Fast-Growing Screening Trees UK | Instant Privacy Solutions

If your garden feels a little too open, you're not alone. Whether it’s overlooking neighbours, an unsightly view, or a desire for more greenery—fast-growing screening trees offer an excellent solution for immediate privacy in UK gardens. Choosing species that establish quickly can transform your outdoor space in no time.​

In this guide, we’ll explore the fastest-growing trees for privacy in the UK, suitable for various climates, soil types, and garden sizes.

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Why Choose Fast-Growing Trees for Screening?

Rapidly growing trees are ideal for:​

• New developments lacking mature vegetation​

• Exposed rural gardens needing wind protection

• Overlooked patios or terraces requiring swift coverage​

• Temporary privacy needs while slower-growing species mature

Beyond privacy, many fast-growing species also serve as natural sound barriers, enhance air quality, and boost biodiversity, offering multifaceted benefits.​

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Top 5 Fastest-Growing Screening Trees in the UK

1. Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')

• Growth Rate: 1–2 metres per year​

• Ultimate Height: Up to 30m​

• Best For: Tall, narrow screens along boundaries​

• Soil: Moist, fertile soil (avoid chalk)​

This iconic columnar tree provides rapid vertical growth, making it ideal for lining driveways or creating high screens without occupying excessive space. However, due to its vigorous root system, it's advisable to plant it away from buildings and underground utilities.​

2. Hybrid Willow (Salix spp.)

• Growth Rate: 1.5–3 metres per year​

• Ultimate Height: 10–15m (variety-dependent)​

• Best For: Instant green walls, damp or waterlogged areas​

• Soil: Prefers moist to wet soils​

Hybrid Willows are among the fastest-growing trees globally, forming dense, attractive barriers swiftly. They're especially suitable for gardens with wet conditions or areas requiring soil stabilisation.​

3. Italian Alder (Alnus cordata)

• Growth Rate: Up to 1 metre per year​

• Ultimate Height: 20–25m​

• Best For: Coastal or windy locations​

• Soil: Tolerant of various soils, including poor or dry conditions​

This resilient tree thrives in challenging environments, such as coastal areas with salt exposure or urban settings with pollution. Its glossy green leaves persist late into autumn, extending its screening effectiveness.​

4. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus gunnii)

• Growth Rate: 1.5–2 metres per year​

• Ultimate Height: 15–25m (pruning can control size)​

• Best For: Modern gardens seeking aromatic foliage​

• Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils​

Eucalyptus brings a contemporary aesthetic with its silvery-blue leaves and pleasant fragrance. It's suitable for gardeners desiring a distinctive look and can be pruned to maintain desired shapes and sizes.​

5. Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)

• Growth Rate: 60–90cm per year​

• Ultimate Height: 20–30m (requires regular pruning)​

• Best For: Dense hedging and noise reduction​

• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils​

When properly managed, Leyland Cypress serves as an excellent screening option, offering dense foliage that effectively blocks views and reduces noise. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent overgrowth and ensure a healthy hedge.​

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Tips for Planting Fast-Growing Privacy Trees

• Proper Spacing: Ensure adequate distance between trees to prevent competition for resources and allow healthy growth.​

• Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during the establishment phase, to promote robust root development.​

• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.​

• Pruning: Conduct regular pruning to maintain desired shapes and prevent potential issues related to unchecked growth.​

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Environmental Benefits of Fast-Growing Trees

• Improving Air Quality: Absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen, enhancing air quality in both urban and rural settings.

• Reducing Noise Pollution: Their dense canopies act as natural sound buffers, helping to muffle road noise and neighbourhood chatter.

• Cooling Urban Spaces: Trees like Eucalyptus and Alder contribute to cooler microclimates, particularly valuable in city gardens prone to heat buildup.

By planting fast-growing screening trees, you're not only protecting your privacy—you’re also adding value to the environment and your property.

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When NOT to Choose Fast-Growing Trees

Fast growth isn’t always ideal for every space.

Be cautious with:

• Limited-space gardens – Some trees grow too large or wide for small urban plots.

• Foundations and drains – Species like poplar and willow have strong root systems that can damage nearby structures.

• Low-maintenance expectations – Most fast growers benefit from annual pruning to maintain their shape and density.

If you need a lower-maintenance or slower-growing option, consider screening trees like Hornbeam or Photinia 'Red Robin', which still offer excellent privacy but with more controlled growth.

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Final Thought: Speed with Strategy

Fast-growing screening trees give you the gift of time—quick privacy, shade, and structure when you need it most. But the real magic comes from choosing the right tree for your space, soil, and climate.

Take a thoughtful approach and you’ll enjoy privacy, beauty, and ecological value that lasts for decades.

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Where to Buy Fast-Growing Screening Trees in the UK

At Bowhayes Trees, we grow and supply a curated selection of climate-adapted, fast-growing privacy trees ideal for UK gardens. Our Devon-grown trees are hardened to local conditions and delivered nationwide with expert care.

✔️Nursery-grown for strong roots ✔️Expert customer support ✔️Quick delivery across the UK

Explore our Fast-Growing Screening Trees collection to find the perfect trees for instant privacy.

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FAQs

What is the fastest-growing tree for privacy in the UK?

Hybrid Willow and Lombardy Poplar are among the fastest-growing trees, often gaining over 1.5 metres per year under the right conditions.

How far from a fence should I plant privacy trees?

Can I trim fast-growing trees to keep them small?

Are there fast-growing screening trees suitable for coastal gardens?