Fast-growing privacy trees for acreage In Alberta
- Aaron Cull
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read

When you own acreage in Alberta, privacy is often a necessity. Whether you're shielding your home from wind, noise, roadways, or neighbors, trees provide an effective, natural, and long-lasting solution. But not all trees are equal, especially in Alberta's challenging climate. This guide highlights the best fast-growing privacy trees suited for large rural properties across Alberta.
Why Fast-Growing Privacy Trees Matter
In a province with wide-open spaces and fluctuating weather, fast-growing trees serve more than one purpose:
Wind protection from Chinooks and storms
Noise reduction from highways or farm equipment
Increased privacy around homes, yards, or livestock areas
Higher property value and curb appeal
Ecosystem benefits like habitat and soil stability
Want a customized windbreak plan? Contact Evergreen LTD for a site assessment.
The key is selecting species that grow quickly without sacrificing durability or low maintenance.
Top Privacy Trees for Alberta Acreage
1. Hybrid Poplars (Populus spp.)
Growth rate: Up to 5 feet/year
Mature height: 50–70 feet
Best use: Windbreaks, large-scale screening
Alberta favorite: Assiniboine and Tower Poplar
Pros:
Incredibly fast growth
Adaptable to Alberta’s climate
Quick to establish root systems
Cons:
Weaker wood, shorter lifespan (~20–30 years)
May produce unwanted root suckers
Not sure if poplars are right for your property? Schedule a consultation with Evergreen LTD.
2. Swedish Columnar Aspen (Populus tremula ‘Erecta’)
Growth rate: Fast
Mature height: Up to 40 feet
Form: Narrow, upright column
Pros:
Space-saving shape for tighter areas
More resistant to suckering than other aspens
Cold hardy and low-maintenance
Cons:
Limited horizontal coverage
Have a narrow area to screen? We’ll help you design a vertical privacy solution. Contact us today.
3. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata)
Growth rate: 3–5 feet/year
Mature height: Up to 40 feet
Pros:
Dense, year-round foliage
Pest and disease resistant
Minimal upkeep once established
Cons:
Requires well-drained soil
Needs spacing of 5–6 feet for a full screen
Evergreen privacy that lasts year-round? We’ll plant and space them correctly—get a quote now.
4. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)
Growth rate: Up to 3 feet/year
Mature height: 60–70 feet
Pros:
Rapid growth and excellent coverage
Evergreen with attractive form
Cons:
Needs regular pruning
Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils
Concerned about overgrowth or root issues? Let our Calgary arborists handle the hard work.
5. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus) – For Lower Barriers
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Mature height: 6–10 feet
Pros:
Hardy in Alberta’s cold climate
Tolerates pruning well
Ideal for layered privacy
Cons:
Not a tall screen—best for visual buffering at mid-level
Need layered privacy? We’ll help you pair shrubs and trees for full coverage—contact Evergreen LTD.
Planting Tips for Long-Term Success
Choosing the right trees is only step one. How and where you plant them makes all the difference:
Plan spacing based on mature tree size. Too tight = disease risk; too far = gaps.
Prep the soil—clay-heavy soils should be amended with compost for better drainage.
Water deeply and regularly during the first few seasons.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune selectively to encourage healthy shape and airflow.
Want your trees to thrive? Our team handles planting, soil prep, and post-care. Book your service today.
Why Work with a Calgary Arborist?
Fast-growing trees grow fast—for better or worse. Left unmanaged, they can become unstable, invasive, or even hazardous. That’s where working with a professional ISA-certified arborist like Evergreen LTD makes all the difference.
We assess your acreage’s specific needs, recommend the best species, and ensure your trees thrive with proper planting and maintenance strategies.
Skip the guesswork. Contact Evergreen LTD for expert help selecting, planting, and maintaining your trees.
Call Evergreen LTD Today
From rural fencing lines to acreage estates, we specialize in privacy tree planning, planting, and care. Let our Calgary arborists help you transform open land into a private sanctuary.
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