Best Fast Growing Cedar Trees for Privacy

Looking for rapid, reliable evergreen privacy? These cedar trees are selected for quick screening, year‑round foliage, and low maintenance. Best for homeowners seeking fast protection from neighbors, wind, or noise, these options range from compact seedlings to taller specimens suitable for hedges or windbreaks. Each entry explains who benefits most and why it was chosen.

Product Best For Why It Stands Out
Yoshino Japanese Cedar Tree (6-12″) New landscape projects; quick privacy backdrop Brilliant evergreen foliage year‑round; exceptionally fast early growth
6pack Live Red Cedar Seedlings Budget privacy screens; flexible spacing Two live seedlings per package; ready to plant with established root systems
Brighter Blooms Deodar Cedar Tree (1-2 ft) Formal, tall privacy screen with dramatic shape Large ornamental evergreen with strong growth; versatile landscape presence
Brodie Eastern Red Cedar (1-2 ft) Columnar privacy accents; small-space hedges Dense, columnar form ideal for narrow borders and structured screens
Brodie Southern Red Cedar (1-2 ft / 2 gal) Moderate to quick privacy windscreens Farm‑grown quality with vibrant evergreen foliage and easy care

Yoshino Japanese Cedar Tree – 6-12″ Live Plant

Yoshino Japanese Cedar Tree image

Check Price on Amazon

Features: Approximately 6-12″ tall, shipped in a quart pot. Foliage stays emerald year‑round, providing a consistent green backdrop. Notable for exceptionally fast growth, making it a quicker route to a mature privacy screen. Best for new plantings seeking rapid establishment and year‑round color. Caution: initial planting in a well‑drained bed and adequate spacing is important to support rapid vertical growth.

6pack Live Red Cedar Seedlings

Red Cedar Seedlings image

Check Price on Amazon

Features: Two live evergreen tree seedlings in a 3″ pot with ready root systems for easy transplanting. Hardy conifer with aromatic foliage and a natural pyramidal growth habit. Best for creating immediate privacy lines or windbreaks in sunny, well‑drained locations. Caution: transplanting soon after arrival is recommended to optimize root establishment.

Brighter Blooms Deodar Cedar Tree – 1-2 ft

Deodar Cedar Tree image

Check Price on Amazon

Features: Large ornamental evergreen known for rapid height increase and broad landscape presence. The Deodar Cedar can contribute a bold, year‑round focal point or serve as a dramatic privacy screen when planted in a row. Best for homeowners seeking a taller, more impactful evergreen with graceful, drooping branches. Caution: mature size is substantial; ensure adequate space for eventual spread.

Brighter Blooms Brodie Eastern Red Cedar – 1-2 ft

Brodie Eastern Red Cedar image

Check Price on Amazon

Features: Superior columnar evergreen form with dense foliage. Suitable for narrow spaces or formal hedges. Best for those who want a sturdy, upright privacy element that remains visually strong through all seasons. Caution: best results come with consistent watering while establishing and avoiding overly wet soils.

Brodie Southern Red Cedar Tree – 1gal Pot

Southern Red Cedar 1gal image

Check Price on Amazon

Features: Farm‑grown with vibrant evergreen foliage; easy care with simple watering and light requirements. Fast growth makes it a good option for quicker privacy screens and windbreaks. Best for homeowners who need reliable, low‑maintenance evergreen coverage in moderately warm climates. Caution: choose a size that fits your intended screening height to avoid undersized initial growth.

Buying Guide: Cedar Privacy Trees

  • Growth rate vs. mature size: Fast‑growing cedars accelerate privacy but may require more space as they mature. Plan row spacing to accommodate eventual width.
  • Climate and hardiness: Check USDA zone compatibility. Some cultivars tolerate cold winters better than others.
  • Soil and drainage: Most cedars prefer well‑drained soil. Poor drainage can slow establishment and encourage root issues.
  • Maintenance needs: Consider irrigation requirements, pruning needs, and potential pest pressures. Columnar varieties often require less pruning for shape retention.
  • Screening goals: For dense privacy, plant in closely spaced rows or clusters. For windbreaks, ensure a continuous barrier with minimal gaps.
  • Aesthetics and space: Choose a form (columnar, pyramidal, or broad) that fits your landscape and available space.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which cedar grows fastest for privacy? Varieties with pyramidal or columnar growth, such as Deodar or Eastern Red Cedar types, typically establish quickly and form dense screens.
  • Can I plant cedars in pots if I have a small yard? Seedlings in small pots can be transplanted into the ground to accelerate privacy, but plan for eventual planting in the soil as they grow.
  • Are cedars drought-tolerant? Many cedars tolerate moderate drought once established; ensure deep watering during the first growing season.
  • Do cedars require frequent pruning? Pruning is usually light unless you aim to maintain a specific shape; most cedars look best with natural growth and spacing.
  • What spacing is best for a privacy row? Depending on cultivar, spacing ranges from 3 to 6 feet apart in rows to achieve a dense privacy screen over time.
  • Which cedar is best for coastal regions? Coastal environments generally favor hardy cedars with salt tolerance and wind resilience; select a cultivar known for sturdy foliage and robust growth.