Create Privacy In A New Jersey Yard With These 8 Fast-Growing Trees

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A new privacy fence can only block so much when a neighbor’s second-floor window still looks straight into the yard below. That nagging feeling of being watched turns even a favorite patio chair into a spot people quietly stop using.

Fast growing trees offer a natural answer that more New Jersey homeowners are discovering every season. Give the right variety a couple of years, and thin saplings turn into a dense living screen that swallows noise and blocks curious eyes.

Not every fast growing species holds up the same way, since some shoot up quickly but thin out or struggle in local soil. Picking a variety suited to the region makes the difference between a wall of green that lasts and one that needs replacing.

Get the choice right, and a backyard that once felt exposed starts to feel like a private retreat again.

1. Green Giant Arborvitae

If you could design the perfect privacy tree, it would look exactly like the Green Giant Arborvitae. This evergreen powerhouse grows three to five feet per year under the right conditions.

Once established, it forms a dense, rich-green wall that stays full from top to bottom all year long. Bare patches and seasonal leaf drop simply are not part of the equation, just solid coverage day after day.

Green Giant thrives across most of New Jersey, handling both cold winters and humid summers without complaint. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, making it forgiving for homeowners who are not master gardeners.

Plant these trees about five to six feet apart for a seamless screen effect. Closer spacing speeds up coverage, which most homeowners appreciate when privacy is the goal.

Deer resistance is a major bonus in suburban and semi-rural NJ yards. Unlike many evergreens, Green Giant rarely gets browsed down by hungry deer looking for a winter snack.

Full sun to partial shade works well for this species, giving you flexibility when placing trees along a fence or property line. Water regularly during the first season to help roots anchor deep and strong.

Fully grown trees reach forty to sixty feet tall with a spread of twelve to twenty feet. That kind of size means serious screening power for even the most exposed yards.

Low maintenance and high performance make Green Giant one of the most popular choices for creating privacy in a New Jersey yard. Once it takes off, this tree practically takes care of itself.

2. Leyland Cypress

Speed is the name of the game with Leyland Cypress. This hybrid evergreen can shoot up three to four feet in a single growing season, making it one of the fastest privacy solutions available.

The feathery, blue-green foliage is dense and soft-looking, giving your yard a lush, almost formal appearance. It works beautifully as a backdrop for gardens, patios, or pool areas.

Leyland Cypress performs well in most New Jersey climates, though it does best in zones 6 through 10. Southern parts of the state tend to see the strongest growth rates each year.

One thing to plan for is mature size. These trees can reach sixty to seventy feet tall, so make sure you have the vertical space before planting a long row.

Spacing matters a lot with this species. Plant them six to eight feet apart to allow air circulation, which helps prevent fungal issues that can affect densely packed rows.

Full sun is where Leyland Cypress truly shines. Avoid planting in heavily shaded spots, as reduced light will slow growth and thin out the foliage noticeably.

Drought tolerance improves significantly after the first two years. Getting through that establishment period with consistent watering is the key to long-term success.

If your goal is to block an eyesore or create a windbreak fast, Leyland Cypress delivers results that feel almost dramatic. Neighbors will barely recognize your yard after just two or three growing seasons of solid, upward momentum.

3. Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar is the tough, native underdog of the privacy tree world. It has been growing wild across New Jersey for centuries, proving it belongs here more than almost any other species.

This tree handles poor soil, drought, salt spray, and full sun without skipping a beat. If you have a challenging spot where other trees struggle, Eastern Red Cedar will likely thrive there.

Growth rate runs about one to two feet per year, which is slower than some options on this list. However, the payoff is a tree that is incredibly long-lived and nearly bulletproof once established.

The deep green, scale-like foliage is dense year-round, offering solid visual screening without any seasonal gaps. Birds absolutely love this tree, using it for shelter and nesting throughout the year.

Eastern Red Cedar also produces small blue berries that attract cedar waxwings, robins, and other wildlife. Planting it means creating a mini ecosystem right in your own backyard.

At full size, this tree ranges from forty to fifty feet tall with a spread of eight to twenty feet. That columnar shape makes it easy to fit along fences or narrow side yards.

One fun fact: the wood of this tree is naturally aromatic and insect-repelling. That same cedar scent used in closets and chests comes directly from this native tree.

For homeowners who want privacy that also supports local wildlife and requires almost no fuss, Eastern Red Cedar is a deeply satisfying long-term investment in your New Jersey yard.

4. Skip Laurel

Glossy, dark-green leaves and a naturally dense form make Skip Laurel one of the most attractive privacy options available. It looks polished whether you trim it into a formal hedge or let it grow naturally.

Skip Laurel grows about two to three feet per year, filling in gaps quickly and creating a full screen within just a couple of seasons. Most homeowners are genuinely surprised by how fast it takes shape.

This broadleaf evergreen keeps its leaves all year, which means year-round privacy coverage. No waiting until spring for the leaves to return after a long New Jersey winter.

It handles shade better than almost any other privacy plant on this list. If you have a north-facing fence line or a spot under a tree canopy, Skip Laurel will still perform well.

Once fully grown, plants reach ten to eighteen feet tall with a spread of five to seven feet. That size fits perfectly along fence lines without overwhelming smaller suburban lots.

White flower clusters appear in spring, adding a seasonal burst of beauty to the privacy screen. The blooms are fragrant and attract pollinators, making the hedge a functional garden feature.

Skip Laurel tolerates clay soils, which are common across many parts of New Jersey. That adaptability makes it a practical choice for homeowners dealing with heavy or poorly draining ground.

Low pruning needs and high visual impact make this plant a crowd favorite. Once established, Skip Laurel delivers the kind of lush, private yard that turns summer afternoons into something closer to a personal retreat.

5. North Privet

North Privet is the workhorse of the privacy hedge world. It grows fast, fills in thick, and tolerates conditions that would stress most other plants into submission.

Expect two to three feet of growth per year under decent conditions. With regular watering and a bit of fertilizer, that number can climb even higher during warm growing seasons.

This semi-evergreen holds its leaves well into winter in most parts of New Jersey. In milder years, it may stay fully leafed out straight through to spring, giving you extended coverage.

North Privet responds beautifully to pruning, making it ideal for homeowners who want a formal, shaped hedge. Regular trimming encourages thicker, denser growth that blocks views more effectively.

It handles full sun to partial shade without complaint, giving you flexibility when choosing a planting location. Even spots that get afternoon shade will support healthy, vigorous growth.

Soil adaptability is one of its strongest selling points. Sandy soils along the Jersey Shore, clay-heavy inland soils, even slightly compacted ground will not stop North Privet from pushing forward.

Fragrant white flowers appear in early summer, drawing in bees and butterflies before the berries form. Those small dark berries are a food source for several bird species during late fall.

For homeowners who need fast, affordable privacy without a lot of fuss, North Privet is hard to beat. Plant a row this spring and you will likely be shocked at the difference it makes by September.

6. Emerald Green Arborvitae

Compact, tidy, and brilliantly green, Emerald Green Arborvitae is the polished cousin of the Green Giant. It is the go-to choice when you want a privacy screen that also looks impeccably neat year-round.

Growth rate runs about six to nine inches per year, which is slower than other options. However, that slower pace means less pruning work and a naturally uniform shape that always looks intentional.

Mature height tops out at twelve to fifteen feet, making it ideal for smaller yards or spots where overhead space is limited. The narrow, pyramidal form takes up only three to four feet of width.

Emerald Green Arborvitae holds its vivid color through even the harshest New Jersey winters. While other plants fade to brown or yellow in cold weather, this tree stays a rich, jewel-toned green.

Plant them three to four feet apart for a tight, seamless privacy wall along a fence or property edge. Closer spacing creates a denser screen faster, which most homeowners prefer.

Full sun is ideal, but it tolerates light shade without significant loss of density or color. Avoid deep shade, which can cause the interior foliage to thin out over time.

Well-drained soil and consistent moisture during the first year set this tree up for long-term success. Avoid low-lying spots where water pools after heavy rain, as soggy roots are its main weakness.

For creating privacy in a New Jersey yard with style and no drama, Emerald Green Arborvitae delivers a refined, low-effort solution that homeowners keep coming back to season after season.

7. Nellie R. Stevens Holly

Nellie R. Stevens Holly is the privacy tree that moonlights as a showstopper. Dense, glossy foliage and brilliant red berries make it one of the most visually striking evergreen screens available.

Growth rate averages two to three feet per year, which puts it solidly in the fast category. Within four to five years, a young row of these trees transforms into an impenetrable green wall.

Grown trees reach twenty to thirty feet tall with a spread of eight to twelve feet. That pyramidal, full-bodied shape provides excellent coverage from ground level all the way to the top.

The glossy, dark-green leaves stay on year-round, giving you consistent privacy no matter the season. In winter, the contrast of green leaves and red berries makes the hedge look almost festive.

Nellie R. Stevens Holly tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay-heavy ground common in central New Jersey. Good drainage is appreciated, but this tree is far more forgiving than most hollies.

Full sun to partial shade suits this species well. It maintains density and color even in spots that receive only four to five hours of direct sunlight daily.

Deer resistance is a solid bonus, which is a real advantage in suburban and rural parts of the state. The spiny leaf edges make it a less appealing snack for most browsers, though not entirely off the menu.

Bold, beautiful, and built for the long haul, Nellie R. Stevens Holly brings serious screening power and undeniable curb appeal to any New Jersey yard that needs a real statement planting.

8. American Holly

American Holly is a native legend with deep roots in New Jersey’s landscape history. Colonists used it, wildlife depends on it, and modern homeowners are rediscovering just how hardworking it truly is.

Growth rate sits around one to two feet per year, making patience a small requirement. The reward is a rugged, long-lived tree that can stand strong for well over a hundred years.

At full height, this tree ranges from forty to fifty feet, with some specimens pushing even taller in ideal conditions. The dense, pyramidal canopy provides excellent year-round screening from neighbors and street traffic alike.

Spiny, dark-green leaves stay on through every season, ensuring your privacy does not disappear when temperatures drop. That persistent foliage is exactly what you need along a busy New Jersey property line.

Red berries arrive in fall and persist through winter, creating one of the most visually stunning natural displays in any yard. More than twenty bird species visit American Holly specifically for those berries.

Both male and female plants are needed for berry production, so plan to plant at least one of each. Most nurseries sell them together or can advise on the right pairing for your space.

American Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to moist, slightly acidic soils. Many areas of New Jersey naturally have the acidic soil conditions this tree prefers.

Choosing American Holly means creating privacy in a New Jersey yard while also giving back to the local ecosystem. Few trees offer that combination of beauty, function, and genuine environmental value all at once.