8 Fast-Growing Cypress Trees That Add Beauty & Privacy To Your Yard

To add both beauty and privacy to your yard, you can't go past gorgeous evergreen trees that keep their color throughout the seasons. However, when you need to screen out an ugly view fast, or you want to create a little hideaway in your garden, you might want to select tree species that are not only attractive but fast-growing as well. For some great choices, you may want to take a look at an impressive range of stunning cypress trees that will bring a bit of stately charm to your yard while blocking out all of those unsightly views that are spoiling your weekend relaxation.

You'll find that there is a fairly diverse range of cypress trees to choose from, and this ensures that the needs of all homeowners are met. Whether you want a tall, stately tree that will quickly reach for the sky, or you prefer one that's a little more diminutive for a smaller hedge, you're sure to find a species or cultivar that will suit your particular garden space and style. And, apart from looking great in your yard, cypress foliage is also fantastic for winter holiday decor inside your home.

Do you want your yard to make a statement around your neighborhood? Then a row of Italian cypress trees (Cupressus sempervirens) would certainly do the trick. These impressive trees have a tall, columnar growth habit and can reach lofty heights of 40 feet or more. They thrive in USDA zones 7 through 10, meaning they do prefer a slightly warmer climate. You'll be impressed by the fact that they can grow up to 3 feet in just one year.

If you've got plenty of space and you want a tall, dense screen in your yard, the 'Carolina Sapphire' cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica 'Carolina Sapphire') is a good choice. This tree grows well in zones 7 through 11, and is both drought-tolerant and very low-maintenance. It can reach a height of about 40 feet with a maximum spread of about 15 feet. As a bonus, it's extremely fast-growing, potentially gaining multiple feet in height per year, in optimal conditions.

The 'Green Rocket' Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis x leylandii 'Green Rocket') thrives in zones 6 through 10 and can grow up to 5 feet per year, according to growers. It features an upright growth habit with a somewhat pyramidal shape. It can grow 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of up to 10 feet, making it the perfect choice for a large privacy screen or hedge.

The Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) will grow around 3 to 4   feet per year. It's hardy in zones 6 through 10, and can reach a massive height of 50 feet with a spread of 25 feet. You need a fair amount of space to grow one or more of these trees in your yard, considering how fast they can grow (and how large). However, these trees can be transformed into a tidy hedge if you're willing to keep them pruned, and you'll find this is a fantastic cypress tree for a substantial privacy fence.

For a fast-growing privacy screen featuring beautiful columnar trees, the 'Green Giant' arborvitae (Thuja 'Green Giant') would make an excellent choice. These beautifully structured trees grow well in zones 5 through 9, and will shoot up by around 3 feet every year to reach an overall height of 50 to 60 feet. Best of all, their lovely growth structure requires no pruning, and they're drought-tolerant, as well.

Bearing a close resemblance to the Leyland cypress is the 'Murray' cypress (Cupressus x leylandii 'Murray'), which is a cultivar of the former. It was bred to be more disease-resistant and to tolerate more humid conditions. This is another large tree with a maximum height of 80 feet and a spread of 20 feet. Plus, it has a growth rate of around 4 feet per year. It will thrive in zones 6 through 10.

If you're after a smaller privacy screen, you might want to consider the lemon cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'), which has lovely lime green foliage that is lemon-scented when crushed. It is hardy in zones 7 through 11, and is typically grown in planters where it can easily reach 10 feet. Its growth is fairly quick for a smaller specimen, as it will grow almost 1 foot per year. If this is your preferred choice, make sure you familiarize yourself with everything you should know before planting lemon cypress.

For something just a little different, you might want to take a look at the slender Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis'). This tree has more of a pyramid shape with open branching and soft, feathery foliage. It grows well in zones 4 through 8, and can reach a height of 20 feet in optimal outdoor conditions. The only drawback is that it will only grow about 1 foot per year, but its beautiful form makes up for the slightly longer wait.