Fast privacy is tempting, but many fast-growing plants become problems. Running bamboo, invasive privet, Bradford pear, tree-of-heaven, and regionally invasive shrubs can spread, break, crowd native plants, or create long-term maintenance headaches.
The safest privacy screen is usually a mixed screen: several evergreen and deciduous trees or shrubs layered together. It grows a little less like a green wall at first, but it is more resilient when pests, deer, drought, or disease hits.
For small-yard privacy, read Privacy Landscaping for Small Backyards.
Last updated: June 6, 2026.
Quick Answer
Good non-invasive privacy candidates often include Green Giant arborvitae, American holly, eastern red cedar, wax myrtle, yaupon holly, podocarpus in warm climates, clumping bamboo where legal and truly clumping, serviceberry, viburnum, and native evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs suited to your region. Avoid invasive privet, running bamboo, and any plant listed invasive by your state.
Better Privacy Choices by Region and Site
| Plant | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Green Giant arborvitae | tall evergreen screen | width, deer in some regions |
| Eastern red cedar | native evergreen, dry sites | cedar-apple rust near apples |
| American holly | evergreen wildlife screen | slow to moderate growth |
| Yaupon holly | warm-climate narrow screens | regional hardiness |
| Wax myrtle | fast warm-climate screening | cold limits, suckering |
| Podocarpus | warm formal screens | not cold hardy everywhere |
| Serviceberry | mixed deciduous screen | not evergreen |
| Viburnum | layered shrub screen | species choice matters |
| Clumping bamboo | narrow evergreen screen | verify non-running type and local legality |
Local extension plant lists are more reliable than national “fast tree” lists.
Plants to Avoid
Avoid or research carefully:
- running bamboo
- Chinese privet and other invasive Ligustrum species
- Bradford pear and invasive callery pear cultivars
- tree-of-heaven
- autumn olive
- Russian olive
- burning bush where invasive
- Japanese barberry where restricted
Invasive status varies by state, so check your local list before buying.
Why Mixed Screens Work Better
A single-species hedge can fail all at once. A mixed screen is more resilient.
Use:
- tall evergreen anchors
- medium flowering shrubs
- small trees for upper privacy
- low shrubs for fullness
- staggered planting instead of one tight row
This also looks more natural and supports more wildlife.
Spacing for Fast Privacy
Planting too close gives faster coverage but creates future problems.
Better spacing:
- use mature width as the starting point
- stagger rows when space allows
- leave air circulation
- leave room for pruning and fence repair
- do not block gates, meters, or drains
Crowding is one of the easiest ways to turn a privacy project into a maintenance project.
Deer Pressure
Arborvitae, yew, and many broadleaf evergreens can be heavily browsed in deer country. If deer are common, use fencing, repellents, cages, or deer-resistant alternatives from local lists.
For young plant protection, read How to Protect Young Trees From Deer.
Fast Privacy Without Invasive Plants
If you need immediate privacy:
- Install a fence or screen where allowed.
- Add one small tree to block the main sightline.
- Plant a mixed evergreen screen.
- Use tall containers near the seating area.
- Add vines on a trellis while shrubs establish.
Do not use invasive plants just because they are cheap and fast.
FAQ
What is the fastest non-invasive privacy tree?
Green Giant arborvitae is one of the most common fast evergreen choices where it is suited and deer pressure is manageable. In warm climates, wax myrtle, podocarpus, and yaupon holly may be options.
Is bamboo good for privacy?
Only clumping bamboo may be appropriate in some areas. Running bamboo can become a serious containment problem and may be regulated locally.
Is privet invasive?
Several privet species are invasive in parts of the U.S. Check your state invasive plant list before planting any privet.
Related Reading
- Privacy Landscaping for Small Backyards
- Best Hedge Plants for Privacy
- Arborvitae Turning Brown: Causes and Fixes
- Best Garden Fence to Keep Rabbits Out