The Best Fast-Growing Screening Trees for Privacy in Australian Backyards
Creating privacy in your backyard doesn’t have to take years. With the right fast-growing screening trees, you can block out neighbours, reduce noise, and transform your outdoor space into a lush retreat much sooner than you think.
This guide covers the best fast-growing screening trees for Australian conditions, including options for full sun, narrow spaces, pools and low-maintenance gardens.
Why choose fast-growing screening trees?
Fast-growing screening trees are one of the most effective ways to improve a garden quickly. They provide:
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Instant privacy from neighbours
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Wind and noise reduction
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Shade and cooling
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Increased property value
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A more established landscape
Unlike fences or walls, living screens improve over time and soften the look of your backyard.
What makes a good screening tree?
Before choosing a plant, consider:
Growth rate
Look for trees that grow at least 50cm–1m per year in good conditions.
Mature height and width
Make sure the tree suits your space long-term, especially in smaller yards.
Root system
Important for planting near pools, fences or houses.
Sun exposure
Choose species suited to full sun, part shade or coastal conditions.
Maintenance level
Some screening trees need regular trimming, others are more relaxed.
Best fast-growing screening trees for Australian backyards
1. Lilly Pilly (Syzygium varieties)
Height: 3–8m
Growth rate: Fast
Best for: Dense privacy hedges
Lilly Pillies are one of the most popular screening plants in Australia. They grow quickly, respond well to pruning and form a lush, evergreen screen.
Modern varieties are psyllid-resistant and ideal for suburban backyards. They work well along fences, near pools and in formal hedges.
Great varieties:
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Resilience
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Straight and Narrow
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Backyard Bliss
2. Pittosporum ‘Silver Sheen’
Height: 4–6m
Growth rate: Fast
Best for: Tall, narrow screening
A favourite for modern gardens, Silver Sheen creates a light, airy screen with soft grey-green foliage. It grows quickly and works well in tight spaces where width is limited.
Best planted in full sun with good drainage.
3. Viburnum ‘Emerald Lustre’
Height: 3–5m
Growth rate: Fast
Best for: Tropical-style privacy
Viburnum is a hardy and reliable screening plant that produces dense foliage quickly. It handles pruning well and suits both formal hedges and natural screens.
It thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts to most Australian climates.
4. Bamboo (clumping varieties only)
Height: 4–8m
Growth rate: Very fast
Best for: Instant height and privacy
Clumping bamboo is one of the fastest screening options available. It creates a tall, lush barrier and is perfect for blocking double-storey neighbours.
Always choose clumping varieties (not running bamboo) to avoid spreading issues.
5. Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ (for structured screens)
Height: 4–6m
Growth rate: Moderate-fast
Best for: Formal, evergreen screening
Magnolia Little Gem is ideal for a more structured, architectural look. While slightly slower than others on this list, it still establishes quickly and provides a dense evergreen screen.
It also produces beautiful white flowers through warmer months.
Fast screening trees for small backyards
If space is limited, choose narrow or upright trees:
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Lilly Pilly ‘Straight and Narrow’
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Pittosporum ‘Silver Sheen’
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Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’
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Clumping bamboo
These varieties provide height without taking up too much width.
How to plant screening trees for fast results
To get the quickest privacy:
1. Start with advanced sizes
Planting 45L–200L trees gives instant impact and faster screening.
2. Improve the soil
Use quality organic soil and fertiliser when planting.
3. Water consistently during establishment
Fast growth comes from consistent watering in the first 6–12 months.
4. Fertilise regularly
Use a slow-release fertiliser to encourage strong growth.
5. Plant at correct spacing
Too wide and gaps appear. Too close and growth can compete.
How long until you get privacy?
With good conditions:
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200mm plants: 1–2 years
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45L plants: 6–12 months
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Advanced trees: instant impact
Starting with larger plants is the fastest way to achieve privacy.
Choosing the right screening tree for your yard
The best screening tree depends on:
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Sun exposure
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Space available
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Desired height
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Maintenance level
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Budget
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Soil type
If you’re unsure, start by measuring your space and deciding how tall you want the screen to be.
Final thoughts
Fast-growing screening trees are one of the most effective ways to transform an Australian backyard. Whether you want instant privacy, a tropical feel or a modern hedge, there’s a species suited to your space.
Choosing the right tree early will save time, money and maintenance long-term.
If you’re planning a privacy screen and want fast results, consider starting with larger plant sizes so your garden looks established from day one.