Fastest Growing Privacy Trees
If you’re a homeowner in Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Paramus, Wayne, Pequannock, or Oakland, you’ve probably thought about adding privacy to your yard — especially with homes being so close together in North Jersey. Whether you want to block a neighbor’s window, create shade, or build a private backyard retreat, choosing fast-growing privacy trees is the fastest way to get real, natural screening.
This 2026 guide breaks down the best fastest growing privacy trees for North Jersey, which species thrive in your specific towns, and how to plant them for long-term success.
Why Fast-Growing Privacy Trees Are Popular in North Jersey
North Jersey homeowners want privacy quickly, especially in higher-density towns like Paramus, Glen Rock, and Ridgewood. Fast-growing privacy trees are a top choice because they provide height, coverage, and beauty while blending perfectly with Bergen and Passaic County landscapes.
Benefits of fast-growing privacy trees include:
Immediate natural privacy
Higher property value
Noise reduction
Shade + wind protection
Low maintenance
Affordable compared to fencing
Perfect for pool areas, patios, and property lines
With the right species, you can achieve 3–5 feet of growth per year.
Top 7 Fastest-Growing Privacy Trees for North Jersey (2026 List)
Here are the best-performing fast growers for our NJ climate, soil, and suburban yard sizes:
1. Green Giant Arborvitae (The #1 Privacy Tree in North Jersey)
Growth: 3–5 ft per year
Height: 30–50+ ft
Best for: Long property lines, full backyard screening
Why homeowners in towns like Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, and Oakland love them:
Stay green year-round
Grow quickly and fill in gaps
Handle cold winters well
Work great for large or medium yards
If you want FAST privacy → this is the top choice.
2. Leyland Cypress
Growth: 3–4 ft per year
Height: 40–60 ft
Best for: Wide, open property lines or wooded edges
Amazing for larger properties in Wayne, Oakland, and Pequannock.
3. Nellie Stevens Holly
Growth: 2–3 ft per year
Height: 20–30 ft
Best for: Side yards + narrow screening
Perfect for homeowners in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and Paramus because:
Dense growth
Year-round privacy
Deep green color
Great for tighter suburban lots
4. Skip Laurel
Growth: 2 ft per year
Height: 10–14 ft
Best for: Pool privacy, fence lines, tight yards
Skip Laurels thrive in Paramus, Glen Rock, Ridgewood, and similar neighborhoods where yards are closer together.
5. Cryptomeria (Japanese Cedar)
Growth: 2–3 ft per year
Height: 30–40 ft
Best for: Large natural screens with a softer look
Excellent for Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Wayne, and Pequannock.
What Works Best in Ridgewood, Wyckoff & Franklin Lakes
These three towns have similar landscapes: mature plantings, larger lots, and property lines that benefit from natural, tall screening.
Best choices here include:
Green Giants
Cryptomeria
Norway Spruce
American Pillar Arborvitae (for narrow property lines)
These selections create a natural, high-end privacy wall that complements the architecture of upscale neighborhoods.
Privacy Trees for Small Lots in Glen Rock & Paramus
These towns typically have smaller suburban lots, making narrow and fast-growing evergreen varieties the best fit.
Top choices:
Skip Laurel
American Pillar Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Nellie Stevens Holly
They grow quickly without spreading too wide.
Best Choices for Larger Properties in Wayne, Oakland & Pequannock
If you live in Wayne, Oakland, or Pequannock, your property may offer more space — perfect for taller, faster-growing options.
The best matches are:
Green Giant Arborvitae
Leyland Cypress
Cryptomeria
Norway Spruce
These species quickly fill large areas and create dense visual barriers.
How to Choose the Right Privacy Tree for Your Yard
Before choosing a tree, consider:
Available space
Desired height
Sun or shade conditions
Soil type
Year-round vs. seasonal privacy
Maintenance level
RVG can help determine the best species based on your landscape design vision and long-term goals.
Planting & Spacing Tips for Fast-Growing Trees
Correct spacing ensures healthy growth and a fuller privacy wall.
Guidelines:
Green Giants: 6–8 ft apart
Skip Laurel: 3–4 ft apart
Emerald Green Arborvitae: 2–3 ft apart
Leyland Cypress: 8–10 ft apart
Cryptomeria: 6–8 ft apart
Planting too close = overcrowding
Planting too far = gaps
RVG adjusts spacing based on slope, soil, and growth goals.
Evergreen Trees That Stay Green All Year
For homeowners who want winter privacy as well as summer coverage, these are the best evergreen options:
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Skip Laurel
Green Giant Arborvitae
Cryptomeria
American Pillar
Norway Spruce
Nellie Stevens Holly
These look great even when your neighbors’ yards go bare.
Serving North Jersey (Bergen & Passaic County Towns)
RVG Landscape Design & Build installs privacy trees throughout:
Ridgewood
Wyckoff
Franklin Lakes
Glen Rock
Paramus
Wayne
Pequannock
Oakland
Whether you need a full property-line screen, pool privacy, or a natural barrier between homes, we design and plant the perfect solution.
Additional Services We Offer
At RVG Landscape Design, we don’t just stop at patios—we help Bergen County homeowners transform their entire outdoor spaces with premium landscape and hardscape services. Whether you’re in Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, or beyond, our team is ready to elevate your curb appeal and outdoor lifestyle.
Plantings & Garden Enhancements
We specialize in seasonal and evergreen plantings to bring color, texture, and privacy to your landscape. From foundation planting to perennial gardens, privacy screens to ornamental trees, our planting designs are tailored to your property’s layout and light exposure. We source our plant material locally for freshness and longevity.
3D Landscape Design & Visualization
Seeing is believing. Our 3D design services allow you to visualize your entire project before a single shovel hits the ground. We build detailed digital renderings of patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, fire pits, plantings, and lighting layouts—so you can approve every element with confidence and clarity.
Full-Service Outdoor Living Solutions
In addition to patios, we offer:
Outdoor kitchens and grills
Retaining and garden walls
Steps, walkways, and driveways
Drainage systems and grading
Low-voltage landscape lighting
Pool patio design and coping
We’re proud to serve the Bergen County area with professionalism, creativity, and over 15 years of trusted experience. Whether you’re enhancing your front yard or building a complete backyard retreat, RVG Landscape Design is your one-stop outdoor construction partner.
Frequently asked questions
Most fast-growing varieties fill out in 2–3 years.
Over time, yes — they last decades, require minimal maintenance, and look more natural.
Evergreens like Green Giants, Laurels, American Pillars, Spruce, and Hollies.
The Green Giant Arborvitae grows the fastest, averaging 3–5 feet per year.
