Fastest Growing Tree or Shrub Screens

Mock Orange

• Philadelphus, mock orange, is native to Central and North America, Asia and parts of Europe. It is a fast-growing shrub that grows to 10 feet in a few years. It is a fragrant flowering shrub with late-spring white flowers that smell like orange blossoms and jasmine. Mock orange is an attractive, sweet-smelling shrub that quickly fills an area and screens any undesirable views.

Leyland Cyprus

• Cupressocyparis leylandii, leyland cyprus, is a hybrid evergreen tree developed in the 1800s from Monterey cypress and Nootka cypress. The tree is hardy, has a dense growth-habit and is fast-growing, growing 3 to 4 feet per year, up to 130 feet at maturity. It is a good hedge and screening plant, although it has shallow roots and is prone to toppling if left without support. Planted close together, trees quickly develop into thick, dense privacy screens. They are good trees to use when a tall, thick barrier is needed.

Carolina Cherrylaurel

• Prunus caroliniana, carolina cherrylaurel, is native to North America. It is an attractive evergreen tree that grows well in almost any soil, is shade- and drought-tolerant and is easily grown from seed or cuttings. It has dark green, glossy oval leaves, fragrant white flowers in early spring, and blue black berries that attract birds. Cherrylaurel grows easily from seed as well as sprouting from underground suckers. It grows rapidly, quickly filling in any area where it's planted.

River Birch

• Befula nigra, river birch, is native to the eastern United States. It is a beautiful deciduous ornamental tree with peeling bark in pastel colors of peach, orange, brown and lilac. It needs sun and Is tolerant of wet locations, although it can manage occasional drought conditions. River birch grows 50 to 80 feet, and is a good tree to screen areas close to water such as rivers, lakes and ponds.