4 Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees are wonderful for home landscapes because they offer year-round color, privacy, and soften hardscapes. They look great alone or layered with other trees and shrubs. Once of the most common features homeowners look for in a tree is the growth rate. Many people favor fast-growing trees for quick shade and privacy.

Check out these fast-growing evergreen trees that are hardy and stunning.

Norway Spruce

Picea abies

Norway spruce is a familiar sight in much of the United States, but it’s native to Europe. Throughout the globe, this tree is loved as a landscape specimen tree. Its dense branching pattern and tolerance of soil variations has also made it a popular tree for windbreaks. If you have enough space and want to add a sense of formal dignity to your landscape, the Norway spruce will suit you well.

Grows up to 3' per year.

Hardiness zones 3–7.

Green Giant Arborvitae

Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green'

The green giant arborvitae is a large, vigorous, fast-growing evergreen. Its natural pyramidal to conical form boasts dense, rich green foliage that darkens or bronzes slightly in the winter. This is an exceptional landscape tree for use as a screen, hedge or single specimen. It is also resistant to wind once established and can withstand heavy ice or snow, making it a good choice for a natural windbreak.

Grows up to 3' per year.

Hardiness zones 5–7.

Read: 5 Windbreak Trees that will Blow you Away

Leyland Cypress

x Cupressocyparis leylandii

Noted for its rapid growth and slender shape, the Leyland cypress has found wide popularity over a large range of the United States. It grows well in a wide variety of soil and climate conditions and makes an excellent windbreak as it provides a dense barrier with good color all 12 months of the year. It also beautifies the landscape around homes, across campuses, and in parks.

Grows up to 3' per year.

Hardiness zones 6–10.

Read: Top 10 Fast Growing Trees & Shrubs

Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus

The eastern white pine has played a very important role throughout the history of America. In colonial days, the best of the trees were set apart by the king for masts on British ships. Today, it is still a valuable commercial tree but also favored in parks and spacious yards—both for its beauty and its fast growth. It has also been named the state tree of both Maine and Michigan.  

Grows up to 3' per year.

Hardiness zones 3–8.