Best Fast Growing Cedar Trees for Privacy and Windbreaks
Creating a natural privacy screen or windbreak quickly requires choosing trees that grow fast, stay evergreen, and tolerate local conditions. This article highlights five cedar-leaning options, including true cedars, junipers often marketed as cedars, a fast-growing willow hedge, and realistic artificial cedar options for immediate effect. Each selection is evaluated for growth rate, hardiness, sun and soil preferences, and maintenance needs to help you decide which option fits your landscape best.
| Product | Brand | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Red Cedar Tree | 3 Live Plants | Florida Foliage | Live evergreen trees | Dense foliage, good for privacy screens; tolerates full sun |
| Southern Red Cedar Tree | 20 Live Plants | Florida Foliage | Live evergreen trees | Hardy juniper family; coastal and wind tolerance; year-round color |
| 50 Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings to Grow | CZ Grain | Live cuttings (willow) | Extremely fast growth; ideal for visual or sound barrier |
| 6 Feet Pre-Potted Evergreen Outdoor Artificial Cedar Tree | Artificial Home Decor | Artificial cedar | Instant privacy; UV resistant; low maintenance |
| 6 Feet Pre-Potted Evergreen Outdoor Artificial Cedar Tree (2 Pack) | Artificial Home Decor | Artificial cedar | Two-pack option for wider screens; UV resistant; low maintenance |
Southern Red Cedar Tree – 3 Live Plants
The Southern Red Cedar, part of the hardy juniper family, offers a naturally symmetrical form with dense evergreen foliage. This makes it a practical choice for privacy screens and windbreaks in southern landscapes. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soils, particularly sandy substrates. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and provides year-round color. Growers can expect good tolerance to windy conditions, which supports durable, long-term screening along property lines.
Southern Red Cedar Tree – 20 Live Plants
This larger package expands a privacy or windbreak quickly. The Southern Red Cedar, though commonly labeled as a cedar, belongs to the juniper family. It delivers feathery emerald foliage and maintains its evergreen appearance year-round. The plant adapts to full to partial sun and thrives in well-drained soils, including sandy soils. Its tolerance to salt, drought, and wind—paired with a sturdy, upright habit—makes it a reliable boundary plant in coastal or exposed sites. Regular mulching helps retain soil moisture while the screen establishes.
50 Hybrid Willow Tree Cuttings to Grow
Hybrid Willow, also known as Aussie Willow, is famed for its extreme growth rate, potentially reaching six feet in the first year and about ten feet annually thereafter. This makes it among the fastest options for creating a privacy or noise barrier. The cuttings arrive ready-to-root and root readily in water, enabling rapid establishment. For fastest results, plant in rows about three feet apart, and consider a staggered second row for a denser screen. Expect a non-wooded appearance in winter, as deciduous growth sheds leaves seasonally.
6 Feet Pre-Potted Evergreen Outdoor Artificial Cedar Tree
For immediate privacy, the artificial cedar tree provides a convincing evergreen silhouette without any maintenance. The UV-resistant coating helps prevent fading in bright sun, making these ideal for outdoor porches or entryways. They require no watering, trimming, or soil care, appealing to homeowners with busy schedules or those seeking a rental-friendly option. Assembly is straightforward, and the branches are adjustable to achieve a natural look close to real cedar screens.
6 Feet Pre-Potted Evergreen Outdoor Artificial Cedar Tree (2 Pack)
This two-pack artificial cedar option broadens the privacy screen quickly, with the same UV protection and easy assembly as the single-pack. The arrangement is suited for creating a wider visual barrier along pathways, entryways, or fences. Like the single-pack version, these require no ongoing maintenance and are a practical alternative when immediate privacy or consistent aesthetics are a priority.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
When selecting fast-growing trees for privacy, buyers should weigh growth rate, climate suitability, soil conditions, and maintenance demands. Live cedars and junipers offer reliable evergreen screening with vertical growth, while fast-growing willows provide the quickest visual impact though they may shed more seasonally and require more water in dry climates. Artificial cedar options deliver instant privacy and minimal upkeep, but trade the live plant benefits such as wildlife habitat and natural air filtration for aesthetics and convenience.
- Growth Rate: If immediate coverage is essential, consider hybrid willow cuttings for rapid height, or artificial options for instant effect. Live cedars and junipers deliver steady, long-term growth with evergreen foliage.
- Climate And Soil: True cedars and junipers prefer full sun and well-drained soils. Willows thrive in consistently moist soil and full sun but may require more water in hot climates. Artificial trees are climate-independent but require wind- and UV-resistance considerations for outdoors.
- Maintenance: Live trees need irrigation, mulching, and periodic pruning to shape and maintain health. Artificial trees require little to no maintenance but lack ecological benefits like wildlife habitat and natural fragrance.
- Screen Density: Dense evergreen species offer year-round privacy with minimal gaps; consider spacing and rows to achieve the desired visual barrier. Artificial options can be arranged in layers for a fuller look.
- Longevity and Cost: Live plants provide lasting value but require ongoing care and eventual replacement. Artificial trees incur upfront costs but last longer without maintenance, making them suitable for renters or short-term projects.
In practice, a blended approach often works well: plant a row or two of live evergreen cedars or junipers for a natural screen and supplement with artificial trees where immediate or consistent privacy is required. Always verify local regulations and state restrictions, especially for certain plant species and shipping restrictions.