8 Fast-Growing Windbreak Trees for Privacy and Protection, Recommended by Arborists

These trees are perfect for privacy and protection.

By: Jennifer Lobb

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Landscaping isn’t just about improving the appearance of your property. The right trees can also provide natural barriers to harsh winds, protecting your home, the surrounding plants, and wildlife.  And while there are many windbreaking trees out there, if your goal is to have that barrier up as quickly as possible, then you’ll need to choose a species that grows quickly. Here, we spoke to two expert arborists to get the scoop on these fast-growing windbreak trees.

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MEET THE EXPERT

• Ben Heusinkvelt, certified arborist with the Arbor Day Foundation
• Christopher Roddick, an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)-certified arborist and former head of arboriculture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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01. Dawn Redwood

Dawn redwoods were one of the first recommendations from Christopher Roddick, an ISA-certified arborist and former head of arboriculture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He notes that it’s a fast-growing and beautiful tree that’s also great for windbreaking. And, since it’s deciduous, it lets the sun in, while still remaining densely branched in the winter months.

“The tree’s got a great story because it was thought to be extinct,” adds Roddick. “It was actually named in a fossil record.” The dawn redwood was later rediscovered in the 1940s and named “tree of the century” in 1998 by Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum. 

• Zones: 5 to 8
• Growth rate: 13 to 24 inches per year
• Mature size: Up to 25 feet
• Care requirements: Prefers full or partial sun; grows best in moist, well-drained soil

02. White Pine

Ben Heusinkvelt, a certified arborist with the Arbor Day Foundation, points to the white pine as an excellent fast-growing windbreaker, noting that they can grow up to 3 feet per year and spread as wide as 40 feet. 

However, Heusinkvelt recommends that homeowners choosing this plant consider a succession plan. “White pines are not as hardy as coniferous verities,” he says. “They can be great trees to quickly establish a windbreak but should be paired with a slower growing, hardy cultivar like the Colorado blue spruce.” They can also be vulnerable to heat stress, drought, and even air pollutants.

• Zones: 3 to 8
• Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year.
• Mature size: 50 to 80 feet tall x 20 to 40 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sunlight; well-drained soil

03. Blue Colorado Spruce

Heusinkvelt recommends a blue Colorado spruce for those who live in the appropriate conditions. “They’re native to mountainous regions and are cold-hardy and drought tolerant,” he says. “ Blue Colorado spruce grow at about 1 to 2 feet a year and tend to resist deer damage, which is always a plus!”

However, both Heusinkvelt and Roddick warn to proceed with caution. Roddick points out that the tree isn’t a fan of summers and is vulnerable to needle-cast fungus. Heusinkvelt seconds the spruce’s temperature sensitivity: “They can be sensitive to heat stress and may not fair well in extreme climates.”

• Zones: 3 to 7
• Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year
• Mature size: 30 to 60 feet tall x 10 to 20 feet wide
• Care requirements: Prefers full sun; adapts to most well-drained soils

04. Crabapple Trees

If you’re looking for a windbreaking tree that flowers, Roddick recommends the crabapple tree. “They’re dense, they grow fast, and birds love them,” he says. “Also, they have ecological value, and they’re pretty.”

There is an array of crabapple tree varieties ranging from large trees that can reach 40 feet to much smaller ones. Before you choose, evaluate your space and expectations—then speak to a local arborist or gardening specialist to determine which variety is right for your property.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year, cultivar dependent
• Mature size: Large cultivars up to 40 feet tall and wide; medium cultivars 15 to 20 feet tall/wide
• Care requirements: Thrive in full sun with a preference to temperate climates; will generally adapt to most well-drained soil

05. Norway Spruce

Norway spruce can grow up to 3 feet per year and can accommodate various soil conditions, cold temperatures, and strong winds. They’re also great for wildlife, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. They provide winter cover for small game and deer, as well as a home for various birds.

• Zones: 3 to 7
• Growth rate: 1 to 3 feet per year 
• Mature size: 40 to 60 feet tall x 25 to 30 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; adapts to most soil as long as it’s well drained

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TIP: Roddick stresses that native spruces should be prioritized—non-native species are far more vulnerable to disease, which can be counterproductive for growth and longevity.

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06. Eastern Red Cedar

“The Eastern red cedar is native to most of North America and is one of the fastest growing coniferous trees,” says Heusinkvelt. “They can thrive in heavy clay soils where many other species cannot.” In other words, they’re a perfect option for various soil conditions.

However, there are some significant considerations and drawbacks to consider. “Cedars reproduce from seeds, easily spread through wind and wildlife, and within a few years can take over an entire area,” says Heusinkvelt. “Pair that with their hardiness to survive where other things can’t, and you soon have an invasion on your hands.” So, only consider this variety if you’re ready to actively manage its offspring. 

• Zones: 2 to 9 
• Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year
• Mature size: 40 to 50 feet tall x 8 to 20 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; prefers well-drained, moist soil

07. Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypress can grow 3 to 5 feet per year and has highly adaptable soil preferences, so it’s a great option for fast-paced growth and privacy. Plus, since it’s an evergreen, you can count on year-round shielding. 

Before you plant one (or several), keep in mind that this plant’s fast growth pattern and adaptable nature means you’ll need to prune more often to maintain its desired shape. 

• Zones: 6 to 10
• Growth rate: 3 to 5 feet per year
• Mature size: 60 to 70 feet tall x 15 to 20 feet wide
• Care requirements: Prefers full sun; thrives in various soil types; requires regular pruning

08. Giant Green Arborvitae

If you prefer an evergreen windbreaking tree, consider the giant green arborvitae. Roddick notes that since the arborvitae species are evergreen, they’re a great choice for year-round protection. The giant green is a particularly attractive option with a remarkable growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year, topping out at 40 to 60 feet tall. 

• Zones: 5 to 8
• Growth rate: 3 to 5 feet per year
• Mature size: Up to 40 to 60 feet tall x 8 to 12 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; prefers moist, well-drained soil

How to Choose the Best Windbreak Tree

The windbreaking trees mentioned above are great options if you want to achieve quick growth, but before you purchase and plant, consider these pointers. 

Favor Native Trees

Like many tree and plant experts, Roddick is emphatic about the benefits of native plants and the potential dangers of non-native species. Although non-native species can provide good wind protection, they may not thrive or survive in locations they’re not adapted to. Further, non-native species can also be invasive, creating problems for native trees, plants, and wildlife. 

Consider Diversity

“Fast-growing windbreaks are successful when a diversity of trees and shrubs are used,” says Heusinkvelt. “Using different cultivars ensures lasting success in cases of various stress, like drought, insects, or fungal diseases.”

Heusinkvelt also notes that diversity can benefit the homeowner and the environment. “Birds and small animals use thick pine trees for shelter in the winter, wildlife use the shrubby understory for bedding, and the soil structure is improved and enriched by the leaf biomass in the fall,” he says.

Understand Tree Requirements

Before you plant, understand the needs of your space, the tree you choose, and the plants surrounding it.  Remember to take note of the tree’s soil and climate requirements to ensure it can thrive in your space. 

Don’t Discount Shrubs

Heusinkvelt notes that lower-growing shrubs can also provide functional windbreaking. “Some thick, native varieties, like serviceberry, viburnum, and dogwoods, can add a quick flush of protection in the understory,” he says.

Talk to an Expert

With so many options to choose from, sometimes the best thing you can do is speak to an arborist or landscaping expert. They can properly evaluate your needs and guide you toward the best options for your location, soil, and overall goals. 

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• 8 Fast-Growing Windbreak Trees for Privacy and Protection, Recommended by Arborists
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