All posts
arrow-narrow-right
Gardening for Aesthetics
arrow-narrow-right
Current article

Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees: Top Picks for Quick and Beautiful Landscaping

Published on
March 10, 2025
Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees: Top Picks for Quick and Beautiful Landscaping
Author
Bes Stummer Flowers For Your Garden Q&A

Q: How many summer flowers should I consider planting to create a vibrant flower garden?

A: A well-rounded summer garden often includes a mix of the 40 best summer flowers to ensure a dazzling flower arrangement with varied size, color, and shape. Including native plants and flowers like aster, sea holly, and portulaca can add beauty and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Q: Can white flowers add beauty to a summer garden?

A: Absolutely! White flowers bring brightness and a fresh look, complementing the bright orange and orange and yellow blooms. Plants like foxglove, hydrangeas, and some tubular flowers in shades of white can add elegance and contrast.

Q: What kinds of flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to my garden?

A: Flowers with funnel-shaped flowers, tubular flowers, and shades of purple and blue such as lantana, delphinium, and amaranth are especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. These flowers also add vibrant color to any garden or container.

Crop Rotation Q&A

Q: How often should I rotate my crops?

A: Ideally, rotate crops every year or at least every 2 to 3 years. The longer you wait, the more pests and diseases can build up. A 3- or 4-year rotation cycle is common for home gardeners.

Q: Can I rotate crops in a small garden with limited space?

A: Yes! Even in small gardens or containers, rotating crop families from season to season helps maintain soil health. You can also use pots or raised beds to diversify planting areas.

Q: What if I want to grow the same crop every year, like tomatoes?

A: If you grow the same crop repeatedly, try to plant it in different spots each year. Also, improve soil with compost and consider using disease-resistant varieties to reduce problems.

Bamboo Care Tips Q&A

1. What is the difference between running bamboo and clumping bamboo?

Running bamboo spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and can take over large areas if not controlled, making it suitable for creating fast-growing screens but requiring root barriers. Clumping bamboo grows in tight clusters and expands slowly, making it easier to manage and ideal for smaller gardens or containers.

2. Can bamboo grow indoors?

Yes! Many bamboo varieties, such as lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) and some dwarf clumping species, thrive indoors. Indoor bamboo prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil or water culture.

3. Can bamboo grow in containers?

Yes, bamboo grows well in large containers with well-draining soil. Container bamboo requires more frequent watering and feeding but offers excellent control over spread and size.

Advertisement

Evergreen trees are prized for their year-round foliage and ability to provide continuous greenery, privacy, and windbreaks. When considering fast-growing varieties, gardeners can achieve these benefits in a shorter time.

I remember the day I planted a row of fast-growing spruce trees along my driveway. My goal was to create a natural screen for privacy, and I was eager to see results quickly. Within just a few seasons, the spruces had transformed the space, giving me the seclusion I wanted and a beautiful backdrop for my garden. It was incredibly rewarding to witness how swiftly these trees could make such a significant impact.

This article explores over ten fast-growing evergreen tree varieties, detailing all of their aspects.

Ten Fast-growing Evergreen Tree Varieties

5 Fast-growing evergreen trees infographics with details

Here are ten fast-growing evergreen tree varieties that can provide year-round greenery:

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)

Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) thriving outdoors under the sun

The Leyland Cypress is a popular hybrid evergreen tree resulting from the cross between the Monterey Cypress and the Alaskan Cedar. It is widely used for privacy screens and windbreaks due to its rapid growth and dense foliage. Leyland Cypress can grow up to 60-70 feet in height and 15-25 feet in width, with dark green, feathery leaves that are soft to the touch. The tree forms a conical shape with dense, overlapping branches. This tree can grow up to 3-5 feet per year under optimal conditions and is known for its fast and upright growth pattern. Leyland Cypress thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Regular watering during the first few years is essential to establish a strong root system, but once established, it is drought-tolerant. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-10, capable of withstanding mild to moderate winters. This tree is recommended for gardeners looking for a fast-growing privacy screen or windbreak.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata)

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata) outdoors during the cold season photo credit F.D. Richards
Credit to: F. D. Richards
Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/50697352@N00/40043283873

The Green Giant Arborvitae is a hybrid between the Western Redcedar and Japanese Arborvitae, renowned for its rapid growth and adaptability. This tree can reach heights of 50-60 feet and a spread of 12-20 feet, featuring rich green, scale-like leaves and a pyramidal shape. Green Giant Arborvitae grows at a rate of 3-5 feet per year, making it one of the fastest-growing evergreens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering is important during the establishment phase, and once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, it can withstand a range of climatic conditions. This tree is recommended for gardeners seeking a robust and low-maintenance privacy screen.

3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) thriving outdoors photo credit Ryan Hodnett
Credit to: Ryan Hodnett
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_White_Pine_(Pinus_strobus)_-_Killarney,_Ontario_02.jpg

The Eastern White Pine is native to eastern North America and is valued for its rapid growth and versatility. This pine tree can grow up to 80 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide, with soft, blue-green needles grouped in clusters of five and long, slender cones. It grows at a rate of 2-3 feet per year, developing a tall, straight trunk and broad, horizontal branches. Eastern White Pine thrives in full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. Regular watering during the first few years is crucial, and full sun is best for its growth. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, it tolerates a wide range of temperatures. This tree is recommended for gardeners looking for a tall, fast-growing tree for windbreaks or large landscapes.

4. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) trees thriving outdoors

The Italian Cypress is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its tall, slender form and rapid growth. This tree can grow up to 40-60 feet tall and only 3-6 feet wide, with dark green, dense foliage forming a narrow, columnar shape. Italian Cypress grows at a rate of about 2-3 feet per year, maintaining its narrow, upright form. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Regular watering during the first few years is essential, but it becomes drought-tolerant over time. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, it prefers warm climates. This tree is recommended for gardeners seeking vertical accent trees for formal gardens or narrow spaces.

5. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Norway Spruce (Picea abies) credit to Famartin with house in background outdoors
Credit to: Famartin
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-03-23_17_07_14_Norway_Spruce_along_Hidden_Meadow_Court_in_the_Franklin_Farm_section_of_Oak_Hill,_Fairfax_County,_Virginia.jpg

The Norway Spruce is native to Europe and is known for its impressive size and conical shape. This tree can grow up to 40-60 feet tall and 25-30 feet wide, with dense, dark green needles that create a broad, pyramidal form. Norway Spruce grows at a rate of about 1-2 feet per year, gradually expanding its width as it matures. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and is tolerant of a range of soil conditions. Regular watering is important during the tree’s early years, but it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it adapts well to cooler climates. This tree is recommended for gardeners seeking a large, robust evergreen for shelterbelts, windbreaks, or expansive landscapes.

6. Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus spp.)

a group of Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus spp.) thriving outdoors with photo credit to Arthur Chapman
Credit to: Arthur Chapman
Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/arthur_chapman/26393684473

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and are known for their rapid growth and aromatic foliage. These trees can grow up to 60-90 feet tall, with long, narrow leaves that are blue-green in color and smooth bark that often peels in strips. Eucalyptus trees can grow up to 6-8 feet per year, making them one of the fastest-growing evergreens. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and prefer warm climates. Regular watering during the first few years is crucial, but they are drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11, they prefer warm, arid climates. These trees are recommended for experienced gardeners looking for a fast-growing tree for large landscapes.

7. Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica)

Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica) thriving outdoors credit to Matthieu Sontag
Credit to: Matthieu Sontag
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cryptomeria_japonica_tree.jpg

Cryptomeria, also known as Japanese Cedar, is native to Japan and China. It is valued for its rapid growth and ornamental appeal. This tree can grow up to 50-60 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, with dense, bright green foliage that turns bronze in winter. Cryptomeria grows at a rate of 2-3 feet per year, forming a conical shape. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Regular watering during the first few years is essential, and full sun to partial shade is ideal for its growth. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, it prefers humid climates. This tree is recommended for gardeners looking for a fast-growing tree with year-round interest.

8. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) thriving outdoors photo credit to  F.D Richards
Credit to: F. D. Richards
Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/50697352@N00/49125393892

American Arborvitae, also known as Northern White Cedar, is native to North America and is popular for its dense, evergreen foliage and fast growth. This tree can grow up to 40-60 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, with soft, scale-like leaves that are bright green. It grows at a rate of 1-2 feet per year, forming a narrow, pyramidal shape. American Arborvitae prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering during establishment is important, and once established, it adapts well to different conditions. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it tolerates cold climates. This tree is recommended for gardeners seeking a cold-hardy, fast-growing privacy hedge.

9. Carolina Sapphire Cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra 'Carolina Sapphire')

Carolina Sapphire Cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra 'Carolina Sapphire') thriving outdoors amdist a civilized area photo credit to KENPEI
Credit to: KENPEI
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cupressus_glabra_Blue_Ice1.jpg

Carolina Sapphire Cypress is a cultivar of Arizona Cypress, known for its rapid growth and striking blue-gray foliage. This tree can grow up to 40-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, with soft, blue-gray leaves and a conical shape. It grows at a rate of 2-3 feet per year and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering during the first few years is crucial, but it becomes drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA zones 7-9, it prefers warm, dry climates. This tree is recommended for gardeners looking for a fast-growing tree with unique foliage color.

10. Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino')

Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino') thriving outdoors along the road photo credit to willow
Credit to: Willow
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cryptomeria_japonica_-_Marburg_001.jpg

Yoshino Japanese Cedar is a cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica, known for its rapid growth and attractive form. This tree can grow up to 30-40 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide, with dense, bright green foliage that turns bronze in winter. It grows at a rate of 2-3 feet per year, forming a conical shape. Yoshino Japanese Cedar prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Regular watering during the first few years is important, and full sun to partial shade is ideal for its growth. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, it prefers humid climates. This tree is recommended for gardeners looking for a fast-growing tree with year-round interest.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Q: Can evergreen trees grow in shade?

A: Some evergreen trees, such as American Arborvitae and Green Giant Arborvitae, can tolerate partial shade, but most prefer full sun for optimal growth.

Q: How often should I water newly planted evergreen trees?

A: Newly planted evergreen trees should be watered regularly, especially during the first few years, to establish a strong root system.

Q: What type of soil is best for evergreen trees?

A: Most evergreen trees prefer well-drained soil. Some varieties, like the Eastern White Pine, prefer acidic soil, while others, like the Italian Cypress, can tolerate a range of soil types.

Q: How can I protect my evergreen trees in winter?

A: Mulching around the base of the tree can help protect the roots from freezing. It's also important to water the trees well before the ground freezes to prevent winter drought.