch to rooting failure. A second batch grew shoots in containers but died after transplanting into the ground. The seller did send replacements, which is a positive, but the risk of losses is higher with cuttings than with potted plants. For the patient planter who is okay with a few failures in exchange for very fast growth, this is a strong pick.
The Thicker Advantage
- Cuttings are 5/8-1+ inch thick — thicker root stock means more energy for the first year.
- Blooms appear within 1 week, even without soaking in water first.
- Reaches around 10 feet in two years with consistent watering, per owner reports.
The Real Risk
- Some batches fail to root or die after transplant — expect some losses.
- Deciduous trees drop leaves in winter, so your screen disappears half the year.
Reach for this if you want the fastest possible growth for a windbreak or temporary screen and can handle a few casualties.
pass on it if you need a year-round evergreen screen or cannot risk losing any trees.
6. Willow Hybrid Trees for Privacy (25 Cuttings)
The cheapest way to test a property line — and watch it explode with growth in weeks.
Hybrid Willow cuttings are the cheapest entry point into this list, and they double as the absolute fastest growers. The claim is 6 feet of growth in the first year and 10 feet per year after that, which edges out even the Thuja Green Giant. The cuttings arrive about 9 inches long and root easily in just water. Owners find them sturdy and healthy with many roots, and one reviewer noted the cuttings were ready to plant with no soaking needed. The speed in water is impressive — roots and new branches can appear within days.
The feedback on rooting is the most-praised aspect, with over 20 mentions. The instructions are clear: place them in a bucket of water 5 inches deep, then plant them 6 inches deep in a prepared bed with mulch, spacing them 2 feet apart in staggered rows. The seller also gets praise for responsive customer service that provides detailed planting advice. If these take, you will have a visual and wind barrier faster than any other plant on this list.
The mixed feedback on growth tells the real story. While many owners see explosive results, one report stands out: a buyer received 10 cuttings, placed them in water for 2 weeks where they all rooted and sprouted leaves, then planted them in pots and ground. Within 4 days, 9 out of 10 died under the same conditions. That kind of failure rate is a risk with bare-root cuttings, especially if you are in a hot or dry climate. These are best viewed as a high-reward experiment for the adventurous gardener, not a sure thing.
The standout spec: These can theoretically grow 10 feet in a single year after establishment — a 5.0x gap versus the 2-3 feet of many evergreens.
The honest trade-off: Deciduous trees mean your privacy vanishes every winter, and a significant loss rate is possible.
Best for the budget-conscious planter who wants to experiment with ultra-fast growth and has backup plants ready.
Not for anyone who needs a guaranteed, low-maintenance screen — potted evergreens are the safer bet.
7. Florida Foliage Thuja Green Giant (40 Live Plants)
Forty plants for a dense wall — but expect to nurse them through their first year.
Covering a long commercial property line or a large farm boundary means buying in serious bulk. This pack delivers 40 live Thuja Green Giants at a price point that works out to a few dollars per plant, which is the most economical way to plant a massive screen. Owners mention a survival rate around 95% after 4 months when using drip irrigation, with half the plants growing over a foot in that window. The plants arrive healthy and vibrant green, packed with foam and cardboard to survive shipping.
The health and value-for-money aspects get the most praise. One owner ordered over 200 of these and came back satisfied, noting that while shipping and packing could improve, the bulk pricing made the small losses easy to absorb. Another kept saplings in grow bags for 4 to 5 years to build strong roots before transplanting, finding them low-maintenance and sturdy.
The size feedback is mixed — many owners find the plants decent for the price, while others call them very small. A critical review reported that after a year with good soil, mulch, and fertilizer, most plants grew poorly or died, only gaining 1 to 2 inches. The common thread among successful owners is aggressive early care: consistent drip irrigation for the first month is essential, and some suggest repotting and greenhouse time before ground planting. This is a project for the committed planter, not a low-maintenance solution.
Bulk buying tip: One owner reported a ~95% survival rate with drip irrigation — that is 38 trees out of 40, which is strong for bare-root starts.
The honest reality check: A separate owner planted 40 with good soil and fertilizer, and most gained only 1-2 inches in a year. Success depends heavily on your climate and care.
Reach for this if you are covering a large area and are prepared to provide consistent water and protection for the first season.
Pass on this if you want a quick, low-effort hedge — the smaller plants demand more attention than the 1-gallon pots.
Understanding the Specs
Mature Height and Width
This tells you how big the tree will get if you let it grow naturally. A Thuja Green Giant can hit 50 to 60 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide, which is good for a big property but too large for a narrow side yard. The Emerald Green Arborvitae stays around 12 feet tall, so it fits tight foundation plantings. Always check both numbers — a tree that grows too wide will crowd your fence line and steal sunlight from neighboring plants.
Growth Rate Per Year
This is the speed you care about most when you want privacy fast. A rate of 3 to 5 feet per year means you have a solid screen in 2 to 3 years. Willow hybrids claim up to 10 feet per year, but that speed comes with a catch — they are deciduous, so they drop leaves in winter and need a lot of water. The rate also depends on how much sun and water the tree actually gets once it is in your yard, not just what the tag says.
FAQ
How fast do Thuja Green Giants actually grow in the first year?
Willow hybrid vs Thuja Green Giant — which grows faster?
How far apart should I plant privacy trees for a solid screen?
Can I plant privacy trees in partial shade and still get fast growth?
What is the difference between potted saplings and bare-root cuttings?
How much water do fast-growing privacy trees need in the first year?
What hardiness zones are best for Thuja Green Giants?
Do privacy trees arrive healthy through mail-order shipping?
How long do willow cuttings take to root in water?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the fast growing privacy trees winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 5-Pack because it delivers the fastest evergreen growth (3-5 feet per year) with the healthiest and most praised plants in the category. If you want maximum value per tree and have full sun, grab the 10 Thuja Green Giant Saplings. And for a tight side yard that needs an instant finished look, the Brighter Blooms Emerald Green Arborvitae is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
Related Guides
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.