Fast-Growing Privacy Trees: The Best Screens to Plant
Fast growing privacy trees ranked with sourced growth rates, mature widths, a spacing table, cheap bulk options, and an honest timeline to a full screen.
Honest, specific tree advice from 20+ years of Northern California homeownership, grounded in real arborist sources.
Tree Planting GuideA staged walkthrough, from soil prep to the two years that decide if it lives.Start the guide →
Fast-Growing TreesThe fastest growers ranked, plus the four you should never plant.See the rankings →
Tree FinderAnswer a few questions, match your yard to the right species.Find my tree →
Fast growing privacy trees ranked with sourced growth rates, mature widths, a spacing table, cheap bulk options, and an honest timeline to a full screen.
Fast growing shade trees ranked by speed and canopy spread, with sourced growth rates, zones, and an honest timeline for how soon you actually get usable shade.
How fast do crepe myrtle trees grow? Rapid, 1 to 2-plus feet a year, with some cultivars near 3. Sourced growth rates by size class for crape myrtle cultivars.
How fast do magnolia trees grow? Most add 1 to 2 feet a year, but it depends on the species. Sourced growth rates for Southern, saucer, star, and sweetbay.
How fast do oak trees grow? It depends on the species. Willow, water, and Nuttall oaks add 2-plus feet a year. Sourced growth rates for 8 common oaks.
How fast do pine trees grow? Most clear 1 to 2-plus feet a year, and eastern white pine adds 2 to 3. Sourced growth rates for 6 common pines by ft/yr and zone.
Which trees to buy and why
46 articlesWhere and how to plant
18 articlesKeep your trees healthy
56 articlesWhen and how to trim
11 articlesGarden projects with trees
12 articlesBrowse everything on the site
143 articlesThe trees worth planting, based on real experience.
What to avoid, and why.
Get it right the first time.
When, how, and what not to cut.
11 reasons your yard needs them.
9 things to know before you dig.