If you want reliable, tall green privacy trees, these selections are among the best for creating a lush, year‑round screen. They’re suited for different yards and budgets, from compact plantings to rapid privacy walls. The top picks include evergreen arborvitae and fast‑growing alternatives that excel as dense screens, living fences, or framing specimens for American landscapes.
Buyer note: Choose based on how quickly you want coverage, available planting space, and whether you prefer single‑season color or year‑round evergreen density. The following table compares the five most relevant products for tall privacy and fast coverage.
| Product | Type | Best For | Estimated Size & Growth | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack | Privacy Evergreen Arborvitae | Quick starter screen for smaller spaces | Up to 60ft tall, 20ft wide at maturity (grafted as 2ft plants) | Dense, dark green foliage; adaptable and pruneable |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon | Live Evergreen Tree | Medium‑to‑large privacy screens | Up to 40ft tall, 20ft wide | Rapid growth up to 3 ft per year; versatile for landscaping |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5‑Pack | Privacy Evergreen Arborvitae | Organized, scalable privacy starting point | Similar mature size to 2ft and 3 gal; grows quickly | Dense, lush foliage; adaptable growth form |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7‑10 Inches Tall | Arborvitae Seedling/Young Plant | Budget start for larger privacy rows | Young plants ready to establish; growth rate up to several feet per year | Hardy, evergreen; strong for screening when planted in rows |
| 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees (Smaragd) | Evergreen Hedge/Screen | Dense, immediate privacy or screening) | Typically 6–12″ tall now; grows into a tight column | Instant impression with minimal pruning; year‑round color |
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft. Tall 8-Pack
The Thuja Green Giant is recognized as a premier fast‑growing privacy evergreen. This 8‑pack provides immediate density when planted as a screen, with dark green foliage that carries a Christmas‑tree scent when leaves are broken. It naturally forms a broad, pyramidal habit and can reach substantial height and width, making it ideal for tall privacy hedges. Best for: buyers seeking rapid, dense coverage in medium to large spaces. Caution: early pruning may be needed to maintain a desired width in small yards.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 3 Gallon
This 3‑gallon Thuja Green Giant grows rapidly, reaching up to 40 feet tall and about 20 feet wide when mature. It’s well suited for larger properties needing a robust privacy screen. Best for: homeowners seeking a quick, tall, single‑specimen privacy anchor or a strong multi‑plant screen. Limitation: unable to ship to certain states; plan location accordingly to avoid delivery cancellations.
20 Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees (Smaragd) 6–12″ Tall
This 20‑pack of Emerald Green Arborvitae provides an instant, dense barrier when planted as a row. Each plant ships as 6–12″ bare root, delivering immediate privacy and year‑round color with a naturally pyramidal shape. Best for: bulk privacy projects and formal screens where a uniform, manicured look is desired. Caution: bare root stock may require careful initial irrigation to establish root systems.
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5‑Pack
This 5‑pack of Green Giant saplings offers a practical starting point for expanding an existing privacy line or creating a new hedge over time. Best for: homeowners who want scalable growth and flexible spacing. It shares the same mature traits as larger specimens: dense, dark green foliage and strong adaptability. Limitation: similar to other young trees, establishment requires steady moisture and proper spacing for optimal growth.
Buying Guide
What to consider before buying tall privacy trees
- Site conditions: Sun exposure, soil type, and drainage influence growth and health. Arborvitae prefer well‑drained soil and full to partial sun.
- Growth speed: If you need fast screening, prioritize faster growers like Green Giant varieties. For slower, more controlled growth, consider smaller starting sizes.
- Space and mature size: Plan for eventual height and width to ensure the screen remains maintenance‑friendly and prevents overhanging or shading issues.
- Climate compatibility: Choose species with proven hardiness for your USDA zone to maximize survival and year‑round density.
- Watering and maintenance: Establishment requires regular watering; consider irrigation planning for the first growing seasons.
Planting tips for dense privacy screens
- Space plants according to their mature width to avoid crowding and ensure healthy air circulation.
- Plant in consistent rows or staggered alignments for a natural appearance and effective coverage.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds; avoid piling mulch against trunks to prevent rot.
- Prune selectively to maintain shape and remove any crossing branches that hinder density.
Comparison snapshot
- Fastest coverage: Green Giant selections planted in groups (2 ft, 3 gal, or 1 gal packs) can rapidly establish a privacy screen.
- Best budget option: A larger quantity of smaller plants (like the 7–10 inch Thuja varieties or 20‑pack Smaragd) creates dense screening over time with gradual growth.
- Best for immediate effect: 20 Emerald Green Arborvitae provide a strong, consistent look when installed as a row.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: Which privacy tree grows the tallest? A: Thuja Green Giant varieties can reach substantial height and width, forming an imposing screen when mature.
- Q: Do these trees require pruning? A: Yes, pruning helps maintain width and density, especially in smaller spaces.
- Q: Are there shipping restrictions? A: Some varieties have state shipping limitations; verify delivery options during checkout.
- Q: How quickly do they establish? A: Establishment depends on irrigation and soil; deeper watering during dry periods supports root growth.
- Q: What is the best spacing for screening? A: Plant at intervals that allow near‑mounded density while avoiding root competition; typical spacing ranges vary by cultivar.
- Q: Can I plant these in containers? A: Some smaller varieties tolerate container planting for a season, but most tall privacy trees perform best in ground with adequate root room.