Fast Growing Windbreak Trees

Thuja Green Giant

• Thuja Green Giant, Thuja standishii x plicata Green Giant, is a fast-growing, vigorous evergreen used for privacy fences and windbreaks when planted close together. The low-maintenance tree adapts well to various soil types, including heavy clay, and has few pest or disease problems. Thuja Green Giant is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5-7. The tree grows to a mature height of about 60 feet with a spread of 12 to 20 feet. The dense, dark green, scale-like foliage grows in flat sprays on horizontal branches. Thuja Green Giant keeps its pyramidal shape with little or no pruning.

Leyland Cypress

• Leyland cypress, Cupressocyparis leylandii, is a fast-growing evergreen that grows to a mature height of about 70 feet. The vigorous tree is symmetrical and columnar or pyramidal, with dense-growing needles on upward, curved branches. Hardy in zones 6-10, Leyland cypress thrives in all types of soil, as long as it's not always wet. The tree prefers a full sun location but will tolerate some hours of shade. It is highly tolerant of drought and can go for long periods without water. Leyland cypress is used for creating hedges, privacy screens and windbreaks. Highly resistant to diseases and pests, the tree stays in good form with an annual pruning.

Sweetgum

• Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua, is a deciduous tree often chosen for shade, streets and windbreaks, given its fast growth and adaptability to a range of growing conditions. The large tree -- up to 100 feet tall -- is tolerant of drought and flooded ground and has few pest and disease problems. Sweetgum is hardy in zones 5-9 and does best in full sun to dappled shade. The tree's palmate leaves are 4 to 7 inches in diameter. The dark purple to reddish-brown heartwood of sweetgum is often referred to in the marketplace as satin walnut and Italian mahogany.