Add Privacy To Your Yard With One Fast-Growing Tree That Thrives With Little Care

When it comes to choosing the right fast-growing tree for year-round privacy, the iconic Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Christmas tree may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Its fresh holiday scent is unmistakable, and its wood is a common sight in Western construction. But this conical conifer can also offer benefits in a home landscape. Thriving in cool weather and requiring infrequent upkeep, the Douglas-fir makes a great evergreen buffer between you and your neighbors, especially in areas with a lot of wide open space.

Despite its name, the Douglas-fir is not a true fir tree at all. Even its genus name, Pseudotsuga, which means "false hemlock," points to an identity crisis. Named after botanist David Douglas, this distinct species spreads by releasing its seeds from the intact cones that fall from the tree, a similar trait to many other members of the Pinaceae family. These seeds provide valuable nutrients for birds, while the needles and twigs sustain deer, beaver, and other wildlife.

Native to western North America and prolific in the Pacific Northwest, the Douglas-fir has more than earned its title as Oregon's state tree. One of the tallest trees in the world, second only to the coast redwood, the ungroomed Douglas-fir can exceed 200 feet in height. But in urban and suburban environments, this evergreen species can be easily maintained at around 40 to 50 feet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before bringing this new addition home.

There are two main types of these majestic trees: the coast Douglas-fir and the Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir. It's important to understand the differences before deciding which fragrant tree is right for you. The coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) is most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and California and prefers warmer temperatures than its inland counterpart. In their natural habitat, these impressive growers can stand more than 15 feet wide and easily reach 250 to 300 feet tall. As they grow taller, the yellow-green needle-topped branches begin to spread apart, creating a much looser look at the edges of the canopy. While they can be maintained smaller, these trees do best when they're given ample room to grow. 

The Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca), on the other hand, performs much better in cold climates, making it ideal for mountainous or snowy regions. This variety is most recognizable for its short, blue-green needles, which grow in dense patches along compact branches. Rocky Mountain Douglas-firs are more likely to retain their conical Christmas-tree shape, and they're usually thinner and shorter than their coastal companions, although they can still top 150 feet. However, these trees will not tolerate drought or excessive heat, making them unsutable for arid regions. Regardless of the variety, though, most Douglas-fir trees perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 6. So if you're in a tropical area, you may only see Douglas-firs sold for indoor use at Christmastime. 

Before you bring home a Douglas-fir tree, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of adding this sizable evergreen to your landscape. Although it can be maintained at about 40 to 50 feet, the Douglas-fir tree naturally wants to grow much taller. So, while it won't need much maintenance, it will need to be carefully trimmed at specific times to avoid damage. A professional arborist is the best person to help you choose the best time of year to prune your Douglas-fir tree.

Douglas-fir trees can also be picky about temperature, humidity, and wind. While its size makes it ideal for privacy, it does not tolerate dry winds, whether hot or cold, so it can function best as a screen rather than a windbreaker. Despite tolerating warmer temperatures, the coastal Douglas-fir is extremely averse to drought. You may need to provide this tree with additional irrigation during the driest months of the year, especially if humidity is low in your area.

Thriving in snowy mountains, the Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir is even less tolerant of drought. In its natural habitat, this tree benefits from gradual snowmelt, which helps the soil retain enough moisture to provide the shallow root system with a consistent supply throughout the year. Planting young trees is the best way to ensure healthy root growth, but beware of too much shade — this sun-loving species won't mature as quickly if left in the shadow of taller timbers.