An evergreen oasis in your own backyard is possible with the right tree choices. Evergreen trees maintain their foliage year-round, providing a lush, green backdrop during every season. Many popular evergreen species also grow relatively quickly compared to other trees, filling in your landscape within just a few years of planting.
With so many fast-growing evergreen trees to choose from, it can be tricky to select the best options for your specific climate and planting goals. This guide covers 18 of the top fast-growing evergreen trees to transform your yard into a verdant paradise. We’ll explore growth rate, appearance, size, and care tips for each species to help you make the right choice.
1. Leyland Cypress
The Leyland cypress is one of the most popular evergreens for fast, dense growth. Growing up to 3 feet per year, it quickly forms an elegant, pyramidal shape with fine, feathery foliage.
Appearance: The Leyland cypress has a conical shape and lacy, bright green leaves. It maintains a neat, uniform appearance without pruning.
Size: These trees reach 60-70 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide at maturity.
Growth: This fast-grower can gain 3 feet in height annually.
Care: Leyland cypress thrives in full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. Regular watering is needed for the best growth. Avoid overhead watering, which can cause disease.
With its rapid growth rate and graceful form, the Leyland cypress is ideal for privacy screens and windbreaks in USDA zones 6-10. Give it plenty of room to reach its full potential.
2. Arizona Cypress
A close relative of the Leyland cypress, the Arizona cypress is another fast-growing conifer worth considering. It’s slightly smaller and better adapted to warm, arid climates.
Appearance: The Arizona cypress has lacy, feathery foliage similar to the Leyland cypress. It has a conical shape when young but becomes more irregular with age.
Size: These trees grow 40-50 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide at maturity.
Growth: This cypress grows up to 3 feet per year in ideal conditions.
Care: Arizona cypress thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. It’s quite drought tolerant when established. Avoid overwatering.
The Arizona cypress is an excellent choice for screens and ornamental landscape accents in zones 7-9. Give it plenty of elbow room as it matures.
3. Western Redcedar
With its broad, pyramidal form, the western redcedar is a handsome evergreen for landscapes in cool climates. It’s fast-growing when young.
Appearance: This native North American tree has flat, sprawling branches and dense, pointy foliage. The leaves are bright green to yellow-green.
Size: At maturity, these trees reach 60-70 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide.
Growth: Growth up to 3 feet per year is common while young. The growth rate slows with age.
Care: Western redcedars thrive in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid letting them dry out.
For a natural, yet graceful look, plant a western redcedar as a visual anchor in zones 3-7. Allow plenty of room to grow.
4. White Fir
With a narrowly pyramidal shape, white fir is another fast-growing conifer suitable for landscapes in cooler climates. Once established, it can grow up to 3 feet annually.
Appearance: White fir has short, flat, blue-green needles. The branches grow in distinctive horizontal whorls around the trunk.
Size: These firs grow 40-60 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide at maturity.
Growth: Growth up to 3 feet per year is common while young. It slows down significantly with age.
Care: White fir thrives in full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil.
For a vertical accent, plant white fir in zones 4-7. Its tiered horizontal branches add unique visual interest. Give it room to spread out.
5. Eastern White Pine
The eastern white pine is a towering native North American conifer that grows quickly when young. With age, it develops a broad, open habit.
Appearance: This pine features long, flexible green needles in bundles of five. The tall, straight trunk has flaking bark when mature.
Size: At maturity, these trees reach 80 feet or more in height and spread 40-50 feet wide.
Growth: Young pines may grow up to 2 feet per year. Growth slows significantly as it ages.
Care: Eastern white pine thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Well-drained soil is essential.
For an imposing, shade-giving specimen, plant eastern white pine in zones 3-8. Allow plenty of room for its massive mature size.
6. Shore Pine
The shore pine is a medium-sized pine native to the coastal northwest. It’s a faster grower than many other pines, adapting well to coastal and urban settings.
Appearance: Shore pines have twisted trunks and branches. The needles appear in bundles of two and are blue-green to gray-green.
Size: At maturity, these pines reach heights of 50-80 feet with a 20-40 foot spread.
Growth: Young trees may grow over 2 feet per year. Growth slows with maturity.
Care: Shore pines need full sun and tolerate wind, salt spray, drought, and poor soils when established.
This tough, versatile pine is perfect for coastal areas, windbreaks, and urban plantings in zones 5-7. Allow ample room for its spread.
7. Deodar Cedar
The deodar cedar is an immense, pyramidal conifer that makes a dramatic landscape statement. It has a rapid growth rate when young.
Appearance: Deodar cedar has gracefully drooping branches and dense, blue-green needle foliage. The branches sweep downward as the tree ages.
Size: These trees typically reach 60-70 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide at maturity. Larger specimens are common.
Growth: Young trees may grow 3 feet or more per year. Growth slows significantly as they mature.
Care: Deodar cedar needs full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal watering once established. Avoid overhead watering.
For an exotic, ornamental look, plant deodar cedar in zones 7-9. Give it ample room to display its massive size.
8. Southern Magnolia
Southern magnolia is a classic, broadleaf evergreen prized for its immense, fragrant blooms. Fast growth makes it ideal for quick shade.
Appearance: This magnolia has large, glossy green leaves with rust-colored fuzz beneath. Massive white blooms emerge in late spring.
Size: At maturity, southern magnolias reach 60-80 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide.
Growth: These trees grow up to 2 feet annually when young. Growth slows with age.
Care: Southern magnolias thrive in full sun to part shade with regular watering. Some shelter from wind is beneficial.
For year-round shade and floral displays, southern magnolia is hard to top. Allow plenty of room for its broad shape in zones 7-10.
9. Eastern Redcedar
Eastern redcedar is a medium-sized native conifer that grows vigorously when young. It tolerates hot, dry conditions.
Appearance: This aromatic cedar has a conical shape with dense, deep green foliage. The leaves are sharply pointed scale-like structures rather than needles.
Size: At maturity, eastern redcedars reach heights of 40-50 feet with a spread of 20-30 feet.
Growth: These trees grow up to 2 feet per year when young, slowing down significantly with age.
Care: Eastern redcedar adapts readily to various soil types and climates, including heat and drought.
For an easy-care native cedar, eastern redcedar is hard to beat. Use it for screens and windbreaks in zones 2-9. Give it room to spread.
10. Sawara Cypress
Native to Japan, the sawara cypress brings architectural elegance and soft, lacy greenery to landscapes. It’s faster growing than many other cypress species.
Appearance: Sawara cypress has a pyramidal shape with pendulous branches and fine-textured, light green leaves.
Size: These trees reach heights of 40-50 feet and widths of 12-20 feet at maturity.
Growth: Growth of up to 2 feet per year is common while the trees are young.
Care: Sawara cypress needs full sun, well-drained soil, and regular irrigation. Avoid drying out.
For grace and beauty in zones 5-8, the sawara cypress is a standout choice. Leave plenty of room for its spread.
11. Green Giant Arborvitae
Ideal for tight planting spaces, green giant arborvitae maintains a narrow upright form. It also grows with exceptional speed, adding over 3 feet of height per year.
Appearance: This fast-growing arborvitae has a tightly columnar shape and rich green, flattened foliage. The branches curve inward, giving a twisted look.
Size: At maturity, green giants reach 60 feet tall with a spread of just 10-15 feet.
Growth: Growth exceeding 3 feet per year is common while young. It slows slightly with age.
Care: These arborvitae need full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid water stress.
For a tall, narrow screen or hedge, few trees can beat the green giant arborvitae. Plant in zones 5-8 with minimal spacing between trees.
12. Arizona Ash
Arizona ash is a drought-tolerant shade tree well adapted to the hot, arid southwest. It fills in quickly with its fast growth rate.
Appearance: This native ash has a rounded canopy of bright green, compound leaves. The bark is pale gray and slightly ridged.
Size: Arizona ash typically reaches 25-35 feet tall and wide at maturity.
Growth: These trees grow up to 3 feet per year while young. Growth slows with age.
Care: Arizona ash thrives in full sun and dry soils. Avoid overwatering once established.
For fast shade in hot climates, Arizona ash is an excellent pick. Allow ample room for its arching canopy to expand.
13. Weeping Willow
Few trees evoke lush elegance like the beloved weeping willow. With growth up to 8 feet per year, it transforms landscapes fast.
Appearance: These iconic trees have long, drooping branches with fine, narrow leaves. Movement in the breeze gives them a flowing look.
Size: Weeping willows typically reach heights of 30-50 feet tall and wide. Some may reach 70+ feet.
Growth: Exceptionally fast growth of up to 8 feet per year is possible while young.
Care: Weeping willows need full sun, good drainage, and plenty of water. Avoid dry spells.
For drama and flair, plant a weeping willow in zones 4-9. Give it ample space for the cascading canopy and far-reaching roots.
14. Italian Cypress
With its narrow, columnar form, Italian cypress is ideal for tight planting areas. Its fast growth provides privacy quickly.
Appearance: Italian cypress has a pencil-straight shape with upright branches and dense, dark green foliage.
Size: At maturity, these trees reach heights of 40-50 feet on average. They remain narrow, spreading just 1-3 feet wide.
Growth: Italian cypress can grow up to 3 feet per year while young. Growth slows down with maturity.
Care: Full sun and well-drained soil are essential. Avoid overwatering.
For living screens and hedges, Italian cypress is a classic choice. Plant trees close together in zones 8-10 for fast results.
15. Atlantic White Cedar
Valued for screens and hedges, Atlantic white cedar is a medium-sized native tree with a vigorous growth rate when young.
Appearance: This cedar has a conical shape and scale-like, flattened sprays of blue-green foliage. The branches grow horizontally.
Size: Atlantic white cedars typically reach heights of 40-60 feet, spreading 15-20 feet wide.
Growth: These trees grow up to 2 feet per year while young. Growth slows significantly with age.
Care: Atlantic white cedar needs full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, acidic soil. Avoid drying out.
Plant Atlantic white cedar close together for screens in wet sites and bog gardens in zones 4-9. Allow room for mature spread.
16. Cascalote
Cascalote is an attractive, drought-tolerant tree from Mexico that fills out quickly in hot climates. Give it room to show off its fast growth.
Appearance: Cascalote has a rounded, open canopy with long, bright green leaves. The bark is pale and smooth when young.
Size: These trees typically reach 15-25 feet tall and wide at maturity. Some may reach larger dimensions.
Growth: Cascalotes grow up to 4 feet per year while young. Growth slows significantly as trees mature.
Care: Cascalote needs full sun, reflected heat, and fast-draining soil. Avoid overwatering.
For vibrant color and rapid growth in arid climates, cascalote is a great choice for zones 9-11. Allow ample space for its mature size.
17. Afghan Pine
Reminiscent of Italian stone pines, the Afghan pine is an architectural specimen with energetic young growth. Given room, it fills landscapes quickly.
Appearance: This pine forms a broadly conical shape with divided, tufted needles at the branch tips. The bark becomes deeply ridged with age.
Size: Afghan pines typically reach 40-80 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide at maturity. Larger sizes occur.
Growth: These pines may grow over 2 feet per year while young. Growth slows down significantly with maturity.
Care: Afghan pine thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soils. Avoid overwatering once established.
For a distinctive, ornamental pine in arid climates, few trees can match the beauty of the Afghan pine. Allow ample space for growth in zones 7-9.
18. Sugar Gum
Sugar gum is a massive shade tree that establishes and grows quickly in warm environments. Given space, it rapidly transforms landscapes.
Appearance: This eucalyptus relative has a conical to oval canopy with aromatic, lance-shaped foliage. The bark sheds to reveal orange patches.
Size: At maturity, sugar gums reach heights of 100 feet or more and spread 50-60 feet wide.
Growth: Growth of up to 4 feet per year is common while young. The growth rate declines with age.
Care: Sugar gums need full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional deep watering. Shelter from wind is beneficial.
For nearly instant shade, plant sugar gum in zones 9-11. Allow plenty of room for its immense size to develop.
Achieving an Evergreen Oasis
Creating a lush evergreen retreat is possible even on the smallest properties by selecting the right fast-growing trees. Focus on species well-suited to your climate that fit the available space at maturity. Plant young, vigorous stock and give trees proper care as they establish and grow. In just a few short years, you can relax and enjoy the verdant, relaxing oasis you’ve created.
With so many fantastic evergreens to pick from, the possibilities for your landscape are nearly endless. Whether you favor towering pines, graceful cypresses, or showy broadleaf trees, the trees covered here offer beauty, fast growth, and year-round color. Consider your needs and planting goals, then choose one or more of these fast-growing evergreens to create your perfect backyard oasis.