If you’re looking to add some greenery to your garden that not only provides shade but also offers privacy, fast-growing evergreen trees are an excellent choice. Here are seven species that grow quickly and are perfect for creating a natural screen or a shady retreat in your garden.

1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)

  • Growth Rate: Very fast, up to 3-4 feet per year.
  • Height: Can reach 60-70 feet tall.
  • Features: Dense foliage, excellent for privacy screens.
  • Care: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Green Giant’)

  • Growth Rate: Fast, up to 3 feet per year.
  • Height: Typically grows 30-40 feet tall.
  • Features: Dense, rich green foliage, pyramidal shape.
  • Care: Thrives in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and moderate watering.

3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

  • Growth Rate: Fast, up to 3 feet per year.
  • Height: Can reach 50-80 feet tall.
  • Features: Soft, bluish-green needles, long-lived.
  • Care: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, full sun, and consistent watering.

4. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

  • Growth Rate: Fast, up to 2-3 feet per year.
  • Height: Can reach 40-60 feet tall.
  • Features: Tall, narrow, columnar shape, dark green foliage.
  • Care: Thrives in well-drained soil, full sun, and minimal watering once established.

5. Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)

  • Growth Rate: Fast, up to 2-3 feet per year.
  • Height: Typically grows 15-25 feet tall.
  • Features: Dense, dark green foliage, red berries in winter.
  • Care: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and regular watering.

6. Silver Dollar Gum (Eucalyptus cinerea)

  • Growth Rate: Fast, up to 3 feet per year.
  • Height: Can reach 30-60 feet tall.
  • Features: Silvery-blue foliage, aromatic leaves.
  • Care: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun, and drought-tolerant once established.

7. Murray Cypress (Cupressocyparis x leylandii ‘Murray’)

  • Growth Rate: Very fast, up to 3-4 feet per year.
  • Height: Can reach 30-40 feet tall.
  • Features: Dense, dark green foliage, tolerant of various soil types.
  • Care: Thrives in well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering.

Planting and Care Tips

  1. Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and suitable for the specific species you choose. Amend with organic matter if needed.
  2. Spacing: Plant trees with enough space to accommodate their mature size, ensuring they do not overcrowd each other.
  3. Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during the first few years to establish a strong root system.
  4. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.
  5. Pruning: Prune as necessary to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
  6. Fertilizing: Fertilize annually with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
  7. Protection: Protect young trees from pests and diseases by monitoring regularly and taking appropriate action if issues arise.

By selecting one of these fast-growing evergreen trees and following proper planting and care guidelines, you can quickly create a lush, green space that provides both shade and privacy in your garden.

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